The River Slaney’s name comes from the Irish ‘An tSláine.’ It is named after the mythological figure of Sláine who was the first High King of Ireland. According to Irish mythology, Sláine is said to have arrived in Ireland at Wexford Harbour, or ‘Inbhear Sláine’ in Irish meaning ‘river-mouth of Sláine.’
The Slaney and the smaller rivers that join it have long been used for recreational and commercial fishing. Angling for salmon during spring is popular and there are several Angling Associations. However, historical overfishing and obstructions in the river pose a risk to fish populations, as does pollution from nearby human activity.
The 32 bridges that cross the River Slaney are important to its heritage. Some of them were built during the 1700s, like the beautiful six-arch Slaney Bridge in Bunclody that also spans the River Clody, or the one downstream at nearby Clohamon that has five arches.
The Slaney was an important river during the 1798 Rebellion against British rule led by the United Irishmen. The Battle of Bunclody was fought in the town on the Slaney’s banks on 1 June 1798, and there is a memorial to the battle on the Slaney Bridge. One of the most famous songs written about the events of 1798, ‘Boolavogue,’ mentions the ‘pleasant Slaney.’ Another song about the Slaney is ‘The Streams of Bunclody.’ It was a favourite of musician Luke Kelly, and mentions a thatched building called a ‘Moss House’ that once stood on the bank upstream from Bunclody.