The village of O’Brien’s Bridge is sandwiched on a narrow strip of land between two waterways. To the South is the River Shannon and to the North, the headrace that carries water from the Shannon to the the hydro-electric power station at Ardnacrusha, a few kilometres downstream. Built in the 1920s, the power station was the first great civil engineering project undertaken by the Irish Free State.
The village marks one of the Shannon’s major crossing points. There has been a bridge here since 1506, when Turlough O’Brien, Earl of Thomond, built the first wooden structure, so the bridge and the surrounding area acquired his name. This wooden structure soon fell victim to feuding between local chieftains and was replaced by a more permanent stone bridge, which was in turn rebuilt around 1750 into the structure there today.
Today, O’Brien’s Bridge is a scenic village, with a lovely riverside park that includes an interesting water feature, a children’s playground and wonderful panoramic views of the River Shannon. There are interesting walks along the river in both directions, affording constant changes in scenery and views of waterfowl swimming on its 100 metre wide placid waters.
There is a small riverside car park close to the cache position.
Warning! The Cache is about 10 metres from the water's edge, so caution may be needed with young children.
However, they should have lots of fun in the playground nearby!