JULY 2025
I encountered many incorrect or confused descriptions of the The Guinness Bridge, a.k.a. the Kevin Hannan Bridge with some claiming that it connects connects the Canal Bank to the Island Bank (King’s Island).
The Guinness Bridge, also known as the Kevin Hannan Bridge, is a pedestrian bridge in Limerick, Ireland. It spans the Limerick City Canal and is an integral part of the city’s pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Built in 1996 and opened in January 1997, the bridge was a collaborative effort involving the Limerick Civic Trust, the Limerick City Council (LCCC), and the Guinness company. Guinness contributed £25,000, while the LCCC provided £10,000 to the project.
The Guinness company’s significant financial contribution reflected its historical connection to the canal, which the company had used extensively for trade until commercial traffic ceased in the 1960s. The bridge’s naming was the subject of local debate. While some advocated for “Guinness Bridge” in recognition of the company’s funding, others proposed “Kevin Hannan Bridge” in memory of the respected local historian who had recently passed away. The bridge was ultimately dedicated to him at its opening.
The bridge’s primary function is to serve as a vital link in the popular walking and cycling route that runs along the canal and the River Shannon, connecting the city to the University of Limerick campus. It allows pedestrians and cyclists to traverse the canal, enabling a continuous and scenic path.
The final phase of the city to university riverbank walkway has been completed, offering a continuous route of over three kilometres from Limerick’s city centre or Corbally right to the University of Limerick (UL). This scenic pathway follows the south bank of the River Shannon and parts of the old canal, providing a delightful experience for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
The pathway is a revival of the old Limerick Navigation Scheme, which once connected Limerick City to Lough Derg and the rest of the Shannon Navigation Scheme. The last section to be completed, from the Guinness Bridge to the UL Boathouse, cost €1.1 million, covering almost half the route’s length. Funding was provided by Limerick Smarter Travel through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport.
Features of the Walkway
To ensure the route is accessible to everyone, significant improvements have been made. A new asphalt surface and an edging curb run the entire length of the path, making it suitable for people with reduced mobility. While some old hump-back bridges have been bypassed with new structures to improve accessibility, the original bridges remain open for those who wish to use them. One of the original masonry arch bridges was rebuilt with its original stone and reinforced for safety, while two others were repointed and widened.
The walkway is equipped with new public lighting and CCTV cameras, extending its usability into the late evenings. New seating has also been installed at various points, offering places to rest and admire the surroundings.
Plassey Walk and the UL Boathouse
While the term “Plassey Walk” is sometimes used locally to refer to the entire City Centre to UL Riverbank Walk, it more accurately describes a section of road connecting Rhebogue Road to Canal Bank. The full scenic route largely follows the River Shannon and the Park Canal.
The walk culminates at the University of Limerick Boathouse, a premier facility and a testament to UL’s commitment to athletic excellence. Located on the banks of the River Shannon, this state-of-the-art facility is a key hub for rowing and other water sports.
The boathouse’s features include:
Ireland’s only indoor powered rowing tank, which can accommodate up to eight rowers at once. This unique asset allows athletes to train in a controlled environment, making it a significant draw for local, national, and international rowing teams, especially during bad weather.
Comprehensive training and support facilities, including a dedicated gym, meeting rooms, a canteen, and a deck overlooking the river.
A community resource used by various local and national clubs, and even by Rowing Ireland for camps, highlighting its importance to the wider sporting community.
The UL Boathouse is just one part of the wider “Ireland’s Sports Campus,” which includes a National 50m swimming pool, a National Strength & Conditioning Centre, and one of the largest multi-sport synthetic grass parks in Ireland. This commitment to world-class facilities and academic excellence has earned UL a global reputation for sports.