It’s a well-known fact: Ireland is a fisherman’s paradise! Whether you’re fishing for trout, salmon or pike, not to mention the countless species at sea, here’s a quick overview of the legislation in force in Ireland regarding your rights and duties in terms of fishing.
Fishing in Ireland isn’t as simple as grabbing your rod and reel and setting off on an adventure to find any spot that might interest you. Although tempting, it’s important to remember that the country is very concerned about preserving its waters and the species that live there, and has very strict rules on fishing.
Ireland also has a precise list of authorized and prohibited places for fishing, species…etc.
In addition, depending on the type of fishing, you may or may not be required to present a fishing permit and license. Before taking the plunge, we advise you to contact the local tourist office to make sure you have the necessary authorization to fish there. Please note that these authorizations may vary according to the season.
For further information, please contact the Central Fisheries Office and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Here’s what you need to know:
Salmon and sea trout are protected species in Ireland. You can fish them, but you can’t do just anything.
So you’ll need to buy a license, which grants you fishing rights in certain defined areas. This license comes with wristbands, which must be attached to every plug you keep.
Among your other obligations, you must record every catch in a logbook supplied with your license.
After your fishing trip, this booklet must be sent to the Inland Fisheries Ireland issuing office by October 19 each year. It doesn’t matter if the logbook is blank: you must return the logbook and any unused wristbands. This ensures complete traceability of all catches made throughout the year.
You can buy your license in physical stores selling fishing tackle, or online at store.fishinginireland.info. The price is variable, and the regulations associated with the license will be provided at the same time.
But beware: not all licenses are alike. Some are national, while others are regional. Their duration also varies.
You can choose to buy a license according to its duration, but also according to its district (fishing zone). Here’s an example of the licenses and durations available:
A fishing licence is required for sea trout and salmon.
ATTENTION: the purchase of a license is not sufficient to obtain authorization to fish. You’ll also need to buy a fishing permit (between €25 and €50 a day: rates depend on the fishing area you wish to fish).
A fishing permit in Ireland can be issued in the same way as a license. Don’t hesitate to ask at a local tackle store or fishery.
Of course, the rules differ depending on the fishing sector. Generally speaking, however, Irish regulations recommend a limit of 10 fish per year (fish kept and not released after capture).
Please note:
But this limit also depends on your license. If you’ve opted for a daily license, you’ll only be entitled to one kept catch per day.
It is also forbidden to fish with worms or treble hooks “once the quota of fish caught has been reached”.
Good to know:
The regulations also specify that“no sea trout caught in the western region (Galway & Mayo) or in the Clew Bay area (north-west region) may be retained”. So you need to be vigilant about the rules in these parts of Ireland.
Pike fishing regulations are slightly less demanding and complex than those for salmon and sea trout. Among the imperatives, the most important are :
