Wildlife on our Rivers
Ireland’s rivers are a full of wildlife and biodiversity, offering an enriching experience to nature enthusiasts. Two such rivers that stand out above them all are the River Barrow and the River Nore, both of which are designated as Special Areas of Conservation.
The River Barrow is Irelands second longest river and considered one of the most scenic and picturesque of all inland waterways. It is very accessible, both on foot and by boat, and hosts an abundance of river flora, wildlife and the opportunity for nature watching.
The Nore, like the Barrow is a beautiful, creature flowing through the Southeast of the country which is full of unique and diverse wildlife. It is no wonder these rivers were called sisters, along with the river Suir, collectively known as the Three Sisters
Aquatic Birds
The unspoiled banks of both rivers create an idyllic habitat for scores of water birds. Regularly spotted along these banks are Mallard, Moorhen, Heron and Kingfishers. These birds add to the serene landscape with their colourful plumage and great delight can be got by hours spent watching their comings and goings.
Riverside Mammals
One of the most exciting encounters on either river is with the restless Otters. Known for their playful nature, otters are a joy to watch as they frolic in and out the water chasing and catching both fish and each other. One of our boats is called the Restless Otter, named after these beautiful creatures. In old Irish folklore, there where three things that would never rest. One was a Waterfall, another was the Devil and the third was an Otter. If you’ve ever encountered any of the three, its easy to understand why they were called restless.
Insects on the Waterways
The river banks are also home to a variety of Butterflies, Dragonflies and Damselflies, along with numerous others, such as the happy little Mayfly which general only flitters about in an above water existence for a little over 24 hours. But one thing for sure is that, they certainly enjoy every moment of that existence and are a pleasure to watch dancing up into the air and dropping back down to the water’s surface.
Fish in the Barrow & Nore
Both rivers host a variety of fish species including Salmon, Trout, Pike, and many coarse fish species like Roach, Rudd, Bream, Tench, Perch, Gudgeon, Eel and Dace. The river Nore, is mostly considered a Trout and Salmon river, but that’s not to say you won’t find Pike and the other course fish also. If it’s a spot of fishing you are after, you’ll not be disappointed on either river, as both offer a rich and diverse angling experience.
Freshwater Molluscs
The River Nore is home to the only known extant population of the critically endangered Nore freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera durrovensis). These mussels, like fresh pearl mussels in Irish rivers have been pushed to the edge of extinction by our changing farming practices, landscape and over intensification; which has resulted in excessive siltation, push these creature to the edge of existence. While they have not reproduced naturally in the rivers from many years now, there is hope for future success, given their long life span. However, government policy and farming practices may need to change in other for the river beds to revert to a more suitable condition to allow reproduction.
Wildlife and Adventure on Irish Rivers
A journey along the River Barrow and the River Nore is not just a scenic delight but also a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. From the fluttering butterflies to the playful otters, every encounter adds a unique touch to the experience. The best way to see these rivers is either by walking along its riverside trails or via a boat tour with one of the several operators like ourselves. So, the next time you plan an adventure in the outdoors, consider these rivers for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
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