Rivers, streams and lakes are important features of the landscape, draining parts and irrigating others. In early times, they offered food and afforded protection. They were both means of transport and obstacles to movement. Generally, their sizes and positions have altered very little over the centuries. They are ever changing and ever the same to passing generations.

There are many streams and rivulets that have not been noted in this section. Each will have a local name that varies according to the townland it meanders through.