In the final episode of ‘Come West Along the Feale’, the River Feale reaches its final journey through North Kerry, flowing from Scartlea Dam towards the Cashen Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, the programme explores the wildlife, fishing traditions and communities shaped by the river for generations.
At Scartlea Dam, John O’Sullivan of Killocrim/Finuge Angling Club describes the importance of the river’s salmon runs and the deep connection local communities still have with the water.
“We’re privileged to think that there’s still salmon in the river.”
But concerns remain over water quality, pollution and the future of fish stocks, with calls for greater protection of the river and its habitat.
Further downstream, the Feale begins to widen and slow as tidal waters influence the river below Finuge Bridge. Fisheries Inspector Catherine Hayes of Inland Fisheries Ireland describes the importance of the estuary habitat:
“These areas are incredibly productive and important feeding and nursery grounds for fish and also for birds as well.”
The programme highlights the wide variety of wildlife found here, from salmon and sea trout to wading birds, otters and kingfishers.
Producer Connie Broderick & Historian Tom Dillon at the confluence of the River Brick and the River Feale
At Ennismore, historian Tom Dillon recalls how generations of families depended on the river for fishing, transport and trade.
“People lived their lives down here during the fishing season,” he explains, describing how salmon from the Feale were once exported to markets in London and beyond.
The episode also explores the history of fishing rights, traditional net fishing and the major drainage works carried out along the Feale and Cashen during the 1950s.
As the river finally becomes the Cashen Estuary near Ballybunion, the series reflects on the pressures facing the Feale catchment today from agricultural runoff and wastewater discharge to climate change and habitat loss.
Despite these challenges, the River Feale remains one of most important natural features, connecting communities, wildlife and generations of history before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean
