The Nore River Catchment

The Nore drains approximately 2,540 square kilometers of Leinster and Munster and is one of the significant catchments in the southeast along with its sisters; The Suir and the Barrow.  The main landuse is agriculture with dairy and cattle farming being dominant. 

The population of the catchment is approximately 100,000 people with Kilkenny being the largest urban area;  other significant towns include Mountrath, Durrow and Abbeyleix in Co Laois, and  Callan and Thomastown in Kilkenny.  The main channel is joined by many tributaries; the Mountrath, the Erkina near Durrow, the Dinan, the Breagagh in Kilkenny City, the Kings and  the Little Arrigle near Thomastown.

The river is a valued amenity and used for water sports particularly kayaking, swimming at a number of designated locations, angling and walking.  There are a number of well established Kayak clubs throughout the catchment and Trail Kilkenny manages and promotes the trails in Kilkenny.