Ireland’s five longest rivers and their mythical legends (PHOTOS) | IrishCentral.com Ireland’s five longest rivers and their mythical legends (PHOTOS) Ali Isaac SHARES / Ireland is a land of many lakes, rivers and mountains, shrouded as much in mythology as its gentle misty climate.Tourism Ireland Ireland is a land of many lakes, rivers and mountains, shrouded as much in mythology as it is in its gentle misty climate . It is a fertile breeding ground for tales of mystical Gods, powerful warriors and the beautiful, enchanting folk of the Sidhe. Our ancient ancestors believed that through water lay the way to the Otherworld. There are many sacred springs scattered around the country, adopted by the Christians but with more ancient, pagan origins. In legend, almost every hill harbors a Sidhe homestead; almost every lough bears a tale of magic and intrigue. Ireland’s rivers are no exception. They have been used since ancient times as a means of transport, a source of food, even boundaries between kingdoms, some of which are still in force today. Ireland’s longest river is the Shannon , Abhainn na Sionainne in Irish.

It flows south and west from Co Cavan for 240 miles (386km), touching seventeen of Ireland’s counties and forming three lakes en-route – Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg – before finally emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Its source is said to be a small pool on the slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain in Co Cavan , where I live, known as the Shannon Pot. It is also known as the Legnashinna, or Lag na Sionna in Irish, meaning ‘the hollow of the Shannon.’ The pool is about 50 feet wide, and said to be almost as deep. 7 O'Briensbridge, Co. Clare, on the west bank of the River Shannon Legend has it that one day, Manannán the Sea-God’s grand-daughter, Sionann, came to the well seeking wisdom. The pool was known in those days by the name of Connla’s Well, however, this name has also been attributed to Trinity Well, the source of the River Boyne. Five streams were said to feed from Connla’s Well, so perhaps these drained into the source pools of Ireland’s five greatest rivers.

Connla’s Well was surrounded by the Nine Hazel Trees of Knowledge, which were said to fruit, flower and seed all at the same time. The nuts fell into the water and were eaten by Fintan, the Salmon of Knowledge, who also swam in the Boyne and tormented the Druid Finnegas by evading capture until Fionn mac Cumhall came along and ruined all his plans. It is not told whether Sionann intended to eat the nuts or the salmon, but in any case, it was forbidden for anyone but the king to visit the well. The waters rose up in a huge wave and carried the poor girl out to sea, where she drowned. Thus the River Shannon was formed and named after her. The famous monastery of Clonmacnoise in Co Offaly was founded on the banks of the Shannon. In fact, the Vikings used the river to not only raid many inland monasteries in the 10th century, but to fight among themselves, probably over territory and the spoils of war. The Vikings of Limerick were said to have sailed up the Shannon to Lough Ree, where they fought a huge battle with their Dublin kin, and lost.

7 The River Barrow below Ballinaw Castle, Co. Kilkenny The River Barrow, An Bhearú in Irish, is second to the Shannon at 119 miles (192km) long. With the rivers Suir and Nore, it forms the Three Sisters. The Barrow rises at Glenbarrow in the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Co Laois and drains into Waterford Harbour. The point where the Three Sisters meet is called the Cumar na dTrí Uisce in Irish, meaning ‘the confluence of the three waters.’ On the western bank of the Barrow is a small town called Leighlinsbridge. There is a large mound here which is reputed to be the ancient site of the fort of Dinn Rig, the seat of the Kings of Leinster. A great battle was fought here during the 2nd or 3rd century AD. The story goes that Covac of Bregia, Cobthach in Irish, murdered his brother Laoighaire Lorc, King of Leinster, and all his family at Dinn Rig. He spared the young prince Moen, however, because he couldn’t speak and therefore was unable to make his claim on the throne.

A more gruesome version of the story claims Covac forced the boy to eat the hearts of his father and brother, thus traumatizing the boy so much, he lost his powers of speech. Moen was fostered with a harper named Craftine in Munster. One day, he suffered a blow to the head during a hurling match, which led to the recovery of his ability to speak. He then gave himself a new name, Labraid Loingseach, and fled to Gaul to escape the murderous intention of his uncle Covac. Through many heroic deeds, he amassed a following of two thousand warriors, calling themselves the Laigin, which means ‘spearmen’. They successfully invaded Leinster and captured Dinn Rig. Under the pretense of friendship, Moen invited Covac to a feast, but locked him and thirty of his entourage in the great hall, burning it to the ground, and thus avenging the murders of his family. As with most other large rivers, throughout history the Barrow was used as a military and commercial highway. Armies were ferried along it, and later, barges transported malting barley to Dublin to make the famous black brew, Guinness.

The river is now designated a Special Area of Conservation. 7 River Suir at dawn, looking upstream from Kings Channel The beautiful River Suir, Abhainn na Siúre in Irish, is another of the Three Sisters and flows 115 miles (185km) from the slopes of the Devil’s Bit Mountain, Bearnán Éile in Irish, Co Tipperary, into the Atlantic at Waterford. St Patrick is said to have banished a ‘devil’ from a cave on the mountain. The creature was so enraged, it took a bite out of the top of the mountain, where a large notch can be seen today. One of its teeth broke and fell from its mouth to form the Rock of Cashel . Interestingly, the Book of Dimma is said to have been discovered in a cave on this mountain in 1789. This ancient document is an illuminated manuscript copy of the Four Gospels written by St Gronan in the monastery of Roscrea in the 8th century AD. How it got there is a mystery, but it now resides in the library at Trinity College in Dublin.

7 Gorge on the River Blackwater south of Cappoquin, Co Waterford Our third longest river is the Blackwater of Munster at 105 miles (169km). In Irish, it is called An Uisce Dubh, but is also known as An Abhainn Mhór, ‘the Great River.’ It rises in the Mullaghareirk Mountains in Co Kerry , and flows east into Co Waterford before turning south and draining into the Celtic Sea at Youghal Harbour. This river is said to have the best salmon fishing in Ireland. The ancient kingdom of Caoille covers approximately 250 sq miles of the Blackwater Valley. In the 3rd century AD, High King Cormac mac Airt decided to raise taxes from Fiacha, King of Munster. Fiacha felt that he paid enough tax, and so inevitably, they went to war. Cormac’s Druids made the river and springs run dry, thus depriving the people of Munster access to water. Fiacha called upon Mogh Ruith, a powerful blind magician, for help. Mogh Ruith restored the water and conjured up terrible magical hounds which devoured Cormac’s Druids.

His breath turned into storms which blew devastatingly over Cormac’s warriors, turning them to stone. Cormac was defeated, and Fiacha gave the lands of Caoille to Mogh Ruith in reward. 7 River Nore from the bridge in Thomastown, County Kilkenny The River Nore, An Fheoir in Irish, is the third of the Three Sisters, also rising on the Devil’s Bit and flowing for 87 miles (140km) before emptying into the Celtic Sea at Waterford Harbour. A lovely 10km walking trail follows the river from Thomastown to Inistiogue, passing the ruins of Grennan Castle built by Strongbow’s son-in-law in the 13th century AD, and Dysart castle, home of philosopher and Bishop George Berkley. The Nore Valley is sometimes called the Valley of Death as over 100 ancient burial sites have been discovered there. Rathbeagh in Lisdowney, Rath Bheithigh in Irish, meaning ‘the fort of birch trees’, is the site of a hill fort said to have been built by Eireamhon of the Milesians on the west bank of the Nore.

After defeating the Tuatha de Denann at Tailten, or Teltown near Kells in Co Meath, he and his brother Eibher divided the ruling of Ireland between them; he took the north and Eibher took the south. After a year or two, a dispute arose over border territories, and the two brothers clashed at Brí Damh, near Gashill in Co Offaly. Eibher was defeated and killed, leaving Eireamhon the High King of all Ireland. He ruled for fifteen years, and is said to be buried at Rathbeagh. I can’t leave the River Nore without telling you the macabre tale of Dame Alice Kyteler of Kilkenny. She was a noblewoman who married four times, but each of her husbands suffered early and suspicious deaths. Eventually, in 1324 AD, Alice was accused of poisoning them, denying the faith, using sorcery, sacrificing animals to demons and using blasphemy. She was tried at Kilkenny Castle by the Bishop of Ossary, Richard de Ledrede. Dame Alice escaped, and was believed to have fled to England. She was never seen again.

Bishop Ledrede then had Alice’s servant, Petronella, tortured which, not surprisingly, led to a confession and the implication of Alice. Poor Petronella was flogged before being burned at the stake on November 3, 1324 AD. She was the first person in Ireland to be burned at the stake for witchcraft . 7 The River Bann at Portadown The River Bann, An Bhanna in Irish, means the ‘white river.’ At 99 miles (159km), it is Ulster’s longest river, rising in the Mourne Mountains in Co Down and flowing into Lough Neagh, from which the Lower Bann then flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Portstewart. Magilligan Strand, Trá mhic Giollagáin in Irish, is a seven mile stretch of sandy beach at the mouth of the Bann, popular with walkers, swimmers and surfers alike. Just off the coast of Magilligan Strand lies a three mile long sandbank, known as Tonn’s Bank. Here, legend has it that the Storm God is buried. He was once a Denann chieftain who was killed fighting the Milesians.

After his death, he became associated with the Irish Sea-God, Manannán mac Lir, and it is said that when storms blow up off the coast off Inishowen Head, his spirit walks free. A local saying goes, ‘Manannán is angry today,’ whenever the seas are rough. The mouth of the River Bann has other names, too. It is sometimes called Inbher Glas, which means ‘green harbor’ in old Irish, but it is also named Inbher Tuag after the tragic Princess Tuag of Tara. As a young girl, she was fostered by the High King Conaire, and had a great retinue of ladies and waiting women to serve her. She was so beautiful that no man was allowed near her, for she was destined to be married to a great King. Manannán desired her, however, and sent his druid, Ferdia, to steal her away from Tara . Ferdia disguised himself as a woman, and sang a sleeping spell over her (probably the Suantrai), and thus managed to escape with her.

He carried her to the mouth of the River Bann, and set her down on the sand while he went to get a boat in which to take her to Manannán’s land. She was still sleeping. As the tide rose, a great wave washed over the Tonn and carried her out to sea, where she was sadly drowned. Ferdia did not get off lightly, however, for Manannán was so furious, he had his Druid killed. Ali Isaac lives in beautiful rural Co Cavan in Ireland, and is the author of two books based on Irish mythology, “Conor Kelly and The Four Treasures of Eirean,” and “Conor Kelly and The Fenian King.” Ali regularly posts on topics of Irish interest on her blog, * Originally published in 2014. Rivers of Ireland | Look Around Ireland Rivers of Ireland Rivers of Ireland The rivers of Ireland are one of the most intriguing elements of the landscape. In proportion to the size of the island of Ireland, there exists a huge amount of rivers and river kilometres. The River Shannon is the longest in the British Isles.

Apart from the 10 longest rivers listed below, there are shorter but significant rivers of great importance to the towns and cities they pass through or where they enter the sea. Some of these would include the River Lagan, which exits through Belfast, the River Foyle, which forms a very wide expanse of water as it exits through Derry City. The Avonmore and Avonbeg Rivers form the famous Meeting of the Waters joining as the River Avoca and then enter the Irish Sea at the busy port of Arklow in County Wicklow . 10 Longest Rivers of Ireland River Shannon 386km The Avoca The River Avoca is somewhat unusual as it begins as two separate rivers, the Avonmore (in Irish, Abhainn Mhór, meaning “large river”) and the Avonbeg (Abhainn Bheag, meaning “small river”). These two rivers converge to form the Avoca. This happens at the “ Meeting of the Waters ”, a place of incredible scenic beauty.The river itself is located in the county of Wicklow and enters the sea at Arklow. It flows through the Irish village also named Avoca which is the setting for the BBC series “Ballykissangel”.

Despite its amazing natural beauty, major concerns have arisen in recent years concerning pollution of the river. The Bandon The Bandon is a river located in Co. Cork . It rises in the Shehy Mountains in the west of the county and flows eastward through Dunmanway, Balineen, Enniskeane, Bandon and Inishannon to Kinsale Harbour. The river is a good fishing area and has an estimated catch of 1300 salmon and a similar catch of sea-trout per year. The Bann The Bann is the longest river in Northern Ireland , stretching a total of 129 kilometres from the Mourne Mountains in County Down to the northern coast of Ireland, entering the Atlantic Ocean at Portstewart. The Bann is unusual as it flows into the very large Lough Neagh at Bannfoot, Co. Armagh before continuing its journey northward. The has led to the River Bann being divided into two rivers; the Upper Bann which lies to the south of Lough Neagh and the Lower Bann which lies to the north.

Numerous activities take place along the Bann, including cruises, canoeing, rowing, waterskiing, angling and several others. The Barrow The Barrow is one of the “Three Sisters” rivers which are comprised of the Nore, the Suir and the Barrow. All three rise in the same mountainous area of Tipperary and flow in a southerly direction. It is 192 kilometres in length (the second longest in Ireland) and enters the Atlantic Ocean at Waterford. It also links with the Grand Canal at Athy, which connects Dublin with the Shannon in the west. The Barrow also passes through the town of New Ross in Co. Wexford where the replica famine ship “ The Dunbrody ” can be seen. The Boyne The River Boyne, one of the more well-known Irish rivers, has its source near Edenderry, Co. Offaly . It is approximately 112 kilometres in length and enters the Irish Sea at Drogheda. The River Boyne is a highly popular fishing area, particularly for trout and salmon fishing, and also boasts many beautiful scenic views along its course.

However, the Boyne is most renowned for its prominence in Irish history and folklore. The Battle of the Boyne took place in 1690 near Drogheda along the banks of the river and would be considered one of the most famous battles in Irish history. Steeped in Celtic mythology, the River Boyne is also believed to be the location of “ The Salmon of Knowledge ”, an ancient Irish legend. The Corrib The River Corrib is located in Co. Galway and is one of Ireland’s shortest rivers, a mere 6 kilometres in length. Despite this, it is quite well-known as it flows through the heart of Galway City after travelling the short distance from Lough Corrib where it rises. The Corrib is also one of the most powerful rivers in Ireland and excellent for whitewater kayaking, although a certain amount of experience is recommended given the level of difficulty. Rowing is also popular in this river, and river cruises take place regularly aboard the “Corrib Princess”. The Erne The River Erne is located in the north-west of Ireland, rising in Beaghy Lough in County Cavan and flowing in a general north-westerly direction.

It is approximately 120 kilometres in length and winds its way through a number of loughs including Upper and Lower Lough Erne. The river derives its name from ancient Celtic mythology, from the name of a princess named Éirne . The Erne is also remembered in a famous Irish ballad, “Buaichaill Ó n Éirne”. Boating, water-sports and swimming also take place on the River Erne, in addition to trout fishing. The Foyle One of the more noted rivers in Ireland is the River Foyle which flows through Derry City. It is a confluence of the rivers Finn and Mourne at the towns of Lifford in County Donegal and Strabane in County Tyrone . From here it flows to the City of Derry where it discharges into Lough Foyle and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. The River Foyle is also the fastest flowing river in Europe for its size. The river is home to a number of sporting clubs and a small mooring facility is available for small yachts in Derry City. The main sports on the river are canoeing, sailing, and rowing. Swimming is prohibited because of the dangerous currents.

The Lagan The River Lagan rises on the slopes of the Slieve Croom Mountain in Co. Down and flows for 60 kilometres in a general north-easterly direction to Belfast City , where it enters the Irish Sea. The River Lagan is sometimes referred to as the birthplace of the Titanic, which was built in the Harland and Wolffe shipyard in Belfast and launched at ther mouth of the Lagan before making its way to Southampton for its doomed maiden voyage. Fish stocks in this river declined drastically at one stage but in the last few years have begun to recover somewhat. Rowing is also popular on this river. The Lee Stretching a total of 90 kilometres, the River Lee flows eastward across Co. Cork , rising in the Shehy Mountains in the west of the county and flowing through Cork City before entering the Celtic Sea near Cobh. The Lee is synonymous with Cork sport, with the Cork Gaelic Football and Hurling teams commonly referred to as “The Leesiders”. Numerous water-sports also take place on the River Lee including rowing, kayaking and swimming.

Most notably, the “Vibes & Scribes” Lee Swim, a 2000 metre swim for charity, takes place on an annual basis and attracts thousands of spectators. The river also provides an 8 kilometre stretch of salmon fishing. The Liffey The Liffey rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows for 125 kilometres through counties Wicklow , Kildare and Dublin before entering the Irish Sea at Dublin Bay. Because it is the main river associated with Dublin City , the capital of Ireland, it is quite well known. Historically, the river Liffey was a highly important trade river, even as far back as Viking times, and in the present age is still an important river for trade. The Grand Canal and Royal Canal connect the Liffey with the Shannon, further enhancing the Liffey as a trade route. The river is used by a number of rowing clubs and the “Liffey Descent” is an annual 27 kilometre canoeing event. The Mourne The River Mourne is a tributary of the River Foyle and is located in Co. Tyrone , Northern Ireland.

It rises near Newtownstewart and flows in a north-westerly direction before merging with the Foyle at Strabane. It is reputed as one of the best salmon fishing area in Northern Ireland . There is also an excellent run of sea trout from the end of June onwards. The river is home to a number of angling clubs, including the Sion Mills Angling Club which manages the fishing rights of a significant part of the River Mourne. The Moy Rising in the Ox Mountains in County Sligo , the River Moy flows 110 kilometres through Sligo and Mayo before entering the Atlantic Ocean at Killala Bay. Along its course it enters the historic town of Ballina. The Moy Valley is very popular with tourists due to the numerous historic ruins, churches, abbeys, which can be seen in this area of the countryside. The River Moy was once one of the best salmon fisheries in Europe, however due to drift net fishing off the coast salmon numbers have declined dramatically. This eventually resulted in drift netting for salmon being banned in 2006.

The Munster Blackwater The Munster Blackwater (so called to differentiate it from the Leinster Blackwater) is one of Ireland’s largest rivers and in the Irish language is known as “An Abhainn Mh ór” which translates as “the great river”. It has also been referred to as “the Irish Rhine”. The river is approximately 170 kilometres long, rising in the Mullaghareirk Mountains in Kerry , flowing east through Co. Cork before turning sharply south at Cappoquin, Co. Waterford and entering the sea at Youghal Harbour. The Munster Blackwater is best known as an excellent area for salmon fishing, although in recent years salmon stocks have sharply declined. The Nore The second of the Three Sisters, the Nore, rises on the slopes of the Devil’s Bit mountain in Co. Tipperary and flows in a south-easterly direction for 140 kilometres before joining the Barrow just north of New Ross in Co. Wexford . The Nore also flows through the Mount Juliet estate, one of Ireland’s top golf courses. Salmon and brown trout are plentiful and fishing rights on the Nore are held by Kilkenny Fishing Club.

Historically, many water-reliant industries were based on the Nore, such as breweries and distillaries. The Shannon Measuring 386 kilometres in length, the River Shannon is the longest river on the island of Ireland. Flowing in a southerly direction, the Shannon rises in the Shannon Pot in Co. Cavan on the slopes of the Cuilcagh mountain, passes through or between 10 different counties and enters the Atlantic Ocean at the Shannon Estuary near Limerick City . The river Shannon is significant from Irish historical, economical and social perspectives. As far back as the 10th century, Vikings used the Shannon in order to attack and raid Irish monasteries further inland. In the following centuries the Shannon played an important roles in many of the battles and wars which took place in Ireland as it effectively divides the western part of the island from the east. The Shannon boasts much beautiful scenery along its course, and a wide variety of activities take place including cruises, watersports, etc. The Slaney According to Irish mythology, the River Slaney derived its name from an Irish chieftain named Slainghe who resided in the area.

The Slaney is located in the south-east of the country, rising on Lugnaquilla Mountain in Wicklow and flowing southwards, mainly through Co. Wexford . It is 117 kilometres in length and is noted in particular for the abundance of wildlife along its course. Deer are common in the northern part of its course, in addition to otters, herons, etc. Because of the abundance of wildlife, bird-watching is a popular past-time for many people in the area. The Suir The River Suir (184 kilometres in length) is the third of the Three Sisters and flows south from the Devil’s Bit mountain before turning sharply east at the Comeragh Mountains (forming the border between Co. Waterford and Co. Kilkenny ) and entering the Atlantic Ocean at Wexford Harbour. The River Suir has a rich history; stone settlements near the mouth of the river indicate that human settlement of this area dates back as far as 4000 B.C. It also formed the western border of the ancient Irish Kingdom of Osraí (the Barrow formed the eastern border). In recent years, Viking settlements have been discovered on the banks of the river.

Many activities now take place on the Suir, with fishing and boating being two of the more popular ones. The Tolka The River Tolka flows from near Dunshaughlin in Co. Meath into the Northside of Dublin City and from there into Dublin Bay. This river is particularly noted for its flooding. This caused much damage to residential areas in the past which has resulted in the building of extra defences in recent years. The Tolka is very popular for fly fishing, with large supplies of trout and salmon. Fishing on the river is controlled by the Tolka Trout Anglers club and riparian owners. The River Tolka is also connected to the Royal Canal. The longest river in Great Britain or Ireland – The Shannon (Sionna – a Celtic Goddess) | Curious Ireland The longest river in Great Britain or Ireland – The Shannon (Sionna – a Celtic Goddess) The longest river in Great Britain or Ireland – The Shannon (Sionna – a Celtic Goddess) The River Shannon is 360 km (224 miles) and is by far the longest river in Ireland and is named after the Celtic goddess, Sionna. It’s source is the Culicagh Mountain in co.

Cavan and it then flows through 11 counties towards the Shannon Estuary in Limerick. The river is relatively slow moving as it only falls 60 feet in the first 150 miles of its course. It is the natural divide for 3 of Ireland’s provinces with Connacht to the west and Leinster and Munster to the east and south. The river has 3 major lakes – Lough Allen, Lough Derg and Lough Ree is also connected by many canals including the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal. For thousands of years it has always been strategically important and had it’s own set of Martello Towers and defenses built at the start of the 1800’s for the threat of a Napoleonic Invasion. The largest towns on the river are Limerick and Athlone. Legend has it that a monster called Cata lives in the river! If you are planning to explore this area CLICK HERE for the best available deals for nearby hotels, hostels, B&B’s and castles.

Irish Geography Facts & Figures - Kieron Gribbon Irish Geography Facts & Figures Irish Geography Facts & Figures For the purposes of this website, the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and their jurisdictional offshore islands are all referred to collectively as Ireland. Total area Ireland has a total area of 83,879km2. Of this, 69,774km2 makes up the Republic of Ireland (twenty-six counties) and 14,105km2 makes up Northern Ireland (six counties) - part of the United Kingdom. Largest province by area With an area of 24,229km2, Munster is the largest of Ireland’s four provinces. Lying in the southwestern portion of the Republic of Ireland, the province comprises the six counties of Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. Largest county by area With an area of 7,460km2, Cork is the largest of Ireland’s thirty-two counties. Total population According to the latest Census data, Ireland has a total population of approximately 6,370,269 people.

Of this, 4,582,169 live in the Republic of Ireland and approximately 1,789,000 live in Northern Ireland. Most populated county According to the latest Census data, County Dublin has a population of 1,270,603 people. This makes it the most populated county in Ireland. Most populated province According to the latest Census data, Leinster has a population of 2,501,208 people. This makes it the most populated province in Ireland. Largest city According to the latest Census data, the city of Dublin has a population of 525,383 people. This makes it the most populated city in Ireland. Highest mountain Rising to a height of 1,039m above sea level, Carrauntoohil in County Kerry is the highest mountain in Ireland. Coastline Ireland has approximately 4,235km of coastline. Munster has the longest provincial coastline, and Donegal has the longest county coastline. Longest river The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland.

From its source in the Cuilcagh Mountains in County Cavan to its mouth on the Clare-Kerry county boundary, the Shannon measures 386km. Its source is generally accepted as being Shannon Pot near the village of Dowra, although this is fed by several streams originating on higher ground several kilometres away. The Shannon is also the longest river in the Atlantic Archipelago / British Isles. Tallest waterfall The tallest waterfall in Ireland is Powerscourt Waterfall in County Wicklow. It has a drop of 121m. Largest natural harbour The largest natural harbour in Ireland is Cork Harbour on the Lee estuary near the city of Cork. Cork Harbour is among the ten largest natural harbours in the world, although its ranking varies from one source to another. Largest lake The largest freshwater lake in Ireland is Lough Neagh. Portions of its 390km2 area are in Counties Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone and Derry. Lough Neagh is also the largest freshwater lake in the UK and in the Atlantic Archipelago / British Isles.

Highest lake At a height of 707m above sea level, the highest lake in Ireland is Cummeenoughter Lake in County Kerry. It is located in MacGillycuddy’s Reeks between Ireland’s two highest peaks (Carrauntoohil and Beenkeragh). Largest sea inlet With an area of 135km2, Strangford Lough in County Down is the largest sea inlet in Ireland. Strangford Lough is also the largest sea inlet in the UK and in the Atlantic Archipelago / British Isles. Largest island With an area of 83,350km2, the Irish mainland is the largest of Ireland’s islands and second largest in the Atlantic Archipelago / British Isles. Ireland's largest offshore island is Achill Island in County Mayo. It has an area of 148km2. The largest freshwater island in Ireland is Inishmore in Upper Lough Erne, County Fermanagh. With an area of 9.9km2, it is also the largest freshwater island in the UK and in the Atlantic Archipelago / British Isles.

Highest sea cliffs Ireland’s highest sea cliffs are the north face of Croaghaun on Achill Island in County Mayo. From Croaghaun's 688m summit, there is an almost sheer drop to the Atlantic Ocean below. These are also the third highest sea cliffs in Europe. Croaghaun is the highest non-mainland summit in Ireland. Longest beach The longest beach in Ireland is a continuous 20km stretch of sand in County Wexford connecting Cahore Point to The Raven Point. This includes Morriscastle and Ballinesker beaches. Most northerly point The northernmost point on the island of Ireland is Banba’s Crown (C:396:597) at the tip of the Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal. This is 12km to the northwest of Malin village. A rock outcrop (C:479:674) off the island of Tor Beg, also in County Donegal, lies in the Atlantic Ocean 11km to the northeast of Banba’s Crown, marking the northernmost point in Ireland as a whole.

Most southerly point The southernmost point on the island of Ireland is Brow Head (V:768:231) at the tip of the Mizen Head peninsula in County Cork. This is 6.7km to the southwest of the village of Goleen. Little Fastnet (V:885:162), also in County Cork, lies on the south side of Fastnet Rock in the Celtic Sea 13.6km to the east-southeast of Brow Head, marking the southernmost point in Ireland as a whole. Most easterly point The easternmost point on the island of Ireland is Burr Point (J:664:628) on the Ards peninsula in County Down. This is 2.8km to the north of the village of Portavogie. Cannon Rock (J:685:535), also in County Down, lies in the Irish Sea 7km to the south-southeast of Portavogie, marking the easternmost point in Ireland as a whole.

Most westerly point The westernmost point on the island of Ireland is Dunmore Head (V:301:980) at the tip of the Dingle peninsula in County Kerry. It is worth noting that Dunmore Head is sometimes incorrectly referred to as Garraun Point - the name of a headland marking the easternmost point of nearby Great Blasket Island. The most westerly of the Foze Rocks (V:154:892), also in County Kerry, lies in the Atlantic Ocean 17.1km to the west-southwest of Dunmore Head, marking the westernmost point in Ireland as a whole. This is also the most westerly point in the Atlantic Archipelago / British Isles. Some sources state that Ireland has the most westerly land in Europe. This is not true - Europe's most westerly point is in Portugal regardless of the criteria used. Ireland Geographical Facts, Figures and Physical Extremities This page gives some of the physical extremities of Ireland Most northerly point* The most northerly point is Inishtrahull Island, situated in the Atlantic Ocean 7 km north of Inishowen Peninsula, county Donegal.

It lies at latitude 55.43�N. Of mainland Ireland, the most northerly point is a headland 2 km northeast of Malin Head, Inishowen Peninsula, county Donegal. It lies at latitude 55.38�N. Most easterly point The most easterly point is Big Bow Meel Island, which is a rock situated 900 metres off the Ards Peninsula, county Down, at longitude 5.42�W. Of mainland Ireland, the most easterly point is Burr Point, Ards Peninsula, county Down at longitude 5.43�W. It is situated 2 km southeast of the village of Ballyhalbert. Most southerly point The most southerly point is Fastnet Rock, which lies in the Atlantic Ocean 11.3 km south of mainland county Cork. It lies at latitude 51.37�N. Of mainland Ireland, the most southerly point is Brow Head, county Cork, which lies 3.8 km east of the marginly more northerly Mizen Head. It lies at latitude 51.43�N.

Most westerly point* The most westerly point is Tearaght Island, which lies in the Atlantic Ocean 12.5 km west of Dingle Peninsula, county Kerry. It lies at longitude 10.70�W. Of mainland Ireland, the most westerly point is Garraun Point, Dingle Peninsula, county Kerry which is 2.5 km northwest of Slea Head. It lies at longitude 10.51�W. Geographical Centres The geographical centre of Ireland is to be found in eastern county Roscommon, at a point 3km (2 miles) south of Athlone town. The centre of Ulster is in county Tyrone, at a point 20km (14 miles) east of Omagh town, near the village of Pomeroy. The centre of Munster is in the north of county Cork, at a point 9km (6 miles) south-west of the village of Rath Luirc. The centre of Leinster is in western county Kildare, at a point 5km (3 miles) south-west of Kildare town.

The centre of Connaught is in county Mayo, 6km (4 miles) south-east of the pilgrim village of Knock. The centre of Northern Ireland is in eastern county Tyrone, at a point 6km (4 miles) south-east of the town of Cookstown. The centre of the Republic of Ireland is in south-eastern county Galway, at a point 3km (2 miles) south-west of the village of Eyrecourt. Highest altitude The summit of Mt Carrantuohill, county Kerry, rises to 1,041 metres (3414 feet) above sea level. The second highest point is the summit of Mt Beenkeragh, county Kerry, which rises to 1,010 metres (3314 feet) above sea level. The highest point in Northern Ireland is the summit of Slieve Donard, county Down, which rises to 852 metres (2796 feet) above sea level, and is the 8th highest peak in Ireland. Tallest sea cliffs The sea cliffs at Croaghaun, Achill Island off western Ireland fall 668 metres (2,192 feet) into the Atlantic Ocean.

Slieve League in county Donegal has a drop of 601 metres (1,972 feet) into the same ocean. Both cliffs are almost twice the height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. However, as there is no vantage point to see the cliffs at Achill Island the Donegal cliffs are more famous. (thanks to Michele of irelandyes.com for this information) Most populated county The most heavily populated county is county Dublin, with 1,056,666 inhabitants at the last estimate. The next most heavily populated county is Antrim, with 566,400 inhabitants. Most densely populated county The most densely populated county is county Dublin, with 1147.3 inhabitants per square kilometre at the last estimate. The next most densely populated is county Antrim, with 199.2 inhabitants per square kilometre. Least populated county The county with the fewest inhabitants is county Leitrim with just 25,032 inhabitants at the last estimate. The next lowest is county Longford with 30,128 inhabitants.

Most sparsely populated county The most sparsely populated county in Ireland is Leitrim, with a mere 15.8 inhabitants per square kilometre at the last estimate. The next most sparsely populated is county Mayo, which has 19.9 inhabitants per square kilometre. Largest settlements The largest city in Ireland is Dublin, which at 859,976 inhabitants, is home to almost 1 in 5 Irish people, and more than 1 in 4 in the Irish Republic.

The next 9 largest settlements are Belfast (counties Down and Antrim, 475,968), Cork (county Cork, 174,400), Limerick (county Limerick, 75,436) Derry (county Londonderry, 72,334), Newtownabbey (county Antrim, 56,811), D�n Laoghaire (county Dublin, 55,540), Bangor (county Down, 52,437), Galway (county Galway, 50,853) and Lisburn (county Antrim, 42,110). More towns . Largest county In terms of area, the largest county in Ireland is county Cork at 7,457 km�. The next largest is county Galway, at 6,148 km�. The largest county in Northern Ireland is county Tyrone, at 3,155 km�. Smallest county The smallest county in Ireland is county Louth, which is just 820 km� in area - 9 times smaller than county Cork.

The next smallest is county Carlow, which is 896 km�. The smallest county in Northern Ireland is county Armagh, at 1,254 km�. Longest river The longest river in Ireland is the river Shannon whose source is Shannon Pot, county Cavan, and which enters the sea between counties Clare and Limerick after a journey of 386 km (240 miles). It is, in fact, the longest river in the British Isles. The longest river within Northern Ireland is the river Bann, whose source is in the Mourne Mountains, county Down and which enters the sea in county Londonderry after 122 km (76 miles). Largest lake Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland, which is 396 km� (153 miles�) in area. It forms part of counties Tyrone, Londonderry, Antrim, Down and Armagh. It is, in fact, the largest lake in the British Isles. Closest to Britain The closest point that Ireland comes to Britain is Torr Head, county Antrim, which is just 23 km (14 miles) from the Mull of Kintyre, Scotland.

On most days, fields in Scotland can be seen clearly across the North Channel. Largest island Besides Ireland itself (82,463 km�) the largest offshore island in Irish waters is Achill island, county Mayo, with an area of 148 km� (57 miles�). Tallest waterfall Ireland's tallest waterfall is Powerscourt Falls, county Wicklow, where the water drops 106 metres (350 feet). It is the third tallest waterfall in the British Isles. Sunniest town The town in Ireland which enjoys the most sunshine is Rosslare, county Wexford which has over 1600 hours of sunshine per year (4 hrs, 20 mins per day). Cloudiest town The town in Ireland which receives the least sunshine is Omagh, county Tyrone which has less than 1200 hours of sunshine per year (3 hrs, 20 mins per day). Wettest place The wettest place in Ireland is the area of the Maumturk and Partry mountains of counties Mayo and Galway, which receive annually over 2400 mm of rain.

Driest place The driest place in Ireland is Dublin city which receives less than 800 mm of rain per year. *Excludes Rockall Island, which is situated in the north Atlantic 440 km northwest of county Donegal. Although it is merely an uninhabited outcrop of rock a few tens of metres across, it is important in that whoever owns it can claim the fishing and oil rights around it. It is currently in dispute between Iceland, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and Denmark. Rockall Island is at latitude 57.61�N, longitude 13.70�W.

Question: What is Ireland's longest river?
Answer: Shannon