Come West Along the Feale – Episode 4

As the River Feale continues its journey, it flows into the village of Duagh - a place shaped by the river for centuries.
Historian Mary McAuliffe explains how closely the settlement is tied to the water:
“The Feale defines both the original village, the current village, and the parish itself.”
For generations, life here revolved around the river from fishing to farming, with floods bringing both richness and risk to the land.

River Feale
Further downstream, the Feale moves towards its lower reaches, widening as it flows through North Kerry.
At the confluence with the Smearlagh River, Derry Buckley of North Kerry Anglers describes one of the river’s most important tributaries:
“The Smearlagh is probably the life of the Feale in a lot of ways… a great place as a nursery.”
This stretch of river has long been known for its fishing, though stocks have declined in recent years. Anglers, once part of a thriving community along the banks, now see a river under pressure.
“There are major concerns… the river rises very fast and goes down just as quick,” Derry says, pointing to changes in land use and water flow.

River Smearlagh
In Listowel, the river’s influence is everywhere from its early settlement to its role in trade, farming and daily life.
Former minister Jimmy Deenihan reflects on its importance:
“Without the River Feale, Listowel wouldn’t be here.”
The river also shaped the town’s cultural life, inspiring writers, musicians and generations of people who lived along its banks.
But in recent years, the Feale has shown its power once again. Flooding has caused widespread damage across North Kerry, highlighting the challenges ahead.
Despite this, the river remains central to life in the region, a source of heritage, identity and connection, as it continues its journey towards the sea.