BLACKWATER, a village

BLACKWATER, a village, in the parish of KILCROHANE, barony of DUNKERRON, county of KERRY, and province of MUNSTER, 6 miles (W.) from Kenmare, on the road from that place to Sneem: the population is returned with the parish. This small village is romantically situated on the west bank of a river of the same name, that issues from Lough Brinn, situated among the mountains, and after separating the parishes of Kilcrohane and Templenoe, flows into the estuary of Kenmare river. The banks of the Blackwater are richly clothed with wood on each side, and are so steep and lofty that the bridge across is upwards of sixty feet above the water. The river immediately beneath and above the bridge is confined in a narrow channel, and rushes over rocks in numerous cascades, while below it expands to a considerable breadth, and forms a deep basin, in which vessels may lie in safety. The bridge of two narrow and lofty arches, the salmon-leap beneath, and the richly wooded banks on each side, form a highly picturesque and interesting scene. This place is a favourite resort for salmon fly-fishing, permission for which is always granted by the proprietor on a proper application; but there is no accommodation for the angler nearer than Kenmare, where, however, there is a very good and commodious hotel. At the mouth of the Blackwater is a salmon fishery, where more than 100 fine fish are sometimes taken at a haul: it is chiefly the property of the Rev. Denis Mahony, of Dromore Castle. Fairs are held here in July and December; and petty sessions for the Blackwater district are held monthly, at Clover Field, in the adjoining parish of Templenoe.—See KILCROHANE.