What river flows through Sligo town in Ireland?

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What river flows through Sligo town in Ireland?

The Sligo River aka River Garavogue winds through Sligo town in Ireland. This river is a tributary of the River Moy and is approximately 14 km long. The source of the river is Lough Gara, located just north of Boyle in County Roscommon before it winds its way south.

The whole river system and catchment (including Lough Gill and the River Bonnet) is 31.5 miles (50.7 km) long. The Garavogue is mentioned in Early Medieval texts as one of the “nine royal rivers” of Ireland. [10] Saint Patrick is said to have blessed it so that it would produce salmon all year round.

Sligo River

Along its route through the town, it passes a number of key sites, including the Sligo Abbey, Sligo Cathedral and Markievicz Park. It finally reaches Sligo Bay on the northwest coast of Ireland. The river is an important source of water for local agriculture and industry in the region.

The course of the River Garavogue

It rises at the Southwestern edge of Lough Gara and flows southwards for 27 kilometres (17 miles) before entering Sligo Bay at Sligo town. The source of the river is marked by an ancient stone-built monument called ‘Baltarra’, which is located 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) from Lough Gara.

The Garavogue River has been a popular destination for fishing and recreation, offering good stocks of salmon, trout and eel among other species. Anglers are able to enjoy some of the best fly-fishing in Ireland on the river’s banks, as well as scenic beauty in the surrounding area. Boats are also available for hire at certain locations along the river.

The river’s estuary continues for roughly four miles (6.4 km) out to Rosses Point . The wide estuary has a shipping channel capable of taking ships up to 10,000 tons, but it is only navigable as far as Sligo town, where there is a port facility. There is also a marina for smaller and pleasure craft.

Lough Gill

Lough Gill is a beautiful lake located in County Sligo, Ireland. It is renowned for its picturesque scenery and natural beauty. The lake covers an area of around 722 hectares, making it the second largest lough in the country.

The lough is home to many species of wildlife including swans, mallards, tufted ducks, terns and other migratory birds. It is also a popular fishing spot with plentiful stocks of brown trout and perch.

The lake surrounds the village of Sligo which provides visitors with plenty of places to stay and eat. There are also some excellent walking routes around the lough with views over it and the surrounding countryside.

For those looking for something more exciting, Lough Gill offers plenty of outdoor activities such as sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. There are also plenty of opportunities for bird watching, fishing, cycling and horse riding.

How many rivers are in Sligo?

Sligo is home to a number of beautiful and scenic rivers, including the Garavogue River, the Drowes River, the Owenmore River, the Bonet River, and the Glencar River. The Garavogue River runs through Sligo and is one of Ireland’s great salmon fisheries. The Drowes River is an important tributary of the Erne system, and it is well-known for its brown trout. The Owenmore River provides stunning views of surrounding countryside, with rapids in some areas. The Bonet River runs through picturesque bogland, and its waters are rich in Atlantic salmon. Finally, the Glencar River is a fast-flowing mountain stream that runs through the Glencar Valley. All of these rivers offer a wonderful opportunity for anglers, canoeists, and nature lovers alike to enjoy Sligo’s natural beauty.

Etymology

Garavogue is the name of the River which was originally called Sligeach by the indigenous local people. The meaning of this ancient term is “shells”. It was first used to give the settlement along its banks a name in the 13th century, and it later became part of a county formed during the late 1600s and early 17th century. Evidence of its existence can be found in annals and other sources that date back more than 1,000 years. By the 19th century, the name “Garavogue” had become the most common usage according to ordnance surveys.

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