Overview
The Clodiagh River (Irish: An Chlódaigh) is a steady, gravel-bedded watercourse that cuts through the quiet farmland of north County Waterford. Rising in Lough Coumduala on the granite slopes of the Comeragh Mountains, it flows roughly 28 km before meeting the River Suir just outside Portlaw. Along its course, the river is fed by smaller tributaries like Hunts Stream and Aughtnawilliam Stream, which keep the flow lively even in drier months. It passes through the villages of Rathgormack, Clonea-Power and Whitestown West, offering a low-key but rewarding stretch of inland waterways for paddlers, anglers and walkers.
Kayaking & Canoeing
The Clodiagh is rated grade 1-3, making it suitable for beginners learning flatwater skills and more confident paddlers looking for gentle rapids. Because the river is relatively shallow, it responds noticeably to rainfall: spring and autumn flows bring more excitement, while summer levels favour relaxed touring.
The route is punctuated by a series of stone and concrete bridges. Between the mountains and Portlaw, several low bridges cross the river, and a few agricultural fences span the channel. Paddlers should scout these crossings carefully, as a low concrete access bridge in the mid-reaches can become a serious hazard in high water. The stretch through the former Curraghmore estate also features narrow bridges that require careful navigation.
Safety warning: The concrete-walled weir at the old Portlaw tannery is strictly impassable. It has high sides and a strong undertow, and was responsible for two fatalities in 2010. Always portage well upstream of the tannery site. River-level gauges are installed at the bridges in Clonea and Portlaw; checking these before launch is highly recommended.
Fishing
The Clodiagh River supports a healthy population of wild brown trout, along with sea trout and a late run of Atlantic salmon in its lower reaches. Unlike its namesake in County Tipperary, the Waterford Clodiagh is not managed by a single central angling association.
Instead, fishing rights along the river are largely held by local landowners, and visiting anglers should seek local permission before accessing the banks through private property. Angling must adhere to national regulations and regional bylaws for the River Suir catchment, which is managed under strict conservation measures by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). In the lower sections near Portlaw, fishing is traditionally fly-only. The brown trout season runs from 1 March to 30 September. Anglers should consult the official IFI portal (fishinginireland.info) for the most up-to-date bylaws, bag limits, and conservation restrictions before casting a line.
Walking, Wildlife & Photography
For those preferring to stay on dry land, the Clodiagh corridor offers a peaceful network of quiet country lanes and informal river paths. The stone bridge at Rathgormack and the concrete span at Clonea-Power are popular photography spots, especially when the river is in spate and the water rushes over smooth granite cobbles.
The riparian habitat supports a variety of wildlife. Kingfishers and grey herons are regular sightings, while otters have been recorded along the quieter upper reaches. During the autumn salmon run, anglers and walkers alike often spot fish breaking the surface near shallow riffles. Dogs are welcome on the trails and along the riverbanks, provided they are kept on a short lead to protect ground-nesting birds and livestock.
Industrial Heritage
The pastoral character of the Clodiagh masks a significant industrial past. In the early 19th century, the Quaker Malcolmson family transformed the Portlaw area into one of Ireland’s earliest planned industrial towns. The river’s reliable flow powered a small mill at Shanakill and later supplied water to a large cotton mill and tannery complex. At its peak in the 1840s, the plant employed over 1,800 people, and five storeys of the original seven-storey cotton mill still stand today.
The tannery’s concrete weir and processing foundations remain visible along the riverbank near Portlaw. Rusted vats, broken machinery and weathered stone walls line the water’s edge, offering a tangible link to the region’s manufacturing boom. A short walk along the Portlaw Heritage Trail connects these ruins to the town’s preserved Quaker meeting house and working canal locks, illustrating how water transport once linked the Clodiagh to the wider Suir navigation system.
Seasonal Guide & Practical Tips
- Spring (March–May): Rainfall raises water levels, creating more defined rapids and ideal conditions for salmon anglers. The river can rise quickly, so check gauges before paddling.
- Summer (June–August): Lower flows make for calm, family-friendly paddling and excellent trout fishing. Bank access can be tighter due to summer grazing.
- Autumn (September–October): Foliage turns along the riverbanks, and the salmon run reaches its peak. Water levels are usually stable.
- Winter: Heavy rain can push the river into flood, particularly at low-lying bridges. Trail access may be restricted, and cold water temperatures require appropriate gear for any water-based activity.
Access & Facilities: Entry is free. Informal lay-bys are available along the R677 Carrick-on-Suir road, with the most reliable parking near the Clonea-Power turn-off and at the Portlaw river bridge. There are no toilets or cafes directly on the riverbank; the nearest amenities are in Portlaw. Bus Éireann route 370 serves Portlaw, with connections to Waterford city and Dungarvan.
Nearby Connections
The river’s source sits within the Coumduala Loop, a 7 km circular walk that circles the glacial corrie lake, passes seasonal waterfalls and offers clear views across the Comeragh range. Linking the loop with a downstream walk along the Clodiagh creates a full-day itinerary. For more water-based recreation, the nearby Colligan River and the wider Comeragh Mountains network provide additional trails and paddling routes. Before heading out, check the river gauges at the Clonea and Portlaw bridges to gauge flow conditions, and always carry a dry bag for permits and mobile signal.