| River Faughan | |
| Name Etymology: | Fochain, character in Irish legend |
| Length: | 47.5km (29.5miles) |
| Subdivision Type1: | Sovereign State |
| Subdivision Type2: | Constituent Country |
| Subdivision Type3: | Cities |
| Basin Size: | 295km2 |
| Discharge1 Avg: | 10.72m3/s |
The River Faughan (; Irish: An Fhochaine[1]) is a river in northwest Northern Ireland.[2]
According to Lebor Gabála Érenn (11th century), Fochain was a daughter of Partholón, an ancient settler of Ireland.[3] In the Táin Bó Cúailnge, Cúchulainn meets with Medb and Fergus mac Róich in Glenn Fochaine.[4] A more prosaic etymology could be the Old Irish fochaín, "smooth-bottomed."[5]
The River Faughan rises on Sawel Mountain, north of Park and flows northwestwards through Claudy, crossing the A6 west of Drumahoe. It flows northwards on the eastern edge of Derry city, being bridged by the A2 between Campsey and Strathfoyle. The Faughan enters Lough Foyle east of Coolkeeragh power station.
The River Faughan is a brown trout and salmon fishery.[6]
"The Faughan Side" is a traditional Irish song from the early 20th century, sung by Eddie Butcher.[7]
The river gives its name to Faughan Valley Golf Club, near Eglinton.