List of rivers of Ireland

Major rivers and river systems

Prominent Irish rivers include the River Shannon (the island's longest river), and several important eastern and southern rivers. Notable examples are listed below; rivers that flow through Northern Ireland are marked with an asterisk (*).

• River Shannon
• River Barrow
• River Suir
• River Nore
• River Liffey
• River Boyne
• River Blackwater (Munster)
• River Lee
• River Corrib
• River Moy
• River Slaney
• River Bann*
• River Foyle*
• River Lagan*
• River Erne*

Characteristics and tributaries

Ireland's rivers vary from fast upland streams to broad estuarine waterways. The Shannon drains a large central basin and receives many tributaries such as the Suck and the Inny. In the southeast the Barrow, Nore and Suir form the network often referred to as the "Three Sisters." Coastal estuaries are common and provide important habitats for fish and birds.

History, economy and uses

Rivers have shaped settlement, transport and industry: they powered mills, supported fisheries (notably salmon and eel), and enabled inland navigation. Canals and river improvements linked towns—Dublin's waterways are an example—while major hydroelectric and water-supply projects (for example on the Shannon) altered flows and local economies.

Ecology, management and cross‑border issues

Irish rivers support diverse wildlife but face pressures from pollution, drainage and invasive species. Conservation and water-quality initiatives operate at national and regional level. Cross‑border rivers require cooperative management between authorities in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, especially where a river forms a political boundary or flows between jurisdictions.

When consulting names and hydrological details, note that several rivers share common names (for example multiple "Blackwater" rivers) and many have both English and Irish-language names. For complete catalogues and maps consult authoritative national sources and regional river directories.