The River Lee (Irish: An Laoi) is a river in Ireland. It rises in the Shehy Mountains on the western border of County Cork and flows eastwards through Cork, where it splits in two for a short distance, creating an island on which Cork’s city centre is built, and empties into the Celtic Sea at Cork Harbour on the south coast, one of the largest natural harbours in the world.
The catchment area of the River Lee is 1,253 km2. The long-term average flow rate of the River Lee is 40.4 Cubic Metres per second (m3/s) A hydro-electric scheme was built on the river, upstream from Cork City, and this part of the river now contains the Carrigadrohid and Inniscarra reservoirs. The river is crossed by 42 bridges, 29 of which are in Cork City, and one tunnel. The river also provides an 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) stretch of salmon fishing.
☘️ You Might Also Love
64,000 Ireland lovers can’t be wrong.
Every week, our free newsletter delivers hidden gems, seasonal guides, local stories, and practical travel tips — straight to your inbox. Join the community that loves Ireland as much as you do.
FREE GUIDE: 25 Hidden Gems of Ireland That Most Tourists Never Find (PDF)
☘️ Want More Hidden Ireland?
Join 64,000+ subscribers who discover Ireland’s best-kept secrets every week.
Subscribe Free — Join the Community →
Free forever · Unsubscribe anytime · No spam
📥 Free Download: Ireland Travel Planning Guide
Our most popular resource — itineraries, insider tips, and the 50 places you must not miss.
Tours & experiences you might love
Powered by Viator. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!