River Slaney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Slaney |
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River Slaney at Stratford-on-Slaney
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Map of the rivers of southeast Ireland
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| Native name | Abhainn na Sláine |
| Country | Ireland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lugnaquilla, County Wicklow 549 metres (1,801 ft) |
| River mouth | Irish Sea Wexford Harbour, County Wexford |
| Length | 117.5 kilometres (73.0 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,762 square kilometres (680 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The River Slaney is a major river in the southeast of Ireland. Its name in Irish, Abhainn na Sláine, means "river of health." This river starts high up on Lugnaquilla Mountain in the Wicklow Mountains.
From there, the Slaney flows west, then turns south. It travels through three different counties: Wicklow, Carlow, and Wexford. The river is about 117.5 kilometers (73 miles) long. Finally, it reaches the Irish Sea at Wexford town. The wide, shallow area where the Slaney meets the sea is called Wexford Harbour.
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Towns Along the Slaney River
Many towns are located along the banks of the River Slaney. As the river flows, it passes through places like Stratford-on-Slaney, Baltinglass, and Tullow. Further downstream, you'll find Bunclody, Enniscorthy, and finally Wexford town.
The River Slaney is an important pathway. It is crossed by many bridges, helping people and vehicles get from one side to the other. There are 32 road bridges and one railway bridge that cross the river.
Amazing Wildlife of the River Slaney
The area around the River Slaney is home to many different kinds of animals. In County Wicklow, you might spot herds of deer near the riverbanks. The river itself is a great place for birds. You can see elegant swans, small dippers, and various types of wild ducks.
Other birds like tall herons and bright kingfishers also live here. As evening comes, you might see bats flying, owls hunting, and playful otters swimming. The muddy areas near the river's mouth are perfect for birds like black-headed gulls, redshanks, and oystercatchers. A rare bird called the goosander has even been seen on the Slaney near Kildavin.
The river is also full of fish. During certain times of the year, people can fish for salmon and trout. You might also find large pike in the waters.
Rivers that Join the Slaney
A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river. The River Slaney has several tributaries that add to its flow. These include the River Derreen, the River Derry, and the River Clody.
Other rivers that join the Slaney are the River Bann, the River Urrin, the River Boro, and the River Sow. These smaller rivers help make the Slaney the large and important river it is.
Images for kids
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River Slaney at Stratford-on-Slaney
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Map of the rivers of southeast Ireland
See also
In Spanish: Río Slaney para niños
