Figile River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Figile River |
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| Native name | Abhainn Fhiodh Gaibhle |
| Country | Ireland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cushaling, County Offaly 70 m (230 ft) |
| River mouth | River Barrow Monasterevin, County Kildare |
| Length | 33.4 km (20.8 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Three Sisters |
| Basin size | 639 km2 (247 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Figile River is a cool river in eastern Ireland. Its name in Irish is Irish: Abhainn Fhiodh Gaibhle. It flows through different counties and is home to many fish!
Contents
What's in a Name? The Figile River's Story
The name of the Figile River has a long history! The oldest known name for the river was Fidgable or Fid nGabli. This means "Gabul's Wood". You can find this name in old Irish books from around the year 1160.
Ancient Tales of the River
The river is also mentioned in an old story called "Suibhne's Frenzy." In this tale, a character named Suibhne found a safe place by the river. He lived there for a year, eating berries and acorns. He drank from the river, which was called uisci na Gabhla, meaning "Gabul's waters."
How the Name Changed Over Time
Over many years, the name of the river changed. In the 1600s, people started calling it Fegowly. Later, on a map from 1783, it was called Feagile. Finally, on a map from 1843, it became known as the Figile River, which is what we call it today!
Fionn Mac Cumhaill's Secret Hideout
Did you know that a famous Irish hero, Fionn mac Cumhaill, is linked to the Figile River? Legend says that Fionn's mother, Muirne, hid him deep in the woods near the river. She wanted to keep him safe from his family's enemies. His aunts helped raise him there after his father was killed.
Where Does the Figile River Flow?
The Figile River starts when two other rivers, the Crabtree and Cushaling, join together. This happens near the border of County Kildare and County Offaly.
Journey Through the Land
As the river flows, it meets another small river called the Black River. It then travels northwest, sometimes crossing over a special railway used for bogs. The river goes under the R401 at a place called Cloncreen Bridge. This old stone bridge has three arches and was built around 1790.
Passing Through Towns and Borders
The Figile River then turns south. It meets the Philipstown River near the town of Clonbulloge. It flows under the R442 at Saint Patrick's Bridge. The river continues south, passing under the R442 again near Millgrove House. It also goes under the R419 west of Bracknagh.
Joining Other Rivers
Further on, the Figile River flows southeast. It is joined by the Slate River and the Cushina River. After this, it enters County Kildare at a spot called Pollagorteen. The river keeps going south through Clogheen. For a while, it even forms part of the border between County Laois and County Kildare.
Reaching the River Barrow
Finally, the Figile River empties into the River Barrow. This happens at a place called Passlands, just north of Monasterevin. The River Barrow is one of the "Three Sisters" rivers in Ireland.
What Animals Live in the Figile River?
The Figile River is a great place for fishing! It is known for having many different kinds of fish.
Fish You Might Find
- Brown trout: A popular fish known for its beautiful spots.
- Common bream: A flat, deep-bodied fish.
- Common rudd: A fish with reddish fins.
- Common roach: A silvery fish often found in calm waters.
- Northern pike: A long, predatory fish with sharp teeth.
