Overview
The Clady River (Irish: An Chláidigh) is a short but lively watercourse in the north‑west of County Donegal. It begins at the western end of Lower Lough Nacung and flows west‑north‑west for roughly 8 km, cutting through wild moorland before emptying into the Crolly River (Gweedore River) at Bunbeg Quay. The river’s name is thought to mean “the One Who Washes” or “the Strong‑Flowing One”, a fitting description for a stream whose flow is carefully managed by a mid‑20th‑century hydro‑electric power station.
History & Background
In the 1950s the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) built the Clady Power Station in the townland of Dore, about two miles south‑west of the river’s source. Water is diverted from the Clady at the Gweedore Weir into a 2.7 km canal that feeds the turbine house; the spent water then rejoins the Crolly River downstream. The scheme, approved in 1953 and completed by 1959, remains operational and is a rare example of a small‑scale hydro‑electric installation that still shapes the river’s ecology.
The river also supports a long‑standing angling tradition. The Clady and District Angling Club, founded in 1962, leases the fishing rights and maintains a clubhouse, fish counter and a purpose‑built weir (2011) to aid salmon spawning. The river’s history is therefore a blend of natural beauty, community sport and mid‑century engineering.
What to See & Do
Angling
The lower 5 km of the Clady constitute the Clady River Fishery. Angling is prohibited between the hydro‑electric dam and Bunbeg Bridge, but the remaining stretch offers excellent opportunities for both fly‑fishing and spin‑fishing. Key highlights:
- Grilse (young salmon) dominate the run from early June, peaking in late June‑early July.
- Autumn salmon appear sporadically later in the season.
- Sea trout reach their highest numbers in late August, often caught in the evening downstream of Bunbeg Bridge.
- The river yields an average of ≈ 500 salmon each season (as reported by local anglers).
The ESB releases 24 artificial freshets between May and September, creating spates that help fish ascend and give anglers productive windows, especially at the end of June and July.
Scenic Walks & Photography
The river’s banks are rough but accessible, offering dramatic views of moorland, the historic Gweedore Weir and the confluence with the Crolly estuary. Photographers will appreciate:
- The reflection of Mt Errigal on the river’s surface near its upper reaches – a favourite spot for landscape shots (see Gareth Wray’s prints of “Mt Errigal & Clady River”).
- The head‑race canal and turbine house of the Clady Power Station, visible from the road at Dore, providing industrial‑heritage contrast.
- Seasonal changes: after rain the water is lively, creating texture for long‑exposure images.
The walk is suitable for families and can be combined with a short hike to an Errigal viewpoint for panoramic photos.
Heritage Exploration
Visit the Clady Power Station (visible from the road near Dore) to see the original turbine house and the canal that channels water from the river. While the interior is not open to the public, the surrounding landscape tells the story of mid‑century rural electrification. The station is listed on Buildings of Ireland.
Souvenirs & Prints
The striking scenery of the Clady River has been captured on a range of postcards and fine‑art prints. Postcards featuring the river with Mt Errigal are available from local outlets, and photographer Gareth Wray sells limited‑edition prints of the iconic view. These make memorable keepsakes of a day spent on the river.
Fishing Details & Tips
- Season dates (as per the 2025 permit schedule):
- Salmon: 2 Feb – 30 Sep
- Sea trout: 2 Feb – 12 Oct
- Brown trout: 15 Feb – 12 Oct
- Permit information: A single permit covers both the Clady and neighbouring Crolly rivers, allowing anglers to move freely between the two waterways. Permits are sold as daily or weekly tickets (prices shown below).
- Methods:
- Upper reaches: fly‑fishing is most effective, especially during freshet periods.
- Lower reaches: spin‑fishing and worming are popular; barbless hooks are required for salmon and sea trout.
- Catch‑and‑release: All salmon and sea trout must be released alive; use barbless hooks and handle fish gently.
- Gear recommendations: Light to medium fly rods (9‑11 ft) for grilse; 7‑9 ft spinning rods with 4‑6 lb line for sea trout.
| Permit Type | Adult | Juvenile |
|---|---|---|
| Day | €30 | €17 |
| Weekly (7 consecutive days) | €130 | €65 |
Permits can be purchased from:
- Charlie Bonner’s Tackle Shop, The Bridge, Dungloe – Tel: (074) 952 1163
- Bunbeg House, The Harbour, Bunbeg – Tel: (074) 953 1305
- An Chuirt Hotel – Tel: (074) 953 1101
Boat Hire
If you prefer to fish from the water, boat hire for Lough Anure (the downstream lake feeding the Crolly) is available from Charlie Bonner’s Tackle Shop (same contact as above) and from Martin Moore’s Filling Station in Loughanure (€15 per boat + €15 per angler).
Practical Information
Access & Parking
The N56 crosses the river near its source, and the R257 spans the river at Clady Bridge in Bunbeg. Both routes are well‑signed and provide convenient pull‑outs for parking. The river’s lower stretch runs alongside the R258, which offers several informal lay‑bys for anglers and walkers. Additional parking is available at the Clady Bridge lay‑by and near the power‑station at Dore.
Nearby Amenities
Bunbeg offers a small harbour, a handful of cafés and accommodation options such as Bunbeg House. Dungloe, a short drive away, provides additional dining, shops and a visitor centre.
Nearby Attractions & Day‑Trip Ideas
- Bunbeg Harbour – a pleasant spot for a bite to eat after a morning on the river.
- Dungloe Town – explore its shops, the Donegal County Museum and the coastal promenade.
- Gweedore Bay – walk from Bunbeg to the estuary for sea‑bird spotting.
- Mount Errigal – the iconic peak is visible from the river’s upper reaches; consider a short hike to the Errigal viewpoint for panoramic photos.
- Assaroe Falls area – a short drive inland, the Assaroe Assaroe site offers historic abbey ruins and waterfall scenery, making a complementary stop.
Useful Links
- Clady Power Station – Buildings of Ireland
- Fishing in Ireland – Clady & Crolly
- Donegal Cottage Holidays – The Clady & Crolly Rivers
The Clady River may be modest in length, but its blend of wild scenery, productive fisheries, historic engineering and photographic appeal makes it a rewarding stop for anyone exploring north‑west Donegal.