Sillees River

Overview

The Sillees River (Irish: An tSileas) is a modest but character‑rich waterway winding through the south‑western part of County Fermanagh. Its source lies in Lough Ahork, tucked within the Lough Navar Forest (Coill Loch na bhFear). From there the river snakes through Correl Glen, the village of Derrygonnelly, the Boho countryside, and the twin lakes of Carran and Ross Lough before emptying into Lower Lough Erne. Along its roughly 30 km course the river gathers water from several tributaries, notably the Boho River, the Screenagh (emerging from the Arch cave) and the Reyfad Stream which drains the Pollytullybrack section of the Reyfad cave system.

History & Folklore

Local tradition tells that St Faber cursed the Sillees after she altered its course, declaring the water “bad for fishing and good for drowning”. An 18th‑century tale adds the daring highwayman Black Francis Corrigan, who supposedly leapt the river on horseback after a robbery.

Celtic belief regarded rivers as boundaries to the Otherworld (Aos Sí). As noted in the Transceltic blog on Irish river mythology, waterways often acted as portals for spirits and deities, a notion that helps explain why the Sillees carries such a haunting reputation. The river’s name, An tSileas, may derive from an old Irish word for “stream that sings”, echoing its rapid sections captured in a 2017 Flickr photo of the river in Correl Glen.

Conservation, Geology & Palaeontology

The Sillees corridor is recognised for its palaeontological importance. The Habitas Earth Science Conservation Review lists the river (together with Carrick Lough) as a proposed Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) because its Carboniferous limestone exposures have yielded an exceptionally diverse silicified fauna, especially brachiopods and bryozoans. Over 56 species of early Carboniferous brachiopods and 69 species of bryozoans have been recorded, and at least one species has been named after the river itself.

Guided walks, occasionally organised by local geology societies, allow visitors to see the fossil‑rich outcrops and learn about the river’s role in the Carboniferous marine environment.

What to See & Do

Walking the Correl Glen Trail

One of the most popular ways to experience the Sillees is the Correl Glen nature trail. The 0.8‑mile (≈1 mile) circular walk begins opposite the Falls Bridge car park (grid reference H074547) and follows the river through damp, shady woodland before climbing onto heathland that offers panoramic views over the Fermanagh Scarplands and Carrick Lough.

Key highlights along the route include:

• Filmy fern clinging to the riverbanks, a classic indicator of the moist micro‑climate.
• A rich butterfly community: the Silver‑washed Fritillary (Ireland’s largest butterfly), the Holly Blue in May, and the ever‑present Speckled Wood.
• Nesting curlews and meadow pipits on moss hummocks from April to July.
• Two interpretation panels that explain the river’s geology, wildlife, and folklore.

The terrain is “undulating, quiet off‑road” with some uneven, unsurfaced sections. Sturdy footwear is advisable, and the walk is suitable for families with older children who can manage moderate footing.

Ross Lough Forest Reserve

Further downstream, the Sillees meanders through Ross Lough, a hollow among drumlins that hosts a mosaic of wetland habitats – open water, swamp, fen, and wet meadow. The lake’s water level was lowered by a historic drainage scheme, unintentionally creating a richer diversity of plant life. Visitors can spot:

• Alder and willow trees that tolerate seasonal flooding.
• Tall reeds, sedges, and bulrushes interspersed with yellow flag iris, purple loosestrife, and the rare mudwort (flowering June‑October).
• Avian life such as kingfishers nesting along the riverbanks and sedge warblers flitting among the rushes.

While there is no formal visitor centre, the reserve is freely accessible and offers tranquil boardwalks that allow close observation of the wetland flora and fauna.

Wildlife, Photography & Seasonal Highlights

The valley is a favourite spot for photographers. Early‑morning mist rolls over the river, Ross Lough and Carran Lough, creating dramatic reflections. Spring and early summer bring the peak butterfly displays and the blooming of mudwort, while autumn colours colour the surrounding woodlands. Winter can make the banks water‑logged but still atmospheric for moody shots.

Birdwatchers can also look out for kingfishers, curlews, meadow pipits and occasional sedge warblers. The rapid sections of the river, as shown in the Flickr image, add visual interest for landscape photography.

Palaeontology & Geology

For the scientifically curious, the Sillees corridor provides a field‑lab for studying Carboniferous fossils. Guided walks occasionally run in partnership with local geology societies, highlighting the brachiopod and bryozoan assemblages that have earned the river a place in academic literature.

Environmental Management & Recent News

The Sillees River has been the focus of ongoing flood‑risk discussions. In 2022 the Department for Infrastructure deemed a proposed diversion scheme – estimated at £12‑15 million – not economically viable and potentially harmful to the river’s environment (Impartial Reporter, 2022). Instead, the department continues routine watercourse maintenance, including recent clearance of silt, gravel and vegetation along a 7.5 km stretch between Glencunny Bridge and Thompsons Bridge (completed November 2021) and planned works on an additional 11 km stretch (2023).

A community resilience group, co‑chaired by the Department for Infrastructure, works with local volunteers to support residents during flood events, particularly in the Boho area where the river can overflow after heavy rain. Meetings in early 2023 highlighted continued frustration among locals over repeated flooding and the lack of a long‑term engineering solution (Belfast Live, 2023).

In early 2023 a dead cow was reported to have been lying in the river for several weeks, underscoring the complexities of responsibility between the Rivers Agency, the council and private landowners (Impartial Reporter, 2023). Visitors are advised to check recent flood alerts and avoid walking close to the water after heavy rainfall.

Practical Information

Getting there – The trailhead at Falls Bridge is signposted from the A46/B82 junctions leading to the Lough Navar Forest Drive. A modest free car park is available at the start of the walk; spaces are limited during peak times.

Public transport – The nearest town is Derrygonnelly (≈0.8 mi from the trailhead). Regular Translink bus services connect Derrygonnelly with Enniskillen and other regional hubs; check the Translink journey planner for up‑to‑date timetables.

Facilities – At the car park you’ll find two interpretation panels, a wooden bench at the viewpoint, and basic litter bins. No toilet facilities are on site, so plan accordingly. Derrygonnelly offers a café, pub and public toilets within a short walk.

Accessibility – The Correl Glen walk is off‑road and unsurfaced with uneven sections; it is moderate in difficulty and not fully wheelchair‑accessible.

Seasonality & Safety – The walk is usable year‑round, though the riverbanks can become water‑logged in winter. The Ross Lough reserve is fully flooded in the wet season, making some boardwalk sections slippery; spring and early summer are ideal for spotting the rare mudwort and active butterfly populations. Always check the latest flood warnings on the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website before setting out.

Nearby attractions – After a walk, consider visiting the historic Tully Castle (3.4 mi away) or exploring the broader Lough Navar Forest network, which offers additional lakeside walks, cycling routes, and picnic spots. The neighbouring Aghinrawn River also provides pleasant riverside walks and is worth a short detour.

Enjoy the Sillees River’s blend of natural beauty, ancient folklore and scientific intrigue – a quiet showcase of County Fermanagh’s charm.