Countless tiny springs trickle down through the boggy earth, their watery threads following shallow grooves etched into the northwest facing slopes, eventually coalescing to create the Silver River. The Silver River’s ultimate destination - the salty waters of the Atlantic Ocean, by way of the Shannon - is reached westward. From its older name, Mountain River, to its 19th-century designation as the Silver River, centuries of human intervention have muted its vitality. The Silver River is severely injured, but with care and restoration, it could thrive again - if we want it. The Silver River of Slieve Bloom, by John Feehan, is published by Offaly County Council and available from offalyhistory.com

Source: The Irish Times January 17, 2026 22:10 UTC