Curraheen River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Curraheen River |
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|---|---|
| Native name | An tSabhrainn |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Grange Hill |
| River mouth | River Lee Cork City |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Curraheen River is a cool river in County Cork and Cork City, Ireland. It's also known by its Irish name, An tSabhrainn, or sometimes spelled Curragheen.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The Curraheen River gets its name from a nearby area called Curragheen townland. This area is part of a larger historical division known as a civil parish.
The Irish Name
In the Irish language, the river is called An tSabhrainn. This name comes from a very old language called Proto-Celtic. It's actually the same ancient name as two other famous rivers: the Hafren and the River Severn.
Old Poems and Meanings
The river's name, Sabraind, even shows up in an old poem from the 12th century called Aislinge Meic Con Glinne. Some experts, however, think that in this poem, Sabraind might actually be talking about the River Lee instead.
Where Does the River Flow?
The Curraheen River starts when several small streams join together. This happens in the Ballincollig and Curragheen areas.
The River's Journey
First, the river flows north, then it turns east. It goes under two main roads, the N22 and the N40. You can see it as it passes by the Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium.
Through Bishopstown
When it reaches Bishopstown, the river turns north again. It flows along the west side of the Cork IT campus. Then, it goes under the Model Farm Road, which is also known as the R608.
Reaching the River Lee
After that, the Curraheen River makes a bend and flows east. There's even a nice river walk you can enjoy along this part! Finally, it flows under the R608 again at Victoria Cross. The Curraheen River then joins the much larger River Lee to the southwest of Cork City.
Who Lives in the River?
The Curraheen River is home to several types of fish.
Fish Species
You might find these fish swimming in its waters:
- Brown trout
- Atlantic salmon
- European river lamprey
- European brook lamprey
Protecting River Life
Sadly, in 2016, many brown trout in the Curraheen River died because of a sewage leak. It's important to keep our rivers clean to protect the amazing wildlife that lives there.
New Animals in the River
Since 2016, an animal called the coypu has been seen in the Curraheen River. This rodent is originally from America and is considered an invasive species in Ireland.
