[2] It rises near the Boggeragh Mountains and flows through several villages,[3] including the eponymous Dripsey (Irish: An Druipseach, meaning 'the muddy river'),[4][5] before joining the River Lee near the Inniscarra Reservoir.

The bridge at Athnanangle (from Irish Áth na nAingeal 'ford of the angels'), 2.6 km (1.6 mi) north-east of Aghabullogue village, is at the meeting point of Clonmoyle East and Killeenleigh.

Milner (1975) describes Athnanangle as an ancient ford associated with St. Olan of Aghabullogue and St. Lachteen of Donoughmore, marking the meeting place and dividing line between their respective parishes of Aghabullogue and Donoughmore.

[8] The Irish Tourist Association survey of 1944 gives some local folklore, as to a 'misunderstanding' between the two saints on the question of division of parochial territories.

St. Lachteen, believing a portion of his territory to be wrongfully obtained by St. Olan, is said to have remarked 'there will always be a robber at Aghabullogue', with St. Olan, considering his neighbour difficult to deal with, replying that 'Donoughmore will always have its mad dogs'.