River Derg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Derg |
|
|---|---|
|
River Derg and the Ardstraw Bridge
|
|
| Native name | Abhainn na Deirge |
| Country | Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lough Derg, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland 138 metres (453 ft) |
| River mouth | North Channel via Lough Foyle, River Foyle, River Mourne |
| Length | 45 kilometres (28 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 440 square kilometres (170 sq mi) |
The River Derg is a small but important river located on the island of Ireland. It starts its journey in Lough Derg, a lake in County Donegal, which is part of the Republic of Ireland. From there, the river flows east into County Tyrone in Northern Ireland.
As it travels, the River Derg passes through the town of Castlederg. It then joins another river called the River Strule. When these two rivers meet, they form the River Mourne, which eventually flows into the sea. The River Derg is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) long.
Contents
Where Does the River Derg Flow?
The River Derg's journey begins in the beautiful Lough Derg. This lake is known for its peaceful surroundings. The name "Derg" actually means "red lake," which might come from the color of the water or the surrounding landscape.
From Mountains to Farmland
The areas where the River Derg starts are often covered in peatland. Peatland is a special type of wet, spongy ground made of decaying plants. It's like a natural sponge that holds a lot of water.
As the river flows further downstream, the land changes. It moves from these wilder, peatland areas into farmland. Here, the river winds through fields where crops are grown and animals graze.
Amazing Wildlife in the River Derg
The River Derg is famous for its healthy population of fish, especially those that travel between fresh water and the sea.
Salmon and Trout
The river is a great home for salmon. These amazing fish are born in fresh water, travel to the ocean to grow, and then return to the same river to lay their eggs.
You can also find grilse in the River Derg. Grilse are young salmon that have spent only one winter at sea before returning to the river. They are smaller than adult salmon but just as exciting to see.
Another special fish found here is the sea trout. Like salmon, sea trout also spend part of their lives in the ocean and return to fresh water to reproduce. They are known for their beautiful silver scales.
