river lee

Carving a course through farm- and woodland to Cork city the River lee begins its journey in the lake of the enchanting Gougane Barra Park.
The shores of the lake are linked by a causeway to Holy Island where St Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork, founded a monastery. The Feast of St Finbarr, on 25 September, signals celebrations that climax in a pilgrimage to the island on the following Sunday.
The Lee flows through several Irish -speaking market towns, and villages. Some, such as Ballingeary, with its fine lake-side views, have good angling. The town is also noted for its Irish language college.
Further east, near the town of Inchigeela , stand the ruins of Carrignacurra Castle. Further downstream lies the Gearagh, and alluvial stretch of marsh and woods which has been designated a wildlife sanctuary.
The river then passes through the Sullane valley, home of the thriving market town of Macroom. The hulk of a medieval castle, with its restored entrance lies just off the main square.