The Ounavarra River

The Ounavarra is the river which flows into the harbour. This little river flows through Killena, Ballycanew and flows into Courtown Harbour. On a trip up the river at the Courtown end, the visitor passes through the wooded Courtown Estate with its unsurpassed variety of scenery, past the site of where Courtown House (the seat of the Courtown Family) once stood, and on to Ballinatray Bridge. The bridge which carries the main Gorey to Courtown road, spans a deep gorge, and is reputed to be one of the highest old stone-work bridges in the country. Much of this river from Ashton Bridge (1 mile downstream of Ballycanew) is controlled and managed by the Ounavarra Angler's Association. This portion of the river has been stocked with 16oz brown trout, had weirs erected etc. Day and week permits are available. There is a bag limit of three brown trout per day. The rest of the river can be fished free. There is a good run of sea trout from June to September and a few salmon, July to September. Best fishing is on associated waters close to Courtown. Day tickets required and are normally sold at Whitmore's Jewellers,

Main Street, Gorey, (053 94) 21351.