We all have times when we want to escape from the real world — in the city, we're always in a rush, in a race for success and better living. If you feel like it, welcome to the wild. Fishing in Ireland, with its sounds of water, fresh wooden air and solitude, will help you to find peace of mind. In this article, you'll learn about top fishing destinations in Ireland and general rules for Irish fishing. Prepare a bait and the equipment, and let's go!
What you should know about Irish fishing
The best fishing spots in Ireland
The best fishing spots in Dublin
What you should know about Irish fishing
Fishing is serious, so we should consider some rules and regulations to fully enjoy the best fishing spots in Ireland without trouble.
Fishing season in Ireland
Fishing season in Ireland depends on what kind of fish you want to hunt for:
- Salmon: from January 1 to September 30;
- Brown trout: from February 15 to October 12;
- Sea trout: from June 1 to September 30
- Coarse fishing and sea angling: all year.
The periods may change, but you should expect something around these dates. Remember to support your loved ones at home when visiting Ireland in any of these seasons with reliable and quick Profee transfers.
Licence
Do you need a state licence to go fishing? Yes, for salmon and sea trout. Ireland's fisheries protect certain species from extinction. On the other hand, you can fish for trout, pike, and coarse fishing without a licence; however, some places may require a local permit. Luckily, fishing in Ireland is easy if you go to the sea: there, you can fish for almost all species without official documents.
Rules and regulations
The Government regulates fishing in Ireland; consider these rules:
- Two rods are a max for one person, but using one is better.
- Using live bait is illegal.
- There is a bag limit of 4 coarse fish in any one day.
- If you have waste left, recycle it according to the local laws.
You can read more about regulations that Ireland has for fisheries on the official website.
Now, we’re ready to explore the best fishing spots in Ireland and enjoy nature. If you’re also a fan of hiking, read our guide on top hiking destinations in Ireland.
The best fishing spots in Ireland
Lough Corrib, County Galway
Lough Corrib is among Ireland's largest lakes and one of the top fishing destinations for wild brown trout fishing. Known for its crystal-clear waters, the lake offers exceptional trout fishing, especially during the Mayfly season (May-June) when anglers can enjoy dry-fly fishing. It’s also home to salmon and pike, making it an all-around favourite for various fishing experiences.
River Shannon, Counties Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary
Ireland's longest river, the Shannon, stretches over 360 km, providing ample opportunities for coarse and game Irish fishing. The river is famous for pike fishing, with large specimens caught regularly, especially in Lough Ree and Lough Derg along its course. It’s also great for roach, perch, bream, and tench, making it ideal for mixed-species anglers.
Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
The waters around the Dingle Peninsula offer fantastic sea fishing against the backdrop of some of Ireland’s most scenic coastline. This area is perfect for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts, with abundant pollack, mackerel, and ling. Offshore trips can also target larger species like blue sharks, making it one of the top fishing destinations for adventure-seeking anglers.
The best fishing spots in Dublin
If you’re looking specifically for the best fishing spots in Dublin, consider these places:
River Liffey
Flowing through the heart of Dublin, the River Liffey offers surprisingly good fishing for various species, especially trout and salmon. While river sections in the city centre aren't suitable for fishing, anglers can find excellent spots upstream, especially near Lucan and beyond. The salmon fishing season in Ireland is particularly popular, and the river is well-stocked with brown trout as well. Catch-and-release policies are in place to help preserve fish stocks.
Bull Island and Dollymount Strand
Located just north of Dublin City, Bull Island and its surrounding waters are great for sea fishing enthusiasts in Ireland. Accessible from the iconic wooden bridge, this area offers shore fishing for bass, flounder, and mackerel, with the peak season for bass being late summer through autumn. The sandy beach and tidal conditions make it a hotspot for bass fishing, and it’s easy to access for a relaxing day by the sea.
After fishing, a glass of Guinness is exactly what's needed for the perfect holiday. Learn more about this drink, the best food pairings, and pint prices in our article.
Conclusion
Now, you're prepared to explore the fishing world of Ireland. Choose your preferred season and favourite spot, remember to read about the regulations, and open your heart to fishing in an amazing country. While escaping from city life, don't forget to support your family back home with fast and secure Profee transfers!
