Overview
The River Erkina (Irish: An tSionna) is a modest but charismatic river that courses through the heart of County Laois, Ireland. Rising on the Laois‑Kilkenny border south of Rathdowney, it flows north to the town of Rathdowney, then turns east toward Durrow before meeting the River Nore about 1.5 km east of Durrow. Though only a few kilometres long, the Erkina has become a focal point for local recreation, heritage walks and an ambitious blueway project that aims to turn the waterway into a premier paddling corridor.
History & Background
Historically the Erkina has been more than a geographical feature; it has shaped the lives of the people who live along its banks. In the early 20th century the wooden bridge at Woodenbridge – the only timber bridge in Ireland still carrying public transport – was erected (early 1930s). Before that, locals crossed the river by boat or stepping stones at low water. The bridge quickly became a community landmark, a meeting place and a symbol of the river’s social importance.
The river also features in local folklore and early medieval routes. The ancient Sligh Dhála (the “Way of the Assembly”) – one of the five principal highways leading from Tara – crossed the Erkina near a ford by Coolkerry Church, just north‑west of Rathdowney. This historic crossing is celebrated each year during the Erkina River Festival, when walkers retrace the medieval road across four rivers and three parishes.
What to See & Do
Paddling the Blueway
Since 2021, the Erkina Blueway has been the centrepiece of a community‑led fundraising effort. The goal is to make a 14 km stretch between Rathdowney and Durrow fully navigable for small boats and canoes, with parallel walking and cycling trails. The project has already attracted a series of high‑profile paddling challenges – most notably Michael G Phelan’s 30‑day, 60‑day and 100‑day paddles that raised five‑figure sums for the blueway. These adventures were documented on social media and culminated in celebratory paddles at Woodenbridge, often followed by a picnic at Bob’s Bar in Durrow.
Heritage Walks
The Erkina River Festival, held each summer, offers a 10 km guided walk that follows the ancient Sligh Dhála route. Starting at the Woodenbridge, walkers cross the Erkina, head to Killogue Churchyard, cross a temporary bridge over the River Goul near the 7th‑century Newtown Nunnery, and continue past historic sites such as an 18th‑century Mass rock, Cahir Hill Castle, St John’s Well, Ballykelly Castle and the Ford of an Ancient Battle. The walk finishes in Lisdowney, County Kilkenny, with a bus service that returns participants to the starting car‑park. Registration (a modest donation) includes the bus fare and supports the Woodenbridge Paddlers community group.
Scenic Spots
- Woodenbridge – the historic timber bridge, a favourite photo‑op and launch point for paddlers.
- Bishop Woods – a tranquil woodland trail near Durrow, highlighted on the Discover Ireland site.
- Leafy Loop – a popular cycling circuit that skirts the river’s banks, offering panoramic views of the water and surrounding farmland.
Fishing
The Erkina is a limestone‑fed river prized by anglers for its healthy trout and pike populations. From upstream of Durrow to the confluence with the Nore, the river holds good numbers of brown trout, with notable hatches of iron blues and blue‑winged olives in the spring. The mid‑section between Rathdowney and Durrow also supports larger pike, making it a versatile spot for both game and coarse fishing.
- Permits – Day or seasonal permits are issued by Inland Fisheries Ireland. Details and online purchase are available via the iFI website (www.fishinginireland.info).
- Access points – The Woodenbridge car‑park provides a convenient launch for both anglers and paddlers. Additional informal banks exist near Bishop Woods and the Leafy Loop.
- Local advice – The Laois Angling Centre in Coolrain (near Portlaoise) can supply tackle, advice on seasonal runs, and information on nearby lakes for a change of scenery.
Wildlife & Conservation
The Erkina’s clean, slow‑flowing waters support a range of protected species. Conservation groups have highlighted the presence of the endangered pearl mussel and the vertigo snail in the river’s substrate. While most local landowners back the blueway, a small number of environmental stakeholders have raised concerns about habitat disturbance. Ongoing monitoring by the National Parks and Wildlife Service aims to balance recreation with the river’s ecological health.
Events & Festivals
The Erkina River Festival runs over a weekend in July (dates vary each year). In addition to the 10 km heritage walk, the festival hosts:
- Kayak & canoe races for beginners and experienced paddlers.
- Family fishing clinics run by the Laois Angling Centre.
- Live music at Bob’s Bar, Durrow, featuring local traditional groups.
Advance registration is encouraged; fees cover the bus service, a guide, and a small contribution to river‑conservation projects. Updates are posted on the Laois Tourism site and the Woodenbridge Paddlers’ social‑media pages.
Practical Information
The Erkina Blueway is a community‑driven initiative; there is no admission fee for paddling, walking or cycling along the route. Parking is free at the Woodenbridge car‑park, and a regular bus service operates on festival days to transport walkers between Durrow and Lisdowney. The wooden bridge remains open to pedestrians, cyclists and the occasional small boat; larger vessels are limited to the designated blueway stretch once it receives full approval from the National Trails Office.
For those interested in the blueway’s progress, the Laois County Council and the Laois Partnership have been key supporters. The project enjoys 100 % backing from landowners along the proposed route, and any future bridge works will respect the historic timber structure.
If you wish to purchase the Erkina River From Source to Sea book, you can find it at the retailers listed above or order online via the author’s social‑media links. The book’s launch was covered by the Kilkenny People and Leinster Express, offering further insight into the river’s cultural significance.
Getting There
- By Car: The river is easily accessed from the N80, with turn‑offs to Rathdowney and Durrow. Signage to the Woodenbridge car‑park is clearly marked.
- Public Transport: Bus services run between Portlaoise and Durrow; the local bus stop is a short walk from the river’s eastern bank.
Contact & Further Details
For the latest updates on the blueway, festival dates and community events, visit the Laois Tourism website or follow the Woodenbridge Paddlers on social media. The river’s official email address is not published, but enquiries can be directed to the Laois County Council’s tourism office.
*Sources: Wikipedia – River Erkina, Leinster Express – Voyage on the River Erkina, Farmers Journal – The Erkina River from Source to Sea, Fishing in Ireland – River Nore catchment (includes Erkina).