River Ara facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Ara |
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Bridge over the Ara on Station Road, Tipperary (R664)
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| Native name | An Ára |
| Country | Ireland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Shrough, County Tipperary 136 m (446 ft) |
| River mouth | Celtic Sea at Waterford Harbour via Aherlow River and Suir |
| Length | 29.4 km (18.3 mi) |
The River Ara (Irish: An Ára) is a river located in County Tipperary, Ireland. It might not be the longest river, but it's an important part of the local landscape and history. This river even helped give Tipperary town its name!
What's in a Name?
The River Ara gets its name from an old area called Ara. This land was once a territory ruled by a family known as the O'Donegans. The river also lends its name to the nearby Arra Mountains.
Did you know that Tipperary town gets its name from this river too? The town's name, Tiobrad Árann, means "the spring by the Ara." This shows how important the river has been to the area for a very long time.
The River's Journey
The River Ara begins its journey in a place called Shrough. This area is found in the beautiful Glen of Aherlow. From there, the river flows north, passing under the R662 near Mount Bruis village.
It then meets another small stream in Shronell. The Ara continues flowing eastwards, making its way through Tipperary town. In town, it goes under the Limerick–Rosslare railway line. It's also crossed by the R664 bridge. The river even separates The Abbey School from the rest of the town!
After Tipperary town, the Ara flows south past the Tipperary Golf Club. Then it turns east again, moving through Bansha Wood. It passes under the N24 near Kilshane House. The river then crosses the Limerick–Rosslare railway line one more time. It keeps going southeast through the village of Bansha. Here, it's crossed by Bansha Bridge, an old stone bridge built in 1863. Finally, in Ballymorris, the River Ara flows into the Aherlow River.
Amazing Wildlife
Just like many other rivers that flow into the River Suir, the River Ara is a great spot for fishing. It's especially known for its brown trout. These fish are a popular catch for anglers.
There's even a restaurant in Tipperary town, very close to the river, that is named "The Brown Trout." This shows how important these fish are to the local area!
