Overview
The Clady River (Irish: An Chláidigh, meaning “the One Who Washes” or “the Strong-Flowing One”) is a compact but energetic watercourse in north-west County Donegal. Rising at the western end of Lower Lough Nacung, it flows west-north-west for roughly 8 kilometres through open moorland before meeting the Crolly River at Bunbeg Quay. Despite its short length, the river carries a distinct character shaped by both Atlantic weather patterns and mid-century engineering.
The Hydro-Electric Heritage
In the second half of the 1950s, the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) constructed the Clady Power Station in the townland of Dore, just under two miles south-west of the river’s source. Approved in 1953 and completed by 1959, the scheme remains fully operational. Water is diverted from the Clady at the Gweedore Weir and channelled through a 2.7-kilometre head-race canal to the turbine house. The spent water then rejoins the Crolly River downstream.
This infrastructure directly influences the river’s ecology and angling calendar. Each year, the ESB releases 24 artificial freshets between May and September. These controlled water releases mimic natural spates, helping salmon and sea trout navigate upstream and creating predictable, productive fishing windows. The turbine house and canal are visible from the roadside near Dore, offering a quiet look at rural electrification history. The station is listed on Buildings of Ireland.
Angling on the Clady
The Clady River Fishery covers the lower 5 kilometres of the watercourse. Angling is prohibited between the hydro-electric dam and Bunbeg Bridge, but the accessible stretch delivers consistent results, particularly for grilse and sea trout.
- Season dates: Salmon typically run from early February to 30 September. Sea trout season extends from early February to 12 October. Brown trout fishing opens mid-February and closes 12 October. (Exact dates can shift slightly year to year; confirm with permit sellers.)
- Target species: Grilse dominate the run from early June, peaking in late June and early July. Autumn salmon appear sporadically. Sea trout numbers climb through August, with most fish taken in the evening downstream of Bunbeg Bridge.
- Average catch: Local anglers report approximately 500 salmon landed each season across both the Clady and neighbouring Crolly rivers.
- Methods: Fly-fishing works best in the upper accessible reaches, especially during freshet periods. Closer to the estuary, spin-fishing and worming are popular. Barbless hooks are mandatory for salmon and sea trout.
- Catch & release: All salmon and sea trout must be released alive. Handle fish carefully and keep them in the water as much as possible to ensure survival.
Walking & Photography
There are no formal trails along the Clady, but the banks are generally accessible and suitable for quiet walks. The R258 runs parallel to much of the river’s course, providing easy pull-offs and informal lay-bys. The landscape is open and moorland-dominated, with views stretching toward the Atlantic and the distant slopes of Mount Errigal.
Photographers often visit the upper reaches to capture the reflection of Errigal on the river’s surface, particularly after rain when the water carries texture and movement. The contrast between the rough, natural banks and the straight, engineered canal near Dore makes for compelling industrial-heritage shots. Long exposures work well during the artificial freshets, capturing the controlled turbulence without the chaos of a storm spate.
Practical Information & Permits
A single permit covers both the Clady and Crolly rivers, allowing anglers to move between the two waterways freely. Permits are available as daily or weekly tickets:
| Permit Type | Adult | Juvenile |
|---|---|---|
| Day | €30 | €17 |
| Weekly (7 consecutive days) | €130 | €65 |
Where to buy:
- 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
Access & parking: The N56 crosses near the river’s source, and the R257 spans it at Clady Bridge in Bunbeg. Both roads offer convenient parking lay-bys. The R258 provides additional informal parking along the right bank. Wear sturdy footwear; the banks can be uneven and muddy, especially after rainfall.
Nearby Attractions & Day-Trip Ideas
- Bunbeg Harbour: A working harbour with a handful of cafés and sea-bird activity. Ideal for a post-fishing lunch.
- Dungloe: A short drive inland, offering shops, the Donegal County Museum, and coastal walking routes.
- Lough Anure: Connected to the Crolly River system, this large, shallow lake is popular for boat-fishing. Hire is available through Charlie Bonner’s Tackle Shop or Martin Moore’s Filling Station.
- Assaroe: A short drive south, featuring abbey ruins, a waterfall, and woodland walks that complement a day spent on the river.
Useful Links
- Clady Power Station – Buildings of Ireland
- Fishing in Ireland – Clady & Crolly
- Donegal Cottage Holidays – The Clady & Crolly Rivers
Check the ESB freshet schedule with local tackle shops before heading out, as timed water releases directly impact fish movement and river access conditions.