I want to go angling in Ireland, what do I need to know?

Angling in Ireland is a wonderful experience and we have some really beautiful spots around the island that are positively teeming with fish.

Before you set out, you’ll need a rod (you can rent or buy them in tackle shops), bait (we recommend duckfly, mayfly or sedges if you’re fly-fishing), a permit to fish in your chosen spot and, in some cases, a license. Then you’re ready to get started angling in Ireland.

You can find out the details of what kinds of permits and licenses you’ll need on the websites of the Central Fisheries Board or the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Angling in Northern Ireland. Bear in mind that conservation laws apply – the above sites will give you all the info you need.



Next is deciding where you’d like to fish. If you’re by the coast, try shore fishing. It’s perfect for those want to experience the quieter side of the island but still catch some great breeds. The Southern Peninsulas, especially Beara, Iveragh and Dingle, are super places to start – head there for pollack and wrasse.

For sea fishing, the best way to do things is in a charter vessel from a specialist centre. Try Kilmore Quay in County Wexford, Kinsale Harbour in County Cork, or Ballycastle in County Antrim.

Coarse angling, aka hunting for coarse fish breeds in freshwater, is a real treat in Ireland. The rivers and lakes here are filled with huge fish of up to 50kg in weight – try the Royal Canal in County Westmeath for tench or carp and the Lower Bann in County Londonderry for bream and roach.

They say that Ireland can be heaven with a rod in hand – so go forth and catch.

Loughs Agency is the angling authority in the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. 

The Foyle system covers an area of 4,070 square kilometres stretching across three counties. The rivers of the Foyle system rise in the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal, the Sperrin Mountains of Tyrone and Londonderry~Derry and the wildness of Inishowen – hills that hold many of the spawning waters of Foyle salmon. The salmon fishing on the Foyle system is famous but there is also excellent wild brown trout angling. Sea trout anglers can get cracking sport out of good runs of sea trout from mid-July onwards.  Check out the Owenkillew, Derg, Faughan, Culdaff, Mourne, Strule, Finn, Roe, Dennet and Quiggery for quality game angling.  The Foyle area also offers excellent sea and coarse angling opportunities.

The Carlingford system covers an area of 480 square kilometres also stretching across three counties. The rivers that run into Carlingford Lough rise in the Mourne Mountains of County Down, the Cooley Mountains of County Louth and Slieve Gullion in County Armagh. The fishing in the Carlingford catchment offers a wide variety. Sea trout anglers can get good sport out of runs from mid-July onwards on the Whitewater River. There is salmon to be had and some great trout fishing in the rivers such as the Clanrye and lakes. Coarse and pike fishing is available in the Newry Canal and some of the lakes and, there is superb sea angling from shore or charter boat.

A Loughs Agency licence is required in the Foyle and Carlingford areas in addition to a permit for game and coarse fishing from whoever holds the fishing rights.  You can find out more about fishing in Foyle and Carlingford on the Loughs Agency website or by downloading the angling guide.