FISHING in Ireland’s county LOUTH

River Boyne (Drogheda to Slane): A historic river flowing through Louth, renowned for salmon, brown trout, and coarse fishing, with key stretches near Drogheda and Oldbridge. Anglers can target salmon (peak June to September, up to 15 lbs.) and brown trout (0.5-2 lbs.) using fly fishing or spinning. Coarse species like roach, bream, and pike are abundant in slower sections. A Fáilte Ireland rod license (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like Drogheda Angling Centre) and permits from local clubs are required for salmon and trout. Expect scenic, accessible banks with a mix of rural and historic settings, including views of Newgrange. Ghillies are available for guided trips.
Dundalk Bay (Blackrock to Annagassan): A prime sea angling area along Louth’s coast, offering shore and boat fishing from beaches, piers, and rocky marks near Dundalk and Annagassan. Shore fishing yields bass, flounder, mackerel, and sea trout (rod license needed for trout), best at high tide with sandeel or lugworm. Boat charters from Clogherhead target cod, pollack, wrasse, and occasional rays. No sea fishing license is required for most species. Expect sandy beaches and rocky outcrops with stunning coastal views, busy in summer. Local operators like Clogherhead Angling provide boats and tackle, with tackle shops in Dundalk for bait.
River Dee (Ardee to Annagassan): A smaller river in Louth, known for brown trout, some salmon, and coarse fishing, with productive stretches near Ardee and the estuary at Annagassan. Brown trout (0.5-2 lbs.) are caught with fly fishing or spinning, best in spring and summer. Roach, perch, and pike (up to 12 lbs.) are found in lower reaches. A rod license is required for trout and salmon, available online or at local tackle shops. Expect clear, narrow waters with good bank access and a quiet, rural setting. The Dee and Glyde Angling Club offers permits and local expertise, ideal for relaxed angling.
Baltray and Mornington (Boyne Estuary): The estuarine area where the River Boyne meets the Irish Sea, near Drogheda, offering sea and coarse fishing with easy access. Shore fishing produces bass, flounder, mullet, and sea trout, with mackerel abundant in summer. Surf casting with lugworm or sandeel works well. No sea fishing license is needed, but a rod license is required for sea trout. Expect tidal waters with sandy beaches and moderate crowds, especially during summer evenings. The estuary’s proximity to Drogheda makes it convenient, with tackle shops like Drogheda Angling Centre nearby.
Rampart Stream (Dundalk): A small stream feeding into Dundalk Bay, known for coarse fishing and some pike, with accessible stretches near Dundalk town. Roach, perch, and small pike (up to 10 lbs.) are caught using float or feeder fishing with maggots or worms. No coarse fishing license is required, but pike may need a permit from Inland Fisheries Ireland. Expect a narrow, urban-adjacent waterway with easy bank access, suitable for casual anglers. The quiet setting and proximity to Dundalk’s amenities make it convenient, with tackle available locally.
Clogherhead Pier and Beach: A coastal village on Louth’s east coast, known for sea angling from the pier, rocky shores, and charter boats. Shore fishing yields mackerel, pollock, wrasse, and bass, best in summer with feathers or bait like ragworm. Boat charters target cod, pollack, and occasional shark (catch-and-release). No sea fishing license is required. Expect a scenic, working fishing village with busy summer periods. Charters like Clogherhead Angling offer guided trips, and local tackle shops provide bait and gear.
Licenses: A Fáilte Ireland rod license is required for salmon, trout, and sea trout fishing (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like Drogheda Angling Centre or Boyne Valley Tackle). No license is needed for coarse or sea fishing, but permits may apply for pike or specific fisheries (check with Inland Fisheries Ireland or local clubs like the Dee and Glyde Angling Club).
Guides and Charters: Operators like Clogherhead Angling and local clubs offer guided trips, boats, and tackle. Inland Fisheries Ireland (www.fishinginireland.info) (www.fishinginireland.info) lists approved providers.
Techniques: Fly fishing (dry flies, nymphs) or spinning is used for trout and salmon. Feeder/float fishing (20-40m with groundbait, maggots, or worms) suits coarse fish. Pike fishing employs lures or dead bait, while sea angling uses feathers, jigs, or baits like sandeel or lugworm.
Conservation: Catch-and-release is encouraged for salmon, trout, and pike, with size limits (e.g., 12 inches for trout). Sea fishing for bass follows strict regulations (e.g., minimum size). Check rules via Inland Fisheries Ireland or local clubs.
Accessibility: Louth’s fishing spots are easily reached by car, with Drogheda and Dundalk accessible via train or bus from Dublin (45-60 minutes), making day trips convenient.
Events: Louth hosts occasional sea angling competitions in Clogherhead and coarse fishing events on the Boyne, organized by local clubs. Check www.fishinginireland.info for schedules.

County Louth:

Ireland’s county Louth is a county of historic depth and coastal beauty, with Drogheda’s St Peter’s Church housing a historic shrine and the Boyne Valley offering ancient sites like Newgrange, a UNESCO-listed passage tomb. Carlingford’s medieval streets and castle provide scenic walks, while Dundalk’s coastal paths add natural allure. Other attractions include the Cooley Peninsula’s hiking trails. Louth is Ireland’s smallest county by size (821 sq km) and 17th largest by population (139,703). Population peaked at 128,240 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 63,665 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Louth is Ireland’s 21st most visited tourist county with around 108,000 international visitors per year.

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