List of rivers of County Dublin facts for kids
County Dublin in Ireland is home to over 130 rivers and streams! These waterways flow through Dublin city and the surrounding areas like Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, Fingal, and South Dublin. Rivers are super important for many reasons. They provide fresh water, create homes for wildlife, and have shaped the history and development of the places they flow through.
This article will tell you about some of the most important rivers in County Dublin, including the famous River Liffey, the River Dodder, the River Tolka, and the Broadmeadow River.
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Dublin's Main Rivers
County Dublin has several major rivers that are key to its landscape and history. These rivers and their smaller branches, called tributaries, create a network of waterways across the region.
The River Liffey
The River Liffey is probably the most famous river in Dublin. It flows right through the heart of Dublin city! The Liffey starts far away in the Wicklow Mountains and travels about 125 kilometers (78 miles) before reaching Dublin Bay. Many bridges cross the Liffey in the city, like the iconic Ha'penny Bridge.
The Liffey has many tributaries that join it along its journey. Some of these include:
- The Brittas River
- The Griffeen River
- The River Camac
- The River Poddle
The River Camac
The River Camac is one of the Liffey's biggest tributaries. It starts in the Dublin Mountains and flows through areas like Clondalkin and Kilmainham. The Camac is the fourth largest river in Dublin by flow. It even supplies the moat at Drimnagh Castle!
The River Poddle
The River Poddle is another important tributary of the Liffey. It starts in south Dublin, near Tallaght. Much of the Poddle flows underground as it gets closer to the city center. It joins the Liffey near Wellington Quay.
The River Dodder
The River Dodder is the third largest river in Dublin. It also starts in the Wicklow Mountains, specifically on Kippure mountain. The Dodder flows through many parts of south Dublin, including Rathfarnham and Milltown, before joining the Liffey near Ringsend.
The Dodder has several important tributaries:
- The Owendoher River
- The Little Dargle River
- The River Slang (also known as the Dundrum River)
The Owendoher River
The Owendoher River is a significant branch of the Dodder. It begins near Glendoo Mountain and flows through areas like Rathfarnham. It joins the Dodder near Bushy Park.
The River Tolka
The River Tolka is another major river in County Dublin. It begins in County Meath and flows southeast, eventually reaching the Tolka Estuary in Clontarf Bay. The Tolka flows through busy areas like Finglas and Glasnevin.
Some of the Tolka's tributaries include:
- The Clonee Stream
- The Pinkeen Stream
- The Finglas River
The Broadmeadow River
The Broadmeadow River is the fifth largest river in Dublin. It also starts in County Meath and flows into the Broadmeadow Estuary near Swords. This estuary is a wide area where the river meets the sea.
The Broadmeadow River has tributaries like:
- The Ward River
- The Dun Water
The Shanganagh River
The Shanganagh River is located in the southern part of County Dublin. It is formed by the joining of several smaller rivers and streams near Cherrywood. The Shanganagh River then flows into Killiney Strand.
Its main branches include:
- The Bride's Glen Stream
- The Loughlinstown River (north branch)
- The Carrickmines River
The Carrickmines River
The Carrickmines River is an important part of the Shanganagh system. It is formed by the meeting of several streams like the Racecourse Stream and the Ballyogan Stream. The Carrickmines River flows through areas like Cabinteely.
Other Notable Waterways
Besides the main rivers, many other streams and smaller rivers flow through County Dublin. These include:
- The Delvin River in the north of the county.
- The Bracken River, which flows through Balbriggan.
- The Mayne River, which flows into Baldoyle Bay.
- The Santry River, which flows near the Bull Island causeway.
- Many smaller streams around the Howth peninsula, like the Bloody Stream and the Whitewater Brook.
These rivers and streams are vital for the environment and for the people living in Dublin. They support local wildlife and add to the natural beauty of the area.
See also
- Rivers of Ireland
- List of rivers in Ireland
- List of Dublin bridges and tunnels
