The name Shanagolden comes from the Irish Sean Ghualainn meaning "Old shoulder". The old shoulder that gave the place its name was probably a hill or bridge shaped like a human shoulder. The town is situated on the road from Ardagh to Foynes.

On Shanid hill stands the ruins of Shanid Castle, the first of the Desmond Castles to be built in west Limerick. This was the strongest of all the Desmond fortresses. An ancient ring fort had once occupied the top of the hill.

The land of Shanid was granted to Thomas Fitzmaurice, son of Maurice, the first Fitzgerald to set foot in Ireland.

The remains of the Augustinian convent of old Abbey are located near Old Abbey House. Founded in the 13th century, it is described in early documents as "St. Catherine's in Ui Conaill".

The Catholic Church, built in 1814, had been rebuilt several times but never been relocated. It is dedicated to St. Senan. There is a tall Celtic cross in the centre of the village. In 1831 there were many crops grown the land was very fertile. Bakers, butchers and nailors had over one hundred houses in the area at that time.

Sean McCarthy from Ardfert, Co. Kerry wrote the song "Shanagolden".

St Senan's Holy Well in Shanagolden Demesne was known as a holy well in the early 19th century.

It was later closed up when gravel and other rubbish was thrown into it.

St Bridget's Well in the townland of Tubbrid. Has no devotion now but its Pattern day was 1 February.

Legend: The well moved when profaned.