10 Great Fishing Spots in Ireland

What first comes to your mind when you hear of Ireland? A place with 40 shades of green, historical sites & ancient stories. Right? But Ireland is also a great fishing destination and an ideal place for anglers and fish lovers.

Ireland’s fishing locations not only give you options for saltwater fishing, but you can also enjoy freshwater fishing in glistering lakes and streams.

Imagine spending a morning along a coastline all in silence, waiting for a good catch. If you also love spending time at serene spots and enjoy sea fishing catching Atlantic blue sharks, salmon and trout, then look no further for your next fishing trip.

Ireland is filled with plenty of pristine fishing locations; some are free, whereas other places require licenses or fishing permits. Similarly, you may also need a permit for specific species depending on which area and fish type you select for fishing, particularly for salmon and sea trout (see fishinginireland.info for additional details). Licenses can be purchased from a number of sources, including fishing tackle shops and some local fisheries.

If you visit Ireland for holidays and you do not know where to go fishing, you can hire a regional ghillie who will take you to the best fishing locations near you. Let's dive in and look at some of the magnificent fishing spots in Ireland.

Cork Harbour, County Cork.

Visit the world's largest natural harbour for fishing, Cork Harbor. From the indented coastlines to a sheltered bay to sandy beaches to waterways, this place is truly a paradise for all kinds of anglers. If you enjoy fly fishing, then look no further where you can target mullet and sea bass. Alongside these common catches, you will also find other species such as blue sharks, pollock, cod, blond rays and conger eels.

Additionally, you can enjoy a deep-sea boat tour in Cobh, where they offer guided fishing day trips and all fishing tattle. You also have the option to take small guided tours that include one to three people in small boats, mainly targeting sea bass.

Lough Currane, County Kerry.  

Lough Currane is known as the jewel in the crown of Ireland trout fishing. With the largest lake, approximately 2,500 acres in size and spectacular mountainous view, Lough Currane is known for its big sea trout ranging from four to six pounds. Other species include wild brown trout and large numbers of salmon. Watching white-tailed sea eagles is a wonderful experience while fishing at this marvelous lake.

Fish enthusiasts will have an amazing opportunity to try different fishing techniques such as fly fishing, trolling or spinning at Lough Currane Lake. 

Lakes of Killarney, County Kerry.

Experience an unforgettable fishing trip at the heart of Kerry at Killarney Lake with gorgeous scenic views all around you as you fish. There are three different lakes at Killarney where you can fish for free; Upper Lake, Lough Leane and Muckross Lake. Key species include salmon, native brown trout, sea trout, rainbow trout, perch and pike. Not sure where to go, don’t worry as there is an abundance of local ghillies to help and guide you.

Lakeland Fishery, County Roscommon.

Carp fishing is quite famous in Ireland and if you are one of the many anglers that enjoys this type of fishing, then look no further than Carrick-on-Shannon where you will find Lakeland Fishery in the north-central region part of the country. They have three key fishing lakes where you can go fishing after buying a ticket. The Swan Lake is the largest and the most popular for catching some large carp fish that weigh up to 40 pounds.

Galway Bay, County Galway.

At the heart of Ireland's cultural capital, Galway Bay should be on your bucket list as one of your must-see places in Ireland as it has some of the most fantastic sea fishing facilities in the county. Because of these amazing fishing resources, the place is among anglers' favorite fishing locations, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

On your fishing trip to Galway Bay, don’t miss out on visiting the Aran Islands and the nearby Burren coastline set alongside the iconic Cliffs of Moher.

Mullaghmore, County Sligo.

Spend your holidays on beautiful sandy beaches with picture-book scenery against a backdrop of Benbulben. The lonely planet describes this place as busy, family-friendly with glorious beaches and a popular spot for anglers worldwide. The village itself grew up around the harbour which is the base for a number of licensed boats, fully equipped for shark and tuna. Fishing is good around the Mullaghmore headland itself and the village is a great base for exploring a variety of sites for both shore and boat angling.

Lough Derg, County Clare.

Lough Derg is an ideal fishing location with its many species to suit every angler. The lake is especially famous for its brown trout and pike fishing and also has an abundant number of perch, roach, salmon and bream. The fishing season begins in March and is at its highest when mayfly season starts, in late April or early May. You can also enjoy the sight of local sailing boats and cruisers pass by. Don’t forget to visit Holy Island which is one of the most famous monastic sites in Ireland with its many onsite attractions including a round tower, the ruins of six churches and a bargaining stone where marriage vows are still renewed. Pilgrims from all over the world come to visit this special place. If you have time, you can visit the island by boat that departs from Mountshannon.

Upper Lough Erne, County Fermanagh.

Fermanagh is undoubtedly one of the finest angling destinations in Ireland and Europe. Whether you're into coarse or game fishing - they have it. It is a haven for anglers, with its abundance of lakes and rivers. Game species on offer include salmon, sea trout and brown trout, and coarse anglers are also well catered for with pike, bream, roach and perch. The entire area is located in a beautiful countryside setting. 

Great Western Loughs, County Galway.

Western Loughs is one of the last wild trout limestone lakes in Europe and includes lakes Mask, Carra, Lough Corrib, Conn and Culin. All of these lakes are limestone-based and are the most productive for fishing due to the alkaline nature of the area.

The lake is famous for its quality of trout fishing and provides wild trout that can weigh up to 5 pounds. The fast-growing ferox trout is considered the king of the lake with a weight of up to 20 pounds. For salmon fishing, go to Conn and Culin, whereas pike is plentiful in almost all of the lakes.

The River Boyne, County Meath.

On your trip to Ireland, do not forget to visit the River Boyne, one of the rivers with an abundant population of wild trout. The river is surrounded by farmlands and marshy meadows and provides one of the best venues for fly fishing. Besides wild trout, you will also find salmon.