FISHING in Ireland’s county LIMERICK

River Shannon (Castleconnell to Limerick City): Ireland’s longest river, flowing through Limerick, is a premier salmon and trout fishery, with prime beats in Castleconnell and downstream to Limerick city. Anglers can target Atlantic salmon (peak February to June, up to 20 lbs.) and brown trout (0.5-3 lbs.) using fly fishing or spinning. Coarse species like bream, roach, and pike are also present in slower stretches. A Fáilte Ireland rod license (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like Limerick Tackle) and permits from local clubs like Castleconnell Angling Club are required. Expect scenic, powerful waters with accessible banks and a mix of rural and urban settings. Ghillies are available for guided trips.
River Maigue (Adare to Croom): A tributary of the Shannon, flowing through Adare and Croom, known for brown trout, some salmon, and coarse fishing. Brown trout (0.5-2 lbs.) are caught with fly fishing or spinning, best in spring and summer. Roach, perch, and pike (up to 15 lbs.) are found in deeper pools. A rod license is needed for trout and salmon, obtainable online or at local tackle shops. Expect clear, meandering waters with good bank access in a picturesque, rural setting. The Maigue Angling Club provides permits and local advice, making it ideal for relaxed angling.
Lough Gur: A historic lake near Bruff, known for coarse fishing and pike, set in a scenic archaeological site. Anglers can catch bream, roach, tench, perch, and pike (up to 20 lbs.) using feeder or float fishing with maggots, worms, or groundbait. No coarse fishing license is required, but pike may need a permit from Inland Fisheries Ireland. Expect a tranquil, historic setting with good bank access, suitable for families and casual anglers. Local tackle shops in Limerick city provide gear, and the lake’s shallow waters yield consistent catches.
River Feale (Abbeyfeale): A productive river in west Limerick, near the Kerry border, renowned for salmon, sea trout, and brown trout. Salmon (peak June to September) and sea trout (summer evenings) are targeted with fly fishing, while brown trout (0.5-2 lbs.) are caught year-round. A rod license and permits from the Feale Angling Club are required. Expect fast-flowing waters with scenic, rural surroundings and challenging fishing. Abbeyfeale offers tackle shops and accommodation, with ghillies available for expert guidance.
Shannon Estuary (Kilrush to Foynes): A vast estuarine system along Limerick’s coast, offering sea angling from shore and boats, with access to deep waters. Shore fishing at places like Beagh Castle or Foynes yields bass, flounder, mackerel, and sea trout (rod license needed for trout). Boat charters from Kilrush target cod, pollack, rays, and occasional tope or shark. No sea fishing license is required for most species. Expect tidal, exposed waters with stunning coastal views, best fished at high tide. Charters like Kilrush Sea Angling provide tackle and expertise, with summer bookings advised.
Mulcair River (Murroe to Annacotty): A Shannon tributary near Limerick city, known for brown trout, some salmon, and coarse fishing in its lower reaches. Brown trout (0.5-2 lbs.) are caught with fly fishing or spinning, best in spring. Roach, perch, and small pike are present downstream. A rod license is required for trout and salmon, available online or at tackle shops. Expect a mix of fast and slow waters with good bank access, ideal for local anglers. The Mulcair Angling Club offers permits and advice, with a semi-rural setting close to urban amenities.
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 Limerick Tackle or O’Donovan’s in Limerick city). 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).
Guides and Charters: Operators like Castleconnell Angling Club, Kilrush Sea Angling, and ghillies on the Shannon and Feale offer guided trips, boats, and tackle. Inland Fisheries Ireland (www.fishinginireland.info) (www.fishinginireland.info) lists approved providers.
Techniques: Fly fishing (wet/dry flies, nymphs) or spinning is used for trout and salmon. Feeder/float fishing (20-50m 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 and shark follows strict regulations. Check rules via Inland Fisheries Ireland or local clubs.
Accessibility: Limerick’s fishing spots are easily reached by car, with Limerick city and Castleconnell accessible via train or bus from Dublin (2-3 hours). The Shannon Estuary requires careful tide planning.
Events: Limerick hosts coarse fishing competitions on the Shannon and Lough Gur, with occasional sea angling events in Kilrush. Check www.fishinginireland.info for schedules.
$$$Longford
Lough Ree: Ireland’s second-largest lake, straddling Counties Longford, Westmeath, and Roscommon, renowned for coarse fishing, particularly pike, bream, roach, and tench, with some brown trout. Anglers can target large pike (up to 30 pounds) and shoals of bream and roach, with boat fishing being the most effective method. Hotspots include Lanesborough and Ballyleague on the Longford side. Expect a scenic setting with islands and reed beds, ideal for a full day’s fishing. No state license is required for coarse fishing, but permits may be needed for certain stretches, available from tackle shops like Anglers World in Longford (+353 43 334 6939). Guided trips and boat hire are offered by operators like Angling Services Ireland. The nearby River Shannon adds variety, and Lanesborough’s pubs enhance the experience.
River Inny: A major tributary of the Shannon, flowing through Ballymahon, known for coarse fishing (pike, bream, roach, perch) and some brown trout. Expect productive bank or wade fishing for pike and roach, with deeper pools near Ballymahon holding larger fish. Brown trout are present in upper stretches, best fished with fly or spinning methods from March to September. The river’s quiet, rural banks offer a peaceful escape, with good access points. A state rod license is required for trout, and permits may be needed from local angling clubs, available at tackle shops like Melview Fishing Lodge’s shop. The historic town of Ballymahon provides nearby amenities.
Lough Gowna: A large, complex lake system near Granard, famous for coarse fishing, particularly pike, bream, roach, and tench. Anglers can enjoy bank or boat fishing for pike up to 25 pounds and large bream shoals in a tranquil, wooded setting. The lake’s many bays and islands make it ideal for exploring by boat, available for hire locally. No state license is needed for coarse fishing, but permits are required from the Lough Gowna Angling Club, obtainable at tackle shops in Granard or Arvagh. Expect a remote, unspoiled fishery with opportunities for multi-day trips. Nearby villages offer basic amenities.
Royal Canal: A restored canal running through Longford town and Keenagh, popular for coarse fishing with roach, bream, tench, and pike. Expect easy bank access for coarse anglers, with consistent catches of roach and tench in calm, sheltered waters. The canal is beginner-friendly, with level towpaths ideal for families. No state license is required, but permits may be needed for certain stretches, available from local angling clubs or tackle shops like Anglers World. The canal’s proximity to Longford town offers convenient access to pubs and cafes, making it a great spot for a relaxed day’s fishing.
Lough Owel: A lake partially in Longford (near Mullingar, mostly in Westmeath), known for wild brown trout and some coarse fishing for pike and perch. Anglers can target brown trout (averaging 1-2 pounds) with fly fishing or trolling, best from March to September during mayfly hatches. Pike and perch are also present for coarse anglers. Expect a scenic, open lake with boat hire available from local operators. A state rod license is required for trout, and permits are needed from the Lough Owel Angling Association, available at tackle shops in Longford or Mullingar. The lake’s clear waters and quiet surroundings suit a peaceful outing.
Permits and Licenses: A state rod license is required for trout and salmon fishing, available online at www.fishinginireland.info or from tackle shops like Anglers World (Longford, +353 43 334 6939) or Melview Fishing Lodge’s shop (Longford, +353 43 334 5061). Coarse fishing requires no license, but permits for specific waters are often needed, obtainable from local angling clubs or shops.
Guided Fishing: Operators like Angling Services Ireland (+353 87 6401018) or Melview Fishing Lodge (+353 43 334 5061) offer guided coarse and game fishing trips, with boats, tackle, and tuition provided. Contact tackle shops for local guide recommendations.
Tackle Shops: Anglers World in Longford and Melview Fishing Lodge stock tackle, bait, and permits. Online suppliers like Wildhunter.ie also serve Longford.
Accessibility: Lough Ree and the Royal Canal offer good bank access, with some disabled-friendly platforms. Smaller lakes like Lough Gowna may have limited facilities, so check with fishery managers.
Sustainability: Catch-and-release is encouraged for trout and protected species, with bag/size limits enforced. Check www.fishinginireland.info for regulations, particularly on Lough Owel and the River Inny.

County Limerick:

Ireland’s county Limerick combines historic landmarks with riverside charm, with Limerick City’s King John’s Castle offering insights into medieval history along the Shannon. The Hunt Museum showcases an eclectic art collection, while Adare’s thatched cottages and historic manor add picturesque appeal. Other attractions include the nearby Ballyhoura Mountains’ cycling trails. Limerick is Ireland’s tenth largest county by size (2,686 sq km), and ninth largest by population (209,536). Population peaked at 330,029 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 133,339 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Limerick is Ireland’s seventh most visited tourist county with around 420,000 international visitors per year.

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