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Best places to go fishing in Dublin

Last Updated on 03/13/2020 by Brian John

Dublin is a great place to live in and a popular travel destination for tourists. But one thing that you probably didn’t know about Dublin is that it has an established community of fishers, and there are many spots in and around Dublin where you can catch anything from trout to mackerel. In fact, there are many services offered to fishers where they can go out on a boat and spend a whole day trying their luck in catching some fish. Fishing in Dublin usually doesn’t require a license, and you are free to fish all year round. However, if you wish to fish for salmon, mollusks, or sea bass, you’d need to have a state license, as these species are protected by law in Ireland. You also might need a fishing permit if you want to fish on a privately owned body of water.

dublin fishing trips

How to get around Dublin

But before you can spin your bait and wait for that lucky catch, you need a way to get around Dublin. Getting on public transportation is probably not your best choice as you’ll be carrying a lot of fishing gear. That’s why it’s best to either have a local friend who can give you a lift or catch a taxi to whichever fishing venue you’re going. Taxi can also be your preferred choice if you want to go out into the suburbs to fish in the Dublin bay area or along the coastline.

Freshwater fishing in Dublin

Even though Dublin is so close to the seaside, there are surprisingly many freshwater rivers and lakes in and around the city that are great for fishing. In general, fishing in Ireland isn’t overregulated, but you do need to adhere to some laws. For example, you can only catch freshwater fish by rod and line, and using more than two rods at a time is illegal. It’s also illegal to use live fish as bait, and some waters may have "fly-only" regulations. Depending on ownership or location, some other restrictions may be in place.

Phoenix Park is a popular spot for coarse fishing. There’s a lake about 2 acres in size on the premises of the park, which holds different breeds of carp, like the common and mirror carp, as well as more exotic koi or ghosts that people have released into the lake. You can also get your chance at catching some rudd, eel, perch, roach, bream, tench, and hybrids. River Liffey is running along the southern border of the park. You may need to walk around for a bit to find good access to water, but it’s well worth the effort. It’s quite an amazing experience, and you don’t even need to leave the city for it.

River Rye holds sufficient numbers of trout and pike. It’s a spectacular spot located just a few minutes away from Dublin City. There’s a lot of wildlife, and the view is truly picturesque. There’s a great chance that you won’t meet another angler when fishing there, which makes for a satisfying experience. River Rye produces a generous variety of species, including dace, trout, grayling, and chub.

Fun fact! Just about half an hour away from Dublin, there’s the Lyreen Fishery in Maynooth with a thriving carp lake. There were instances of people catching fish that weighed well over 40 pounds. However, the new records haven’t been officially documented.

Rifer Liffey is also quite popular when it comes to coarse fishing. You can often see large shoals of mullet swimming around, even more so if there’s a tide coming. The river is deep and fast flowing in some places, so it’s excellent for fishing for wild brown trout, salmon, and even sea trout. A popular fishing technique here is using bread on the float or crab baits. Ground baiting is essential for a good catch. Bottom fishing may produce the occasional flounder and some bass.

dublin fishing trips

Sea fishing in Dublin

When it comes to sea fishing in Dublin, there’s a lot of spots you can check out. The whole of the east side of the city neatly hugs the Dublin bay, giving you a diverse and lively coastline with lots of species roaming in the waters. Coarse fishing might be more popular, so sea fishing and shore fishing are like a hidden gem yet to be discovered.

Howth is an outer suburb of Dublin, located 15 km from the city centre, which occupies most of the Howth Head peninsula. It’s always been a major fishing center, and even now, there’s a busy commercial fishing port in Howth. Many find it a good place for angling and game fishing as well. Seasoned fishers say that it’s better to wait till summer to get a good catch in Howth. But if you venture out as far as Greystones, you might get lucky and get some doggies, whiting, or rockling.

Tip! The harder the access, the better the fishing. This sounds like some kind of old wisdom passed down the generations of fishermen. Yet, it carries some truth in it. Probably, the reason for this is that if a spot is harder to access, fishers are less likely to exhaust the supply of fish. So, they may say that there’s plenty of fish to catch in the sea, but it really depends on where you’re going as your fishing destination.

Sutton on the Northside of Dublin and right next to Howth is another fishing destination you might want to consider. Anglers here can try pier, rock, and boat fishing. If you go over to the channel, bottom fishing there will produce flatfish and even bass. Or, if you want to gather crab and mussel, go to the low water at the rocky ground east of the Martello Tower.

Fishing charters and boat angling venues

Dublin is a bay city, which opens a lot of opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Spinning off the pier is popular with both locals and tourists. Many boat owners offer fishing charters. They’ll take you out into the sea, and you can spend the whole day trying to get that catch. There are even guided tours for those who want to go fishing for Atlantic salmon and sea trout, and others offering pike fishing by boat. The variety of species roaming in the sea is alluring. When fishing on the pier or at anchor over sand, you can get ray, codling, dogfish, conger, dogfish, dab, codling, whiting, or even mackerel and flatfish when in season.

As surprising as it might sound, despite being a capital city, Dublin still has something to offer for those who prefer more of an outdoorsy kind of entertainment. So consider choosing it as your next travel destination, and don’t forget to pack some of that fishing gear!

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Dublin Fishing Trips and Tours

Dublin's most experienced fishing charter company.

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WELCOME TO DUBLIN FISHING TRIPS AND TOURS

Dublin's Leading And Most Experienced Fishing Charter Company

Dublin Fishing Trips & Tours Is Dublin's Leading and Most Experienced Fishing Charter Company with Over 20 years Experience bringing you Great Days Fishing with some great Fishing Spots and also giving you the chance to see Ireland from the water.

OUR BOAT - THE LISIN 1

The Lisín 1 is an offshore 105, 10meters in length.  Fully insured for up to 12 people She has a licence for 30 NM off shore She has full safety equipment life jackets/safety raft ext . She has state of the art equipment on board sonar/radar/GPS ext Has toilet/cooker etc All our rods/reels are top quality. Tea/coffee/ bottled water supplied

Fishing Trips 

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Species include mackerel/cod/rass/pollock/Gurnard/codling/flounder/tope/ray/smoothhound/bull huss/dogfish and many more depending on the season.

Tours include:

  • Rockabeil light house
  • Lambay Island by sea
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And we can custom your tours to suit you.

Duration of the fishing/tour trip is 7 hours from departure to arrival.  Although if we are on the fish we might squeeze in an extra hour depending on the tide!

LOADS of local knowledge with over 25 years experience

Prices as follows

  • €650 per party of up 10 persons - 7hr round trip
  • €400 half day trip for up to 10 persons
  • €75 euro for individual places

Rods/reels/gear Tea/coffee/bottled water Included in the price.

Dublin Fishing Trips & Tours is owned by Jim Darcy. Jim has lived and fished here all his life. As a guide, he will show you the best fishing locations, advise you on baits and methods and then allow you the freedom to explore by yourself. He fully understands the needs and interests of the experienced enthusiast.

Jim is especially interested in sea fishing. He experiments with methods old and new to land a catch. From trolling lures/deadbaits to the more modern methods of fly-fishing and jerk-baiting he is experienced in many techniques.

He founded Dublin Fishing Trips & Tours with the aim of sharing his years of expertise with others, as well as doing what he loves.

CONTACT US TODAY

Phone Jim on 087 151 3316

Or use the form below and Jim will contact you back asap.

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Howth, Ireland: Dublin’s Favorite Fishing Town

The View From the Cliff Walk in Howth, Ireland on a Sunny Day

Howth is the Perfect Small Village for a Break from the City

By Mary Govoni

Howth Harbor is home to countless sailboats and fishing charters

Dublin is a city founded on a unique and unmatched Irish charm. Spend a day here and you’re guaranteed to notice it everywhere you go.

It’s hidden in the cobblestone alleyways that diverge from O’Connell Street, it rings true in the voices of the performers along Grafton Street, and it is undeniably present in the first sip of a pint of Guinness in any of those Temple Bar pubs.

And it’s because of this charm that anyone can feel at home in this city.

Yet, as travelers, this feeling of comfort can only take us so far. We crave the new, the different, the places that allow us to truly picture what life in this foreign place is really like.

We want to experience life in Ireland the way the Irish do. Call it the luck of the Irish, but Dublin once again does not disappoint.

There are countless options to escape the hustle and bustle that the heart of Dublin thrives upon, and there are even more reasons to do so. The main one is a town called Howth .

In Dublin City, look out for the double decker 31A that brings you to Howth.

Getting There

When you find yourself walking down O’Connell Street, keep an eye out for the 31A bus – it’s hard to miss since it is a bright yellow, double-decker variety.

Flag it down, hand the driver a 2-euro coin with a smile, and head up the stairs to sit on the top level of the bus for the best view. The farther you get outside the city, the better the view will get.

On the 31A you’ll be heading north – up through the city, through Clontarf, Killbarrack, and Sutton, all while taking in the stunning views of Dublin Bay.

Views such as the rugby match on the nearby pitches, the harmonious contrast of different colored house fronts, and the seemingly endless sand stretching across Bull Island in the bay that begin to paint the picture of Irish life.

When your view transitions into the DART Railway station out one window and the outline of Howth Castle from the opposite, you’ll know you’ve arrived.

And the second you step off the bus, (don’t forget to say “cheers!” to the bus driver), you’ll feel as though you’re on a completely different island than Dublin City.

The Summit Inn is one of Howth's most popular pubs to watch the football and rugby matches. Go Leicester!

In Howth, the air is cool from the slight bay breeze and feels slightly saltier than the city air.

The only way you’ll truly be reminded you’re still in County Dublin will be the smiling faces and the “how ya gettin’ on’s” from the Howth locals in pubs, shops, and on the streets.

Shops, Markets, and  Restaurants in Howth

Whether you’re an avid fisherman, crafter, hiker, or just a fish and chip lover, Howth welcomes you with open arms. The main street runs parallel to the harbor and boasts countless picks of cafes, seafood shacks, and ice cream shops.

These family-owned businesses pride themselves on their use of the freshest, local ingredients. A must-try here in Howth is the fish and chips, which comes directly from the local fishermen’s daily catch, just across the street in the harbor.

Fish and chips in Howth is a must! Try it with mashed peas and homemade tartar sauce.

Try it with the homemade tartar sauce, or if you really want to adopt the Irish lifestyle, douse it in salt and vinegar.

On sidewalks that diverge from the main street, you’ll find a variety of artisan shops quietly tucked away between two home fronts.

Extraordinary Local Crafts

The crafts themselves are extraordinary, from handmade woodworking to floral arrangements to knit caps – if you’re looking for a unique gift or souvenir and nothing else, Howth is still worth a trip.

But the best gifts in these shops are the store owners themselves. If you get the chance, ask them about their craft and their story.

Every one of them is different, and every one of them is inspiring enough to make you want to quit your job and move to this little town.

While postcard shopping, I found myself talking to the owner of a small shop and a Howth local.

Howth hosts many farmers markets where locals sell their homemade foods and goods.

Noticing my accent, she asked where I was from – having heard Boston (or “the Dublin of America” as she called it) she was ecstatic. She had been a literature professor and had done many visiting lectures.

Upon her retirement, she moved to Howth to start her own craft shop and has never left since. She loved nothing more than speaking with the town’s visitors every day.

She told me, “It’s a big world, I see a lot of different people in this little town, but nowhere will ever compare to Howth for me”. I thanked her for sharing her stories, paid my two euro for my postcard, and continued onward with my exploration.

Howth Cliff Walk

If you’re looking to work off some of the Guinness and the brown bread that you’ve been enjoying in Dublin, Howth is also the right place to do so. Along the coast runs the Howth Cliff Walk , a 6-kilometer trail that leads you up steep paths and stone steps all while maintaining stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Keep an eye out for gray seals and countless species of Atlantic birds. One sight you won’t be able to miss is the expansive wildflowers, the brilliant yellows and purples provide the perfect contrast to the greens and blues of the natural Irish landscape.

When you look out and see the lighthouse in the distance you know you're getting close to the Summit.

The cliff walk is not taxingly strenuous, however, there are a few points where the path narrows and the drop-offs can be steep. Yet, the views from this walk will take any traveler’s breath away.

A day in Howth is almost guaranteed to leave you with tired legs, unique souvenirs, and a new high standard for fresh fish and chips.

Head back towards the city via the 31A, and in 30 minutes you’ll be back along O’Connell Street, in the hustle and bustle of Dublin.

Welcome Back to Dublin

Howth market place is busiest on Sunday afternoons.

Once again you’ll feel the initial confusion of whether or not you’re even on the same landmass as you were less than an hour ago, but the Dublin city charm will welcome you right back.

Howth serves as a perfect opportunity to experience the small-town Irish lifestyle not far from the River Liffey.

After a day in Howth, the only thing left to do is to cozy yourself up in an Irish pub and say “Slainte” to a day well spent.

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Malahide Charter Boat

dublin fishing trips

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There is something mystical about islands. County Dublin’s offshore islands are peaceful havens where nature and wildlife can thrive undisturbed by the city's influence. Cliffs, beaches, rocky outcrops, shrubs and grassland provide perfect habitats for a whole plethora of birds. There are endless opportunities for bird-watching with the added possibility of seeing dolphins and seals.

Malahide Charter Boat has three different offerings; sightseeing and marine wildlife tours around Lambay Island, summer mackerel fishing trips, and sea angling for the more experienced angler.

The vessel, Naomi Leigh, is fully licensed and insured to carry twelve passengers and has all the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment. Available for group and individual bookings.

Malahide itself is an established and popular visitor attraction with ample car parking and the area is serviced by both bus and rail. For bookings please call, text or email.

dublin fishing trips

What's On In Dublin

Things to do in dublin.

Fishing in Dublin

Fishing in Dublin

Ireland is one of the most popular sport fishing destinations in Europe and with good reason, too. The rivers, lakes and reservoirs around Dublin can provide good sport for wild brown trout and rainbow trout. The wild brown trout season is generally from March to September. Check with the local angling club for exact dates.

The Liffey, Dargle, Dodder, Rye Water and Tolka are all popular river venues whilst the reservoirs at Bohernabreena, Leixlip and Pollaphuca cater for the stillwater angler. A number of well managed ‘put and take’ fisheries also form part of the game angling options available in Dublin and surrounding counties.

Rory's Fishing Tackle

Rory's was established in 1959 and is the premier tackle and bait centre for sea, coarse and Fly anglers in Dublin, Ireland. We have been supplying fishing tackle for over 59 years from our premises in Temple Bar. We despatch thousands of items each year to our customers worldwide and always attempt to stock the latest,top quality goods at the best possible prices. We also provide a full range of sea and freshwater baits.

Keith McDonnell Fly Fishing Instructor

I am a Fly Fishing nut based in Dublin in Ireland. I have over twenty years experience of fly fishing for trout, salmon and other species. I have fished extensively in many of the great fishing destinations in the world including: New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Tasmania, Iceland, France, Italy, Spain..

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A selection of Dublin’s top fishing spots

Posted May 26, 2022 in More

dublin fishing trips

Away from sampling Ireland’s finest food and drink and enjoying the nightlife that Dublin has to offer, some people flock to the Emerald Isle to enjoy a spot of fishing. Of course, more rural areas in Ireland are undoubtedly their main focus, but many fishermen and fisherwomen do try their luck in some of Dublin’s finest rivers and lakes.

A popular travel destination for tourists overall, Dublin also has a strong community of people who enjoy fishing. From visitors to locals, fishing in Dublin is a popular activity, especially given the selection of fish people can catch. From freshwater trout to the type of bass you’ll see in the Big Bass Bonanza online game , there are some excellent opportunities to catch an array of fish in the city. In the main, fishing in Dublin doesn’t require a license either, unless you’re aiming to catch salmon, molluscs, or the aforementioned sea bass, which requires a state license. In terms of private bodies of water, they generally need a fishing permit also, although most people who fish on a regular basis have one anyway. Once you’re set up and good to go, some of Dublin’s top spots are well worth trying for yourself. Below is a look at some of the top fishing spots for both sea fishing and freshwater fishing.

The Lyreen Fishery

Located around 30 minutes outside of the city centre in Maynooth, the Lyreen Fishery is another go-to option for many people who fish. A large lake filled with carp, some people have recorded catches weighing over 40 pounds according to reports. Fishery’s don’t appeal to everyone but you’ll almost certainly catch there.

The River Liffey

A particularly popular spot with people who fly fish , The River Liffey, which runs along the southern area of the aforementioned Phoenix Park, is well worth a fish also, although getting there is a bit of a walk. Once you manage to nail down your perfect spot, though, then you’re more than likely to see shoals of fish, particularly mullet, with the faster flowing areas of the river usually containing wild brown trout, salmon, and the occasional sea trout. You might catch the odd bass, too.

Now, onto sea fishing and, more specifically, Howth. Howth is an outer Dublin suburb that has a strong historical connection to fishing. A thriving area for fishing, on the whole, there is a busy commercial port there, with keen anglers and game fishermen and fisherwomen gathering there, particularly in the summer months. Considering Howth is located just 15 km from the city centre, you could maybe even combine a freshwater session with an afternoon of sea fishing also. Howth its most definitely one of the most popular sea fishing spots in Dublin, though. With that in mind, be sure to book your charter or boat angling venue as soon as possible.

Another active fishing location is on the Northside of the city in Sutton, an area that is known to have a large population of bottom-feeding fish, such as flatfish and even the occasional bass. Anglers can also try a selection of different techniques at Sutton, with the opportunity to try pier, rock or boat fishing there. Overall, it’s a great place to fish.

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Trout fishing on the River Liffey Ireland

The rivers, lakes and reservoirs around Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow can provide good sport for wild brown trout and rainbow trout. The wild brown trout season is generally from March to September. Check with the local angling club for exact dates. The Liffey, Dargle, Dodder, Rye Water and Tolka are all popular river venues whilst the reservoirs at Bohernabreena, Leixlip and Pollaphuca cater for the stillwater angler.

Managed fisheries

A number of well managed ‘put and take’ fisheries also form part of the game angling options available in Dublin and surrounding counties. Game angling is controlled by Angling Associations and riprarian owners. Anglers should ensure they seek the necessary permission before fishing.

Trout fishing on the River Liffey Ireland

Rivers and stillwaters

The Liffey is the jewel in the crown offers some of the finest river trout fly fishing in Ireland. Consequently, Dublin is a fine base for the trout fisher on the East coast. In addition to the Liffey, there are several other options, all within easy reach of the City centre. There are six rivers and two reservoirs located in the county. So, why not give one of them a try.

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Lough Derg is home to many pike as the natural food supply is plentiful…

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Welcome to Irish Fishing Tours

Welcome to Lough Derg , the largest and most southerly of the lakes on Ireland’s majestic River Shannon. Conveniently situated in County Tipperary, in the heart of Ireland, This 13,000 hectare lake attracts anglers seeking to combine some of the best fishing in Ireland with a unique holiday experience. We invite you to join us in this magical location.

At Irish Fishing Tours, we would be delighted to organise your fishing holiday. Our comprehensive packages include a guiding service, tackle hire, food and accommodation. Using our local knowledge, we have carefully selected a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

Lough Derg’s shoreline is dotted with scenic harbours and villages. Local pubs ring with the sound of traditional music and restaurants serve the best in local food. In the evenings, share stories – real or imagined – in the pub with friendly locals.

From our base in the beautiful harbour village of Garrykennedy , we will guide you to some of the country’s best pike fishing.   Garykennedy is located in County Tipperary, feted in song in “It’s a long way to Tipperary”. But with a choice of 3 airports all less than 2 hours away, your Irish fishing trip could not be closer.

This Project has been part-funded by North Tipperary LEADER Partnership under The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 which is financed by the EU through the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development and by the National Exchequer through the National Development Plan.

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5 Best Fly Fishing Spots in Ireland

Picture of Nick Wharton

  • By Nick Wharton
  • August 3, 2022
  • Category: Ireland

I’ve been fly fishing for my entire life and traveling around the world in search of the best fly fishing destinations. One thing is for sure, Ireland is always near the very top of the list.

It may be believed that fly fishing didn’t begin to be popularized until the 15th century and was based primarily in England, but Ireland and Scotland quickly followed suit, and today, Ireland is likely the best fly fishing destination in all of Europe. 

Glistening lakes are interconnected by crystal clear rivers and streams that meander their way through the green farm pastures and natural meadows until they reach the wave-battered coast. 

This is a place where trout and bass frequent the waters, and where large Atlantic salmon come in from the ocean and haunt the dreams of anglers who visit here. 

Hooking into a 25 lb salmon on the end of an 8 weight fly rod is the dream of most fly fishermen who make the journey to Ireland.

If you’re an angler and fly fishing in Ireland hasn’t been on your bucket list, it should be after reading this.

In this post, I’m going to list 5 of the best places for fly fishing in Ireland. Here it goes.

In This Post:

1. Waterville

2. the great western lakes, 3. the river moy, 4. the river boyne, 5. the dingle peninsula, enjoy fly fishing in ireland.

  • Species: Mainly Brown Trout, Sea Trout, Salmon and Bass
  • Nearby Camping: Manix Point Camping & Caravan Park (from €8.50 pp)
  • Best Spot: Lough Currane

Most of the best fly fishing in County Kerry , Ireland will be along the Owenmore River, which passes through 9 lakes inside of 300 acres of pristine countryside.

Salmon, grilse, and sea trout start their run in April and continue on through the spring, the summer, and right into the fall in October.

Lough Currane

The higher altitude lakes of Kerry are home to large brown trout and Arctic Char. The fisheries in this part of Ireland are wild stock and fully self-sustaining their populations.

There are more than 33 named fly fishing pools in a 5 miles stretch of the Owenmore, but that’s not all Kerry has to offer anglers.

The Coomcalle Mountains have fantastic fishing opportunities and the lakes, rivers, and streams around Waterville have plenty of sea trout, brown trout, and salmon to present your fly to.

The broad rivers found in County Kerry are a good place to break out the two-handed Spey rod, to get to those further to reach pools where the big trout lie in wait.

If you’re coming to Ireland as an Angler, you really can’t miss the incredible fly fishing in this part of the country. The sheer number of healthy, beautiful fish per square mile of water will be hard to beat anywhere in the world.

  • Species: Ferox Trout, Salmon, Pike 
  • Nearby Camping: Cong Camping (from €30 / tent)
  • Best Spots: Lough Mask, Lough Carra,  River Clare

While Waterville is in County Kerry and near Lough Currane, the entire region around The Great Western Lakes of Ireland (or Lough in the Irish language), are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and incredible trout fishing in Ireland, and all of Europe. 

This is a place where you’ll want to come on a road trip to find the many different fly fishing spots, so give yourself a week or so if you really want to explore the Loughs .

Atlantic Salmon Fly Fishing Species

Made up of mainly Lough Corrib, Mask, Carra, Conn, and Cullin, these are some of the last remaining limestone lakes that hold wild trout. 

The high alkalinity of the waters here means that these are some of the most productive lakes in the world, often keeping large stores of fast-growing and strong fighting Farox Trout that top the scales at 20+ lbs.

The average catch size here is maybe two to five pounds, but here are some beasts hidden in these deep waters. While Farox Trout are the target of most anglers here, there are also plenty of Pike and Salmon found in these lakes.

One of the best parts of fishing in The Great Western Lakes is that there is no license required and there are plenty of affordable camping options all around the region, some of which are as little as €9 per person.

The fishing season here runs from February 15h to September 30th, so you have plenty of time throughout the spring, fall, and summer to cast or troll for massive Ferox.

  • Species: Salmon, Brown Trout, Sea Trout
  • Nearby Camping: Carrow Keel Camping (from €12)
  • Best Spots: Mount Falcon, Cloongee, Armstrong’s Fishery, Pontoon Bridge

We’ve finally left the trout-haven Irish southwest and moved to another part of the country. If you’re in for salmon fishing, The River Moy is the place you’ll want to come.

While The River Moy does have great populations of sea and brown trout, this is likely the most prolific salmon fishing river in the entire country, if not in all of Europe.

Beautiful Brown Trout

While the best salmon fishing on the Moy runs from February to September, it is said that these beasts are running in these waters every single month of the year.

There are plenty of accommodation options around the River Moy, but if you’re traveling on a budget , in a caravan or just plan to do some camping, then you can’t go wrong with Carrow Keel Campground , which is one of the highest-rated campgrounds in the country.

  • Species: Salmon, Sea Trout
  • Nearby Camping: Rock Farm Slane (Glamping from €100)
  • Best Spots: The lower reaches of The Boyne River between Drogheda and Navan

Running through County Kildare and alongside the famous Boyne Castle , The River Boyne and its tributaries are easily some of the most productive wild trout fisheries in all of Ireland.

Here you can expect beautiful wild trout averaging around 2 pounds, with many reaching up to 4 or five pounds, especially those found around Kells Blackwater.

The River Boyne, Boyne Castle on the river

Early in the season, you’ll likely find a reasonably-sized run of grilse and sea trout, which continue on into the summer and early autumn. 

The best areas on The River Boyne for salmon fishing will be in private fisheries at the lower ends of the rivers around Navan and Drogheda. The average size of these species is 7 – 10 lbs, but there are plenty of reports of people pulling 20+ pounders out of these rivers.

The season here runs from March 1st to September 30th. Bring along your best 8 weight fly rods and some colorful shrimp patterns for your best luck at the larger salmon and trout.

  • Species: Sea Bass, Pollack, Wrasse

Who doesn’t want to take a drive along Ireland’s breathtaking Wild Atlantic Highway with stops for fly fishing in some of the country’s most scenic spots?

This is the first place on this list where you’ll likely bring your saltwater fly rod and saltwater fly reel and head to the coast.

Here you’ll have opportunities to hook into large sea bass, wrasse, and Pollack. 

minard castle dingle

The best part of fly fishing on the Dingle Peninsula is that you can cast your line out and watch the sunset in the late evening, hoping to hook into massive 20-pound sea bass, while sipping a beer and enjoying the view.

Ireland has long been one of the best fly fishing destinations in the world. Perhaps every angler dreams of wandering around the rolling green hills and craggy coastline of this Atlantic island, casting their rod in the pools and waves of this historic landscape.

For me, it has been a dream for many years. To explore the history of Ireland , taste the food , go on hiking trips in Ireland , take a road trip , and travel around this fascinating country.

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The 5 Best Places To Go Fly Fishing in Ireland

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