Castleconnell travel guide

Castleconnell (Caisleán Uí Chonaill in Irish) is a scenic village on the banks of the River Shannon, some 11 km (7 miles) from Limerick city and within a few minutes walk of the boundaries with counties Clare and Tipperary.
Many fine nineteenth-century buildings overlook the Shannon in Castleconnell. One of these, the former schoolhouse, is now home to the Irish Harp Centre, run by noted harpist Janet Harbison and her husband, Malcolm Gullis. Another, the former convent, is now the Castleoaks House Hotel, which (because of its scenic location) is a popular venue for wedding receptions. A little south of the village lies the ruins of the once-grand Mountshannon House, a Palladian mansion gutted by fire early in the 20th century. The village centre has recently seen development activity including the building of new shop and business premises. There has also been much high density housing development in the area in recents times, due to its close proximity to Limerick city. These developments have come under some criticism from locals who claim that they are not in keeping with the character or development plans of the village. (...) more....