Put and take fisheries
Also known as still water fisheries, put and take fisheries are stocked and managed fisheries that are ideal for beginners, school groups or family days out. They are generally stocked with rainbow trout and, unlike wild trout, can be fished for year round. Tuition and rod hire are usually available on site.
Sea Angling
With roughly 2,800km of coastline and more than 80 different species, Ireland offers some of the best sea angling in Europe. Sea fishing is one of the easiest types of fishing to try if you’re a first timer and a licence or permit is not required.
Skippered sea angling boats or charter boats are licensed to take a maximum of 12 passengers and can be found all around the Irish coastline. Most offer a full day’s fishing at sea and rod hire is available and guiding provided. Local tackle shop can also provide names of local operators.
If you are interested in trying your hand at fishing from the shoreline, maps are available to download from Inland Fisheries Ireland. Tackle shops sell a range of baits and fishing tackle as well as providing advice and local tips. Sea fishing equipment can be purchased quite reasonably and is a great way to introduce children, in particular, to the joys of fishing.
Please read up on sea angling conservation and legislation before you start your trip.
Pike Angling
The majestic and hard-fighting pike are found predominantly in rivers and lakes of the midland counties of Cavan, Monaghan and Leitrim, and can be fished from the shoreline or from a boat.
Pike fishing in Ireland is generally free with the exception of a few fisheries.
Local knowledge is the key to success in angling and your best chance of success is to hire a local guide/ghillie who will know all the best locations and methods.
On the big lakes, it is especially recommended to hire a ghillie/guide for safe and successful boat fishing. Most guides also have rods for hire. Local tackle shops are an excellent source of advice and help. Pike fishing is available all year round but the best time of year is from September to April.
Before you get started, it’s important to familiarise yourself with information on pike conservation and legislation.
Coarse Fishing
Of all types of fishing that Ireland has to offer coarse fishing is probably the most technical, requiring a level of expertise and specialist equipment. This equipment is generally not available for hire and as a one-off activity is not recommended.
Game Angling
Game angling is an umbrella term used to cover salmon and sea trout and brown trout angling.
Ireland has an abundance of rivers flowing to the sea containing salmon, sea trout and brown trout. There are also numerous loughs (lakes). As with all types of fishing, the local tackle shop can provide you with the help and advice you need to get started.
Local knowledge is the key to success in angling and your best chance of success is to hire a local guide/ghillie who will know all the best locations and methods. On the big loughs it is strongly recommended to hire a ghillie/guide for safe and successful boat fishing.
Hotels and B&Bs in the main fishing locations also have a good knowledge of the local fishing.
Brown trout is the most abundant species found on Irish rivers and lakes and is generally easily accessible. Permits are required on all rivers and most lakes, with the exception of free fisheries in the West and South West.
For salmon and sea trout fishing a national licence is required. A licence does not confer the right to fish; a fishing permit is usually required and must be obtained separately. Licences can be purchased online or from tackle shops.
Sea trout is predominantly available along the west coast of Ireland. In addition to rivers and lakes, sea trout can also be caught in estuaries. The game fishing season generally runs from the beginning of March to the end of September with some exceptions.
To safeguard fishing for future generations ‘catch & release’ fishing is encouraged for all species. However, after a successful day’s fishing there is nothing more satisfying than hooking and cooking the catch of the day!