River Laune

Overview

The River Laune (Irish: An Leamhain, from Old Irish leaṁan meaning “elm”) is a 23 km waterway that drains Lough Leane, the lowest of the Lakes of Killarney, before emptying into Castlemaine Harbour and the Atlantic. Carrying runoff from Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the river cuts through the towns of Beaufort and Killorglin, shaping a landscape where natural beauty meets centuries of human engineering. Whether you are casting a line for wild salmon, walking the historic embankments, or stopping to watch the spring tides rush under Killorglin’s limestone arches, the Laune offers a grounded, practical gateway to South Kerry’s outdoors.

Geography & Flow

The Laune’s catchment basin covers roughly 829 km², channeling rainwater from the Reeks through a network of fast-flowing tributaries. The River Loe drains the Gap of Dunloe, the Gaddagh River flows from the heart of the Reeks, and the Cottoners River carries water from the western slopes. When combined with the River Flesk (which feeds Lough Leane), the total waterway stretches to approximately 45 km.

With an average discharge of 43 m³/s, the river maintains a brisk, clear current year-round. This steady flow keeps the water oxygen-rich and shapes the riverbed into a mix of shallow riffles and deeper pools, creating ideal conditions for both wildlife and recreational visitors.

Historic Engineering & The Embankments

Long before it became a tourist destination, the Laune’s lower valley was shaped by global politics. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British navy faced a shortage of hemp for sailcloth. In response, civil engineer Alexander Nimmo was commissioned in 1811–1812 to survey and drain over 76,000 acres of Irish bogland so hemp could be cultivated without disrupting existing farmland.

Nimmo’s team constructed more than 40 km of stone-and-earth embankments, complete with sluice gates, to protect low-lying land around Castlemaine Harbour from tidal flooding. The banks, ranging from 1 to over 5 metres in height, still dominate the lower river valley today. Much of the original stonework remains intact, and sections like the Astellas Riverbank Walk and the Killorglin River Bank Walk follow these 200-year-old structures, offering a tangible link to early 19th-century civil engineering.

Killorglin’s County Bridge & River Art

Killorglin’s County Bridge, completed in 1885, replaced an older wooden structure that frequently vanished under spring tides. Built from local limestone hauled by horse and cart from Steelroe Quarries about 1 km away, the bridge features eight hand-shaped arches, each 15.24 metres long, spanning a total of 123 metres. It remains a focal point for photography and a popular resting spot for walkers.

At the eastern end of the bridge, the riverbank is framed by two public art installations. The Puck Statue and its surrounding lawn, Faiche Ri Na Phoic (Lawn of the King of Puck), were erected in 2001 by the Killorglin Millennium Committee to honour the town’s famous Puck Fair, held annually on 10–12 August. In 2010, the Puck Poets’ Corner was added nearby, displaying verses from local writers dating back to 1876. Reading the stanzas while watching the water rush beneath the arches is a quiet, rewarding pause in any day trip.

Angling & Wildlife

The Laune is a registered salmon river with healthy runs of wild brown trout, Atlantic salmon, and occasional pearl fish. The fishing season runs from 17 January to 30 September for salmon and sea trout, and 15 February to 12 October for brown trout. April through September typically offers the best water levels and fish activity.

All legal angling methods are permitted, subject to local fishery rules. Bank fishing is popular at Laune Bridge and the Beaufort stretch, though the river’s 43 m³/s flow means conditions can change quickly with rain. Permits are available from tackle dealers in Killarney and Killorglin:

Permit availability in peak months can be restricted based on demand, so booking in advance is recommended. Beyond fishing, the river corridor attracts birdwatchers. Kingfishers, grey herons, and wading birds are frequently spotted along the banks, particularly during early morning hours when the water is calmest.

Walking & The Proposed Blueway

Currently, the Laune is best experienced on foot. The well-maintained paths near Killorglin’s County Bridge and the Metal Bridge route are suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility, while the longer embankment walks offer panoramic views of the Reeks and the engineered riverbanks.

In July 2025, South Kerry councillor Tommy Cahill proposed a River Laune Blueway stretching from Lough Léin through Killorglin to Ballykissane Pier. Blueways combine water trails for kayaking and paddle-boarding with adjacent land routes for walkers and cyclists. Kerry County Council has acknowledged the potential tourism and economic benefits but noted that a project of this scale requires detailed engineering, landowner agreements, coordination with Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, and strict environmental safeguards. As of now, the proposal remains under feasibility review.

Where to Stay

Staying close to the riverbank enhances the experience, especially for anglers and early-morning walkers. Two local options are frequently recommended:

• River’s Edge B&B in Killorglin sits directly on the Laune’s banks. The property features a balcony running the full width of the house, ideal for watching salmon leap or reading with a coffee. It is a 20-minute drive from Kerry Airport and within walking distance of pubs offering live traditional music.
• Draíocht at The Pot of Gold in Beaufort is a two-bedroom cottage just a short walk from the river. It includes a private garden, ample parking, and a backyard storage shed with a hose and drying line – convenient for hanging wet-weather gear, wetsuits, or fishing equipment after a day out.

Practical Information

Access to the River Laune and its riverbanks is free. There are no entry fees for walking the historic embankments or viewing the bridges. Anglers must purchase a valid permit from local tackle shops in Killarney or Killorglin before casting.

The river’s flow rate averages 43 m³/s, which can create swift currents and slippery banks after heavy rain. Always check local weather and tide forecasts before heading out, particularly if visiting near Castlemaine Harbour where tidal surges can affect the lower reaches. Early mornings generally offer calmer water, better fishing conditions, and clearer birdwatching opportunities. For the latest permit availability and river conditions, consult local tackle shops in Killarney or Killorglin, or visit the Inland Fisheries Ireland website at fishinginireland.info.