In the first half of the 1800's Ireland was enjoying a period of economic success, the transport system of the time was perhaps becoming unable to cope with the volume of traffic, so it was decided to build a system of canals, one of these was the Grand Canal which was built through the Irish midlands, it was on this canal that the town of Shannon Harbour grew up.

The town prospered until road and rail transport took over from the canal. It is experiencing a new lease of life with the advent of pleasure cruisers.

See also The Grand Canal.