Fishing in Ireland: Best Rivers, Lakes & Sea Angling Spots

There's a particular stillness that descends on an Irish river at dawn. Mist rises from the water as the first light filters through ancient trees, and somewhere beneath the surface, a salmon stirs. Your line drifts naturally with the current, the only sound the gentle rush of water over stone and the distant call of a curlew. This is fishing in Ireland—where world-class angling meets landscapes so beautiful you'll forget to check your line.

Ireland has long been revered as one of Europe's premier fishing destinations. The island's position on the edge of the Atlantic, combined with its network of pristine rivers and lakes, creates perfect conditions for salmon, trout, and sea fishing. For centuries, anglers have made pilgrimages to Irish waters, drawn by stories of record-breaking catches and the promise of solitude in unspoiled surroundings.

What makes Irish fishing special isn't just the quality of the sport—though that is exceptional. It's the accessibility combined with wilderness. You can fish for wild Atlantic salmon within an hour of Dublin. You can catch brown trout in lakes that see fewer anglers in a year than popular venues see in a day. And when you finish fishing, you're surrounded by the warmth of Irish hospitality, with cozy pubs and excellent food waiting to welcome you back from the water.

Whether you're a seasoned angler chasing your personal best or a complete beginner wanting to learn the art of casting, Ireland has waters that will captivate you. This guide covers everything you need to know: the best locations, what to expect, essential gear, and how to plan your perfect Irish fishing trip.

(This guide is part of our master hub: Unleash Your Wild Side: The Complete Guide to Adventure & Outdoor Activities in Ireland. For other water-based adventures, explore our guides to sea kayaking in Ireland or coasteering in Ireland.)

Getting Started: Fishing Basics in Ireland

Never fished before? Ireland is an excellent place to learn. The country's fishing culture embraces beginners, with numerous guides, schools, and fisheries dedicated to introducing newcomers to the sport.

Why Learn in Ireland?

Irish fishing instructors are known for their patience and expertise. Many grew up fishing these waters and have spent decades refining their techniques. They understand that beginners need encouragement and clear instruction, not intimidation.

The variety of fishing available means you can start with easier disciplines—like still-water trout fishing—before progressing to more challenging pursuits like salmon fishing or sea angling. This staged approach builds confidence and skills progressively.

Types of Fishing in Ireland

Game Fishing: Salmon and trout (brown, sea, and rainbow) are Ireland's premier game fish. Game fishing uses artificial flies or lures and is typically catch-and-release for salmon. It requires skill and knowledge but offers the greatest rewards.

Coarse Fishing: Targeting species like pike, perch, bream, and roach in lakes and rivers. Generally more accessible for beginners, with plenty of action to keep things interesting.

Sea Angling: Fishing from shore or boat in the Atlantic and Irish Sea. Offers the chance to catch species like bass, pollock, mackerel, and shark. Requires different techniques but is incredibly exciting.

What to Expect from Your First Fishing Trip

Most beginners start with a guided session or lesson. A typical introduction includes:

• Equipment overview: Learning about rods, reels, lines, and tackle
• Casting instruction: Practice on grass or water before the real thing
• Reading water: Understanding where fish hold and why
• Basic techniques: How to present your fly or bait naturally
• Fish handling: Safe catch and release practices

A half-day introduction costs €100-200 including equipment and instruction. Full-day guided fishing ranges from €200-400 depending on the location and target species.

Best Fishing Locations in Ireland

Ireland's fishing is distributed across distinct regions, each offering different experiences and target species.

1. County Mayo: The Salmon Capital

Mayo is Ireland's most celebrated salmon fishing county, home to legendary rivers that have attracted anglers for generations.

River Moy: Perhaps Ireland's most famous salmon river, producing over 5,000 salmon annually. The Moy offers fishing for all budgets, from affordable club waters to exclusive beats. The river fishes best from June to September.

Lough Conn & Lough Cullen: These vast limestone loughs offer exceptional wild brown trout fishing. The "Mayo trout" are renowned for their fighting qualities. Boat fishing is traditional, with local ghillies providing expert guidance.

Lough Mask & Lough Corrib: While partly in Galway, these lakes are easily accessed from Mayo and offer world-class trout fishing in spectacular surroundings.

Best for: Salmon anglers, wild trout enthusiasts, those seeking authentic Irish fishing culture

Find experienced tour guides in Mayo for your fishing trip.

2. County Galway: Lough Corrib & Beyond

Galway offers arguably the finest wild brown trout fishing in Europe, centered on the magnificent Lough Corrib.

Lough Corrib: Ireland's second-largest lake and a trout fishing paradise. The Corrib's shallow limestone waters produce huge numbers of wild brown trout, with specimen fish exceeding 10 pounds. Traditional "dapping" and dry fly fishing are local specialties.

River Corrib: Connecting Lough Corrib to Galway Bay, this short river offers excellent salmon and sea trout fishing, particularly in summer and autumn.

Connemara Lakes: Dozens of smaller lakes dot the Connemara landscape, offering intimate trout fishing in stunning mountain settings. Many are rarely fished, providing true wilderness experiences.

Best for: Trout specialists, dry fly enthusiasts, those wanting dramatic scenery

Find experienced tour guides in Galway for your angling adventure.

3. County Donegal: Wild Atlantic Fishing

Donegal's rugged coastline and remote lakes offer adventurous fishing away from the crowds.

Donegal Bay: Excellent sea angling from boat and shore. Species include bass, pollock, and the occasional tuna. Charter boats operate from several harbors.

Lough Eske & Derg: These large lakes offer salmon, trout, and pike fishing in wild, uncrowded settings.

Remote Rivers: Donegal's short, steep rivers receive good runs of salmon and sea trout but see relatively few anglers. If you want solitude, this is where to find it.

Best for: Adventurous anglers, sea fishing enthusiasts, those seeking solitude

Find experienced tour guides in Donegal for your fishing holiday.

4. The Shannon System: Ireland's Heartland

The River Shannon and its connected lakes form the largest waterway in the British Isles, offering diverse fishing opportunities.

Lough Ree & Lough Derg: These massive lakes offer excellent pike fishing, with specimens over 20 pounds caught regularly. They also hold good stocks of bream and hybrid trout.

River Shannon: The main river and its tributaries offer mixed fishing—pike, perch, bream, and the occasional salmon.

Best for: Coarse anglers, pike hunters, those wanting central location

Essential Fishing Gear for Ireland

One advantage of fishing in Ireland is that you don't need to bring everything. Most guides and fisheries provide equipment, and there are excellent tackle shops throughout the country.

What to Bring

Clothing:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers: Irish weather is unpredictable; staying dry is essential
• Waders: Chest waders for river fishing, hip waders or wellies for boat fishing
• Warm layers: Fleece or wool under your waterproofs, even in summer
• Hat and sunglasses: For sun protection and to reduce glare on the water
• Waterproof boots or wading boots: With felt or rubber soles for grip on rocks

What You Can Rent or Buy Locally

Rods and reels: Most guides provide quality equipment suited to local conditions. If you prefer your own gear:

• Trout: 9-10 foot rod, 5-7 weight line
• Salmon: 13-15 foot rod, 9-10 weight line
• Pike: 9 foot rod, 8-10 weight line

Tackle and flies: Local tackle shops stock patterns proven on Irish waters. Popular flies include the Connemara Black, the Green Peter, and various shrimp patterns for salmon.

Licenses and permits: Your guide will typically arrange these, but if fishing independently, you'll need:

• State fishing license (€20-40 for visitors)
• Private fishery permits (varies by venue, €20-100+ per day)

Fishing for Families

Fishing is a wonderful family activity that teaches patience, appreciation for nature, and creates lasting memories. Irish fisheries are particularly welcoming to families with children.

Family-Friendly Fishing

Stocked trout fisheries: Many commercial fisheries stock rainbow trout regularly, guaranteeing action even for beginners. These are perfect for children who need regular bites to stay engaged.

Pike fishing: Pike are aggressive predators that provide exciting sport. They grow large and fight hard, making them perfect for young anglers wanting excitement.

Sea fishing from harbors: Safe, easy fishing from piers and harbors can produce mackerel, pollack, and wrasse with simple tackle.

Age Guidelines

Children from age 6-7 can usually manage basic casting with appropriate equipment. Many fisheries offer:

• Taster sessions: Short (2-3 hour) introductions designed for children
• Junior permits: Reduced rates for young anglers
• Family boats: Larger boats that accommodate families comfortably

Best Family Locations

Lakes with facilities: Venues like Lough Mask, Lough Corrib, and various stocked fisheries have toilets, parking, and sometimes cafés—essential for family comfort.

West Cork: The sheltered harbors offer safe sea fishing for beginners, combined with beaches and other family attractions.

Sea Angling in Ireland

Ireland's position on the Atlantic edge creates exceptional sea angling opportunities. The warm Gulf Stream brings nutrients that support rich marine life, while the varied coastline offers diverse fishing environments.

Shore Fishing

Bass fishing: Ireland's south and west coasts offer world-class bass fishing. These powerful predators hunt along surf beaches and rocky headlands. Best caught on lures or bait from April to November.

Rock fishing: Species like pollack, wrasse, and mackerel can be caught from rocky marks all around the coast. Requires caution and knowledge of tides.

Beach casting: Winter brings cod and whiting within reach of beach anglers. Equipment-heavy but rewarding.

Boat Fishing

Charter boats: Operate from ports throughout Ireland, offering half-day and full-day trips. Target species include:

• Reef fishing: Pollack, cod, ling, and conger eel
• Shark fishing: Blue sharks and porbeagles offshore
• Tuna: Increasingly common in Irish waters, particularly off Donegal and Cork

Kayak fishing: Growing in popularity, offering access to fishing marks unreachable from shore. Requires experience and safety awareness.

Planning Your Irish Fishing Trip

When to Go

Spring (March-May): Early salmon runs begin on some rivers. Trout fishing starts as water temperatures rise. Sea fishing improves as fish move inshore.

Summer (June-August): Peak season for salmon and sea trout. Grilse (summer salmon) run many rivers. Best weather but busiest period—book accommodations and fishing permits well ahead.

Autumn (September-November): Salmon fishing continues until the season closes (varies by river, typically September-October). Brown trout feed aggressively before winter. Sea fishing remains excellent.

Winter (December-February): Coarse fishing for pike and perch peaks. Some salmon rivers remain open until late January. Sea fishing continues for hardy anglers.

Salmon Fishing Seasons

Each river has its own season, typically:

• Opening: January 1st or February 1st
• Closing: September 30th or October 31st

Check the specific river you plan to fish, as dates vary.

Booking Fishing

Salmon rivers: Book well in advance, particularly for famous waters like the Moy or Corrib. Many beats are controlled by local angling clubs or hotels.

Trout lakes: Generally more accessible, though popular venues like Lough Corrib get busy in summer.

Sea angling: Charter boats should be booked ahead, particularly in peak season. Shore fishing requires no booking—just find a safe mark and fish.

Accommodation

Many hotels and guesthouses cater specifically to anglers:

• Fishing lodges: Purpose-built accommodation on or near prime fishing waters
• Country house hotels: Often have fishing rights on local rivers or lakes
• Self-catering cottages: Independence with fishing nearby
• B&Bs: Friendly local knowledge and hearty breakfasts

From First Cast to Personal Best

Fishing in Ireland offers something rare in modern life—genuine connection with nature, time away from screens and noise, and the thrill of not knowing what might take your bait next. You might arrive as a complete novice and leave with a new passion, or you might finally catch that salmon you've been chasing for years.

The waters here have tested anglers for generations. The salmon that defeated your grandfather might be the one you're pursuing today (though probably not—these are wild fish, not long-lived!). The lakes that inspired Yeats still hold their trout. And the Atlantic still crashes against cliffs where you can cast for bass at sunset.

Irish fishing isn't just about catching fish—though that happens plenty. It's about early mornings when the world is still asleep. It's about the camaraderie of the pub after a day on the water. It's about wild places that haven't changed in centuries.

Pack your rod (or plan to rent one). Check your waders for leaks. And prepare to fall in love with some of the finest fishing waters in the world.

The salmon are running. The trout are rising. And somewhere in Ireland—on a misty river, a limestone lake, or an Atlantic shore—your perfect fishing spot is waiting.

Tight lines.

Find your perfect fishing guide on Irish Getaways →