If Ireland is famous for its lush green landscapes, castles, megaliths and seaside cliffs, it’s also a picturesque and impressive fishing destination. A true concentrate of wild nature, the island has the advantage of mild temperatures all year round. This makes the climate and waters constant, which means that almost any time of year is ideal for fishing!
If you, too, dream of casting your line in Ireland’s fishy waters, here’s a look at some of the best fishing destinations in Ireland.
Dingle and a fishing boat – © Dawid
The Dingle Peninsula is one of the most spectacular sites on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Situated in the far south-west of Ireland, it offers some of the island’s most beautiful scenery, with lush green valleys, sandy beaches and rocky outcrops… not to mention its legendary archaeological sites.
This magnificent site is home to one of the greatest variety of species to be found in Irish coastal waters. These include sea bass, blue shark and several species of ray, including the stingray.
The River Moy in County Sligo is Ireland’s most famous salmon river. Extremely rich in fish, anglers catch more than 6,000 salmon a year! A staggering figure, which just goes to show how rich its crystal-clear water is!
This is the waterway through which most of the region’s salmon pass. Thus, spring salmon arrive in the river from April to June… while July is the peak period for salmon runs on the Moy River.
Here, fishing is mainly by fly, cast or bait.
Some bodies of water are better suited to each method than others. Fishing enthusiasts can usually get advice from a local bait store and fromInland Fisheries Ireland. You’ll find a number of private and club-owned stretches along the river, but most offer permits at a reasonable price.
Inisheer – © Gabriela
If you want to try your luck in the Atlantic, don’t hesitate to visit Galway Bay. The playground is gigantic, and the possibilities for excursions endless.
Many companies offer complete outings, including fishing guides and tackle, to Spiddal or Rossaveal. If you have a driving licence, you can also hire a boat and try your luck.
We particularly recommend fishing on the Aran Islands (including Inishmore, where a short stop for tourists is highly recommended), and further south, along the rocky Burren coast, beneath the majestic Cliffs of Moher (the scenery is breathtaking).
You can fish for sea bass, mullet and blue shark.
Ladies View, Killarney National Park – © borisb17
Would you like to discover the Lakes of Killarney in County Kerry? They are set in breathtaking surroundings, between mountains, forests and lush moorland.
These 3 lakes are part of the Rivière Laune watershed. Salmon, brown trout and sea trout are found here. Everything is usually fly-fished, but beware: there are some extremely strict regulations for sea trout and salmon on the river.
Make sure you get the facts before you start fishing!
Fishing is free for anglers on the following lakes: Lough Leane, Upper Lake, and Muckross Lake.
If you like fly fishing, the River Boyne is one of Ireland’s most important wild trout rivers. The river lies in the Boyne valley, surrounded by rolling farmland and marshy meadows. Some of its tributaries are renowned trout fishing grounds, notably the Kells Blackwater.
On average, wild trout weigh between 1 and 3 kilos. The quantity of fish in this river is nothing short of remarkable, which explains its popularity with anglers. Salmon also frequent the river, offering good fishing from June onwards.
Fishing clubs and private owners control sections of the river, but permits are available for most stretches of the waterway.
Derryclare lough in Connemara – © Nick Fox
Our tour would not be complete without mentioning Connemara’s famous lakes! Connemara is a mountainous region to the west of Galway. A wilderness par excellence, it’s acclaimed for its impressive landscapes, russet moorland, towering mountains and the beauty of its dark, fish-filled lakes.
It’s precisely here, in these glacial lakes, that you’ll find trout and salmon of great beauty.
Don’t hesitate to visit the fisheries of Delphi, Erriff, Kylemore and Inagh. Here you can fly-fish in an extraordinary setting, where nature reigns supreme!
If you’re more into carp fishing, we invite you to Lakeland Fishery, in County Roscommon, Ireland. It’s a natural area combining 3 lakes of great beauty.
It is possible to fish here, provided you buy a day ticket.
The largest lake, Swan Lake, is the most popular spot, with carp reaching up to 18kgs! Monsters that will make fishing enthusiasts green with envy.
The icing on the cake: Lakeland Fishery stretches over almost 6 hectares, and in addition to its lakes, has cosy, comfortable yurts to combine a fishing holiday with every possible comfort!
Lough Corrib – Denis Simonet – cc
If you decide to explore the west of Ireland, don’t miss the Great Lakes region. These are the last wild trout lakes in Europe. Their high-quality waters are home to some of Ireland’s finest trout. Just look at their size and weight: most of them weigh between one and two kilos each, and have fragrant, tasty flesh!
If you feel like giving it a try, there are 5 lakes to choose from:
All these lakes have a high concentration of limestone. This characteristic makes the trout extremely productive, and ensures that the waters are full of fish!
What’s more, these waters are also home to the “ferox trout”, a fish considered the grail by anglers! Its fast-growing organism produces fish weighing up to 9 kilos, making it a delight to eat!
If you’re more into salmon, we particularly recommend Lough Corrib and Lough Conn. They’re a great catch!
Pike spawn in most of the lakes mentioned above. Don’t hesitate to try your luck!
Lough Currane is a lake renowned for its sea trout. Located in Waterville, County Kerry, this lake is set against the spectacular backdrop of the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula.
The lake is just upstream from the sea, providing easy access to the large numbers of salmon and sea trout that return every year.
There are also populations of wild brown trout. Something to brighten up your day!
Cobh – © susanne2688
Cork Harbour is one of the world’s great natural harbours. Its unique features, such as a sheltered bay, indented coastline, shallow mudflats, sandy beaches and waterways ranging from deep shipping channels to quiet coves, make it a paradise for sea anglers.
That’s why so many fishing boats set sail from Cork and Cobh to try their hand at fly fishing, as well as sport fishing for bass and mullet… Other fascinating species include blonde skate, cod, pollack, conger eel and blue shark, which can be found off the mouth of the harbor.
Many companies offer deep-sea boat hire or deep-sea fishing excursions. The advantage is obvious, as most of the equipment is provided, and you’ll benefit from the invaluable advice of local guides. Perfect for an introduction or to deepen your existing knowledge!
Old Head, Kinsale – Malin Head – © carrigphotos
West Cork is one of the treasures of the Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal route along the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a succession of bays, beaches and estuaries, all ideal for casting your line in Ireland’s rich waters.
On the menu: sea bass, cod, saithe, pollack… The possibilities are endless!
If you’re looking for a place to stay, look no further than Kinsale, a colorful Irish village that lives to the rhythm of the tides and the ocean. The village, with its centuries of fishing history, offers a wide range of boat trips to find the fish of your dreams.
Another good place to stop for seasonal fishing information from the locals is the Halfway Angling tackle store, on the road between Cork and Clonakilty.
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