Delvin River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River DelvinAn Ailbhine |
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At Gibblockstown, Co. Meath
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | near Garristown, County Dublin (Fingal) 120 m (390 ft) |
| River mouth | Knocknagin, to the Irish Sea, (County Dublin) |
| Length | 18 kilometres (11 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The River Delvin (called An Ailbhine in Irish) is a cool river in northern County Dublin, Ireland. It's about 18 kilometers (11 miles) long. This river forms a big part of the border between Dublin and County Meath. It's looked after by the local councils, mainly Fingal County Council.
Contents
What's in a Name? The River Delvin's Story
The name Delvin comes from an old Irish word, ailbine. Some people think this word might mean "great crime." But don't worry, it's just an old name! The river has also been called by other names like Elvene, Elvin Water, Elvin, or Delvyn.
Where Does the River Delvin Flow?
The River Delvin starts its journey in the northwest, near the village of Garristown. As it flows, it picks up water from other smaller rivers. One of these is the Bartramstown River, which starts in County Meath.
The Journey Through Naul
The Delvin then flows northeast. It forms a lot of the border between Dublin and Meath counties. It passes along the northern edge of a village called Naul. Here, you can see cliffs that are about 20 meters (65 feet) high! There's also a natural waterfall about 5 meters (16 feet) tall. A small private power plant uses the river's water here. Sometimes, this part of the river near Naul is called the Roche.
Reaching the Sea
After Naul, more small streams join the Delvin. The river then turns east, then north, passing by Stamullen. It then flows east again, entering the Gormanston area. It goes under the M1 motorway, still marking the county border. Finally, it meets one last stream and flows under a big bridge. The River Delvin then empties into the Irish Sea at a place called Knocknagin. This spot is at the southern end of Gormanston beach.
River Delvin's Tributaries
The River Delvin has more than a dozen smaller rivers and streams that flow into it. Some important ones are the Bartramstown River, Stablestown Stream, and Silver Stream. In the past, the river's power was used to run mills. Today, at least one small hydroelectric plant uses its water to make electricity. The main river is about 18 kilometers long, and all its smaller streams add another 10 kilometers or more!
Fishing in the Delvin
If you like fishing, you can find trout in the River Delvin. Fishing for trout usually happens from February to September. Most people practice "catch and release," which means they let the fish go after catching them. You can use a spinner reel for fishing from one side of the river. Most of the trout caught here are around 2 pounds (about 1 kilogram).
