Fishing

What makes Ireland such a great fishing destination? A coastline of more than 5,603km (3,472 miles), thousands of lakes and ponds, countless creeks, rills, streams, and rivers -- those certainly don't hurt. Ireland's temperate climate and low pollution also encourage a high fish population, and low human density has put little pressure on that. It all adds up to fairly ideal fishing conditions.

The sport of fishing -- referred to by the Irish as angling -- is a cherished tradition. Festivals and competitions celebrate the many forms of this sport; for dates and locations, contact the Irish Tourist Board (you have to sign up well in advance to participate in most of the competitions). Among the festivals are Killybegs International Fishing Festival, the Baltimore Angling Festival (both in July), and the Cobh Sea Angling Festival in September.

In the west and northwest, Killybegs is a center for sea angling, while loughs Corrib, Conn, and Mask offer much to entice the freshwater angler. The Killarney area is a popular angling destination, as are the Blackwater River near Cork and Kinsale for sea angling. Also consider the Shannon River and its lakes, especially Lough Derg.

Fishing Resources

Fishing seasons are as follows: salmon, January 1 to September 30; brown trout, February 15 to October 12; sea trout, June 1 to September 30; coarse fishing and sea angling, all year. A license is only required for salmon and sea trout angling; the cost is €17 ($23) for a day, €24 ($31) for 21 days, or €64 ($82) annually. For all private salmon and sea trout fisheries, a permit is required in addition to the license and it can be considerably more expensive. Prices vary greatly, from €7 to €190 ($9.10-$247) per rod per day (depending on the venue and provider), although most permits run €25 to €35 ($33-$46).

The Irish Tourist Board has websites dedicated to fishing at www.angling.travel.ie. A helpful brochure, Angling in Ireland, detailing what fish can be caught where, is available from the Angling Information Office at the Central Fisheries Board, Balnagowan House, Mobhi Boreen, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 (tel. 01/884-2600; fax 01/836-0060; www.cfb.ie). Another helpful resource, The Angler's Guide, is published by the Irish Tourist Board. Permits, licenses, and specific information can be obtained from local outfitters or the Central Fisheries Board.

Many hotels have exclusive access to lakes and ponds, and will rent boats, gear, and ghillies (fishing guides) to their guests. Nearly two dozen such hotels have gotten together to form The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland (www.irelandfishing.com). Examples include Adare Manor in Limerick; the Delphi Lodge in County Galway; and Newport House Hotel and Enniscoe House, both in Mayo.

In Northern Ireland, you must get a rod license from the Fisheries Conservancy Board, 1 Mahon Rd., Portadown, Craigavon, County Armagh (tel. 028/3833-4666), or in the Derry area from the Foyle Carlingford Irish Lights Commission, 22 Victoria Rd., Derry BT47 2AB (tel. 028/7134-2100; www.fcbni.com). A permit may also be required; information can be obtained from local outfitters or the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Interpoint Centre, York Street, Belfast BT4 3PW (tel. 028/9052-3434; fax 028/9052-3121). A rod license costs £3.50 to £23 ($6.65-$44), depending on the license provider and duration of license; permits run £5 ($9.50) for 3 days or £15 ($28) for 14 days. You can find a wealth of information and contacts in An Information Guide to Game Fishing, available from any office of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.