Fishing in Ireland
Including Bantry Bay, Copper Coast, and Dingle Peninsula. On the map.
The vibe
Cast a line into mist-shrouded loughs or off windswept rocky headlands where the pursuit is steeped in a deep, generational respect for the water. Spring and summer bring the peak of the salmon and sea trout runs, while sea angling from the shore remains productive across the changing seasons. The vibe is a mix of independent DIY exploration and traditional local ghillies who know every twitch of the current.
State or fishery permit where applicable
Bantry Bay
County Cork
Ben Brooksbank / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Bantry Bay provides sheltered deep-water reef fishing and scenic shore angling in Southwest Cork. Charter boats take anglers out to productive grounds for conger, pollack, ling, and occasional skate.
Access. Charters sail directly from Bantry pier, and shore marks are accessible via local rural roads and coastal paths.
Notes. Sea angling is unrestricted by licences for shore and general charter fishing, though specific species like skate are strictly catch-and-release.
Copper Coast
The Municipal District of Comeragh
Hector Davie / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The picturesque Copper Coast in County Waterford features secluded coves, rocky headlands, and surf beaches ideal for coastal angling. Anglers frequently target bass, flounders, dogfish, and pollack.
Access. Easy walk-in access from coastal villages like Tramore, Bunmahon, and Stradbally. Local bait and tackle supplies can be sourced in nearby towns.
Notes. Strict catch-and-release guidelines and bag limits apply to sea bass in Irish waters to protect stocks. Check local tide tables before exploring rock marks.
Dingle Peninsula
County Kerry
Nigel Cox / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Surrounded by rich Atlantic waters, the Dingle Peninsula offers stunning shore marks, pier fishing, and deep-sea charter boats out of Dingle harbour. Target species include cod, ling, ray, and seasonal pelagics like mackerel.
Access. Charter boats operate directly from Dingle marina, and local tackle shops provide bait, tackle, and expert advice on accessible shore marks.
Notes. Sea angling is free from licences, but charter trips must be booked in advance during peak season. Bag limits and minimum landing sizes apply to conservation species.
Donegal Bay
Ireland
Gerald England / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Donegal Bay offers diverse fishing, from sheltered sandy beaches for flatfish to deep-sea charter grounds for blue shark and tope. It is a versatile region for both shore and boat anglers.
Access. Killybegs serves as a major hub for deep-sea charter boats. Numerous beaches along the bay provide excellent shore access.
Notes. Blue shark fishing is primarily catch-and-release. Check local regulations for seasonal closures on specific species.
Kerry Peninsulas
Kenmare Municipal District
Mike Searle / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Dingle and Iveragh peninsulas offer dramatic shore fishing marks where anglers can target wrasse, pollack, and conger eel. The deep Atlantic waters meeting the cliffs create a high-energy environment for shore casters.
Access. Accessible by car with numerous public piers and rocky access points. No specialized permits are required for shore fishing.
Notes. Be cautious of tide and weather conditions on exposed rocky marks. Respect local private property boundaries when accessing shore spots.
Loop Head Peninsula
West Clare Municipal District
Gordon Hatton / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The dramatic cliffs and rocky ledges of the Loop Head Peninsula provide exhilarating shore and rock fishing into the deep Atlantic waters. Anglers target pollack, wrasse, mackerel, and shore-bound conger eels.
Access. Accessed via rugged cliff paths and rock marks around Kilkee and Carrigaholt. Sturdy footwear, safety gear, and local advice regarding swell conditions are vital.
Notes. No licence is required for sea angling from the shore. Exercise extreme caution around Atlantic swells and slick rock ledges.
Lough Corrib, Galway
County Galway
Trish Steel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Lough Corrib is a massive limestone lake famous for its wild brown trout and ferox trout. It offers diverse fishing conditions ranging from shallow bays to deep water, making it a versatile destination for fly and boat anglers.
Access. Boat hire is widely available from Oughterard or Cong. Hiring a local boatman is the best way to locate productive drifts.
Notes. Anglers require a state license for salmon/sea trout if targeting those species, though brown trout fishing is generally permit-based.
Lough Derg, Shannon
The Municipal District of Nenagh
JP / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
As one of Ireland's largest lakes, Lough Derg is a legendary destination for pike fishing and coarse angling. The vast, island-dotted waters provide a serene environment for boat-based fishing.
Access. Boat hire is available at multiple harbors around the lake, including Mountshannon and Dromineer. Local guides are recommended for navigating the expansive water.
Notes. Pike conservation bylaws are in effect; catch-and-release is strongly encouraged for large specimens.
River Boyne
County Meath
John Martin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Steeped in history, the River Boyne provides exceptional wild brown trout fishing in a lush, pastoral setting. Anglers find productive limestone water holding eager trout, with some sections also welcoming salmon runs.
Access. Access points are managed by local angling associations such as the Drogheda and District Inland Fisheries. Day tickets and permits are readily available from tackle dealers in Navan and Drogheda.
Notes. State licenses are required where applicable, and club rules dictate fly-only stretches and size limits. Respect local riparian owner signage and catch-and-release guidelines.
River Moy, Mayo
Ballina Municipal District
Liz McCabe / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Renowned as one of Europe's premier salmon rivers, the Moy offers exceptional opportunities for both fly and bait fishing. The river is famous for its prolific runs of Atlantic salmon and sea trout, drawing anglers from across the globe.
Access. Access is managed through various fisheries; local guides and ghillies are readily available in Ballina. Gear rental and day permits are easily accessible for visitors.
Notes. A state salmon license is mandatory. Catch-and-release rules apply during certain periods; check the Inland Fisheries Ireland website for seasonal regulations.
West Cork Coast
County Cork
NASA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
The rugged coastline of West Cork offers world-class shore and boat fishing for species like bass, pollack, and mackerel. The deep-water marks and rocky headlands provide a quintessential Irish sea angling experience.
Access. Shore fishing is widely accessible from piers and beaches. Charter boats operate from ports like Kinsale and Union Hall for offshore reef and wreck fishing.
Notes. No state license is required for sea angling, but local bylaws on bag limits and minimum sizes for bass must be strictly observed.