FISHING in Ireland’s county GALWAY

River Corrib: One of Ireland’s finest salmon and trout rivers, flowing from Lough Corrib through Galway city to Galway Bay, with key beats at the Weir and Salmon Run in the city. Anglers can target Atlantic salmon (peak April to June) and brown trout (up to 5 lbs.). Fly fishing and spinning are popular, with urban beats easily accessible. A Fáilte Ireland rod license (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like Freeney’s) and permits from Galway Fisheries are required. Expect scenic city and rural stretches, busy during salmon runs, with guided trips available.
Lough Corrib: Ireland’s second-largest lake, near Oughterard and Cong, world-famous for wild brown trout, salmon, and pike fishing. Brown trout (1-10 lbs.) dominate, with peak fishing during mayfly hatches (May-June). Salmon are caught June to August, and pike (up to 30 lbs.) are targeted with lures or dead bait. Fly fishing from boats is ideal, requiring a rod license and permits from Inland Fisheries Ireland or local clubs. Expect vast, scenic waters with islands, professional ghillies, and busy summer periods. Tackle shops in Oughterard provide gear.
Galway Bay (Salthill to Spiddal): A prime sea angling area along Galway’s coast, offering shore and boat fishing from piers, beaches, and rocky marks. Shore fishing at Salthill Promenade or Blackrock yields mackerel, pollock, wrasse, and bass, with sea trout possible (rod license needed for trout). Boat charters from Spiddal or Barna target cod, pollack, ling, and occasional shark. No license is required for sea fishing. Expect stunning coastal views, busy tourist areas in summer, and productive fishing with baits like sandeel or feathers. Local operators like Galway Bay Fishing offer guided trips.
Lough Inagh: A scenic lake in Connemara, near Recess, part of the Inagh Valley fishery, known for salmon and sea trout. Salmon and sea trout fishing peaks June to September, with fly fishing the primary method. Brown trout are also present. A rod license and permits from Lough Inagh Lodge or local clubs are required. Expect remote, pristine surroundings with challenging but rewarding fishing. Boats and ghillies enhance success, and the area’s beauty makes it ideal for combining fishing with sightseeing.
Clifden and Ballyconneely (Connemara Coast): Coastal areas in west Galway, offering excellent sea angling from beaches, rocks, and charter boats, with access to reefs and deep waters. Shore fishing at beaches like Gurteen or Dog’s Bay yields bass, flounder, and mackerel, while boat trips from Clifden target pollack, cod, ling, and blue shark (catch-and-release). No sea fishing license is needed. Expect rugged, scenic coastlines with quieter marks away from tourist hotspots. Charters like Connemara Sea Angling provide tackle and expertise, with summer bookings essential.
Lough Mask: A large limestone lake near Ballinrobe, bordering Mayo, renowned for brown trout and pike, with some salmon. Wild brown trout (2-10 lbs.) are caught via fly fishing, especially during mayfly season (May-June). Pike (up to 25 lbs.) are targeted with lures or dead bait. A rod license and permits (via Inland Fisheries Ireland) are required for trout and salmon. Boat fishing is recommended, with ghillies available. Expect expansive waters, stunning views, and productive fishing, though weather can be changeable.
Ballynahinch Lake and River: A prestigious fishery in Connemara, near Recess, known for salmon and sea trout, managed by Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. Salmon fishing peaks June to August, with sea trout abundant in summer evenings. Fly fishing dominates, requiring a rod license and permits from the fishery. Expect exclusive, well-managed beats in a luxurious estate setting, with professional ghillies. Catches are rewarding but regulated, with catch-and-release encouraged. The remote, scenic location adds to the experience.
Licenses: A Fáilte Ireland rod license is required for salmon, trout, and sea trout (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like Freeney’s in Galway city). No license is needed for coarse or sea fishing, but permits may apply for specific fisheries.
Guides and Charters: Operators like Galway Bay Fishing, Connemara Sea Angling, and ghillies at Lough Corrib or Ballynahinch offer boats, tackle, and guided trips. Inland Fisheries Ireland (www.fishinginireland.info) (www.fishinginireland.info) lists approved providers.
Techniques: Fly fishing (wet/dry flies, nymphs) is key for trout and salmon, while lures or dead bait target pike. Sea angling uses feathers, jigs, or baits like sandeel or lugworm. Coarse fishing, though less common in Galway, uses feeder/float methods.
Conservation: Catch-and-release is standard for salmon and sea trout in many fisheries, 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.
Events: Galway hosts angling festivals, particularly for sea fishing in Clifden and game fishing on Lough Corrib, with competitions drawing international anglers. Check www.fishinginireland.info for schedules.

County Galway:

Ireland’s county Galway offers a delightful mix of cultural heritage and coastal beauty, with Galway City’s Latin Quarter showcasing historic streets and traditional music venues. The Connemara National Park provides hiking trails through rugged mountains and bogs, while the Aran Islands offer ancient stone forts like Dún Aonghasa. Other favourite stop is ithe Kylemore Abbey’s Victorian gardens and coastal cliffs. Galway is Ireland’s second largest county by size (5,939 sq km) and fifth largest by population (277,737). Population peaked at 440,198 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 148,340 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Galway is Ireland’s third most visited tourist county with around 1,028,000 international visitors per year.

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