River Maine (County Kerry)
| River Maine Mang | |
|---|---|
 River Maine near Currans | |
| Etymology | Possibly Old Irish mang, "[female?] fawn" |
| Native name | An Mhaing (Irish) |
| Location | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Cities | Castlemaine, Currans, Castleisland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Tobermaing, County Kerry |
| Mouth | |
• location | Atlantic Ocean via Castlemaine Harbour |
| Length | 42.6 kilometres (26.5 mi) |
| Basin size | 399 square kilometres (154 sq mi) |
| Discharge | |
| • average | 0.53 m3/s (19 cu ft/s) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries | |
| • left | , |
The River Maine (Irish: An Mhaing[1]) is a river in County Kerry, Ireland.[2][3]
History and legend[]
According to an ancient tradition recorded in Lebor Gabála Érenn, three rivers "burst forth" during the reign of Fíachu Labrainne as High King of Ireland. One was Innbhear Mainge — the Maine. The Annals of the Four Masters contains the same story, but spells it Mand.
The Metrical Dindshenchas records Inber Cíchmaine, cid cress, gáet co líth-baile láech-bress Maine ergna, úais ella, mac Medba ocus Ailella. ("At Inber Cichmaine, though it be narrow, was slain (a mighty onslaught) far-famed Maine, son of Medb and Ailell, exulting in fury of warlike combats.")[4][5]
A possible etymology is from Old Irish mang, referring to a fawn or young deer.[6]
The Maine was the traditional division of the Kingdom of Desmond: south of the Maine was controlled by the Gaelic MacCarthys, while north of the Maine was controlled by the Norman Earl of Desmond.
Course[]
The River Maine rises at Tobermaing and flows westwards. It passes through Castleisland and under the N23, then meets its main tributary, the . It continues through Currans and is bridged by the N22. In Castlemaine it passes under the N70, flows past the Ardcanaght Stones and enters the harbour.
Pollution[]
In 2014 the river was reported as polluted with ammonia.[7]
Wildlife[]
The River Maine is a noted salmon and sea trout fishery. The brook lamprey also lives in it.[8]
See also[]
References[]
- ^ "An Mhaing/River Maine". logainm.ie.
- ^ http://www.wfdfish.ie/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Ballysadare.pdf[bare URL]
- ^ http://www.epa.ie/licences/lic_eDMS/090151b280529f23.pdf[bare URL]
- ^ "The Metrical Dindshenchas".
- ^ "The Metrical Dindshenchas".
- ^ "EDIL - Irish Language Dictionary".
- ^ "Experts attempt to trace sources of Kerry river pollution". 8 April 2014.
- ^ "Brook lampreys spawning in the River Maine". Lamprey Surveys. 10 April 2014.
Coordinates: 52°13′42″N 9°19′42″W / 52.228373°N 9.328336°W
- Rivers of County Kerry
- Ireland river stubs