The Boyne – inextricably linked with our history and pre-history – a physical time line of human settlement on the island. Along its banks are traces of almost every period going back over 6,000 years. Almost as ancient is the traditional Boyne Coracle or Currach – a leather and wicker craft which was still used for salmon fishing up the early 20th century. Claidbh Ó Gibne who continues the tradition of currach making takes us on a unique voyage down the river in a Boyne Currach interweaving the ancient and new. The Boyne rises near Carbury Hill – ancient seat of the kings of Leinster and flows through the flat lands of Offaly and Kildare into the rich royal plains of Meath. Monastic & Norman settlements mark the route through the towns of Trim and Navan and onto Slane. Brú na Bóinne –the dramatic bend in the Boyne – a world heritage site where mythology meets archaeology in a heady magical mix. Just before the river flows to the sea through Drogheda – the Battle of the Boyne’s resonance echoes the Boyne as the natural border between North and South.
Abhainn: An Laoi is a tone poem in praise of the river Lee dreamed up by Pat Butler; a proud Corkonian born within shouting distance of the river. The documentary paints a portrait of the Lee that is different, magical and evocative. We follow the Lee from its origins in Gougane Barra through The Gearagh and Inchigeelagh, out to the Atlantic at Cork Harbour. Music, poetry and stunning visuals are used to evoke a river that is the heart of every Cork person along with everyone in Ireland.
An tSuca (The Suck) - a look at the history and mythology associated with the River Suck which runs from the Roscommon/Mayo border to the River Shannon in County Offaly. The River Suck is one of Ireland’s least known rivers but this gem is one of the most important rivers in Connacht, stretching along a meandering course from its source at Lough O’Flynn on the Roscommon/Mayo border to where it enters the River Shannon at Shannonbridge in County Offaly. The Suck is the natural boundary between the counties of Galway and Roscommon and is steeped in archaeology, history and folklore. Many of Ireland’s heroes were born on the Suck – Douglas Hyde, Eamonn Ceannt and Fr Edward Flanagan of Boys Town fame amongst them. The seat of the last High Kings of Connacht, the O’Conors, was situated at Clonalis House on the Suck and a wooden bridge at Derrycahill beside a deserted famine village also gives a real sense of times gone by. The River has also moved with the times. A modern fishing bay for those with access disability lines a half mile stretch of water near Donamon Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. The Ballinasloe-Shannonbridge waterway has also opened in recent years allowing navigation of the final leg of this wonderful river. Our journey on the River Suck is a refreshing evocation of Irish history and culture, folklore and topography, and the enduring beauty and character of the West of Ireland.
From humble beginnings in the Devil’s Bit Mountains in Tipperary, the River Suir flows gracefully through some of Munster’s most beautiful countryside until it empties itself into the sea at Waterford Harbour. At over 183km from source to sea, the Suir is one of Ireland’s longest and greatest rivers, as it makes its way through Thurles, Holycross, Cahir, Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir and Waterford City. Abhainn: captures the magic of the river with stunning aerial footage and unique footage of some of the region’s most beautiful riverscapes. The River Suir has been an active witness to all stages of Irish history. For early settlers it was important for transport and food, while later visitors such as the Vikings and the Normans, it was their point of entry into Ireland. Strongbow, Gráinne Mhaol, King John and Cromwell have all crossed its waters, so it’s no surprise that banks of the river are studded with castles, towers and great houses. But even faraway battlefields are remembered along the river – in Cahir “Crimean Bob”, a famous horse that survived the Charge of the Light Brigade and the Battle of Balaklava is buried and commemorated in the local Army Barracks where he died after long years of retirement from battle. But it’s not all about history. The river is a magical ecosystem and home to variety of bird & animal life and a great getaway for human recreation. In Clonmel, Shay Hurley tells us of the unusual history of the local Working Men’s Boat Club and its part in the War of Independence, while we also learn of Waterford’s unique contribution to Irish cuisine. Not only was the rasher and the cream cracker invented there, but Waterford’s Huguenots introduced a new kind of breakfast bread, the Blaa. Today, this centuries old tradition is kept alive by the Walsh brothers in the Déise’s capital.
In the 2nd programme of a new series of ABHAINN: Cláracha Gaeilge RTÉ takes us on a visually stunning journey revealing the unique personality of the River Foyle. One of the fastest flowing rivers in Europe and one of Ireland’s shortest – only 25 kms long – it sweeps past the walls of Derry / Londonderry and out into Lough Foyle. Just as it marks the divide between Derry and Donegal, between the North and the South, between the City side and the Waterside – The Foyle doesn’t have just one source but rather is the offspring of a network of tributary rivers from both sides of the border- the Rivers Finn and Mourne which join at Lifford – it is truly a product of and maybe a symbol of all that is shared by and divides North and South – ABHAINN: An Feabhal
This lyrical programme, the third in the current series on Irish rivers, features the poets, politicians and sports stars of this picturesque corner of Munster whose lives have been influenced by their proximity to the river Feale. Stunning aerial photography captures the distinctive features of the river landscape as we trace its journey from source to sea; High up in the mountains of north Cork, through the market towns of Abbeyfeale and Listowel, until it reaches the Atlantic near Ballybunion. Featuring the Listowel Writer’s Week, we explore the extent to which the river Feale has inspired creativity in writers such as Brendan Kennelly, Gabriel Fitzmaurice and John B. Keane. “A man is lucky a thousand times over to be born in the vicinity of river water. This is a countryside chock full of beautiful streams and it’s here that I come to relax, ponder, fashion, creating and correcting plots.” John B. Keane – Writer The Feale is one of very few rivers in Ireland where coastal fishermen are still granted licences to use draft nets at the mouth of the river. However, as this practice prevents fish from swimming upstream to spawn, the stocks have become depleted. Once regarded as one of the most outstanding salmon and brown trout rivers in Europe, we hear the concerns of the anglers upstream who rarely see a salmon, let alone catch one.
Sourcing from the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Laois, the River Barrow is the second longest river in Ireland. At the bottom of the hill it takes a course to the north, then east, under old bridges, through farm country and plains, giving nature and animals nutrition for the duration.
A look at the Munster Blackwater river, which flows in an easterly direction through Co Cork, Mallow and Fermoy, before entering Co Waterford.
This episode follows the River Erne as it winds its way through western Ulster. The River Erne flows across the border between North and South via many drumlin-filled Loughs on its way to the sea at Ballyshannon.
The natural history series highlights the stories of another three of Ireland's rivers. It begins by following the Slaney, which has its origins in west Wicklow.
Local stories about the Bann, which flows north through Bannbridge, Portadown, Toomebridge and Coleraine to reach the Atlantic at Castlerock on the Derry coast.
This episode explores the history of the River Bandon, which flows through Dunmanway, Bandon, Innishannon and Kinsale in Co Cork.