Droichead Uí Bhriain

O'Briensbridge derives its name from the bridge across the River Shannon at this location, built in 1506 by Toirdhealbhach Donn Ó Briain, first Earl of Thomond, and his brother, the Bishop of Killaloe. This initial wooden bridge was deliberately burned in 1510 by Gearóid Mór FitzGerald, 8th Earl of Kildare. The O'Briens subsequently rebuilt the structure as a military strongpoint, erecting two ...