FISHING in Ireland’s county DUBLIN

Howth Harbour and Cliffs: A picturesque fishing village on Dublin’s north coast, renowned for sea angling from the harbor walls and nearby cliffs, with boat charters available. Shore fishing yields mackerel, pollock, coalfish, wrasse, and occasional cod, especially in summer. Boat trips, like those with Howth Sea Angling, target cod, ling, pollack, and rays over wrecks. No license is required for sea fishing. Expect a bustling harbor with stunning views, busy in summer, and reliable catches using feathers or bait like ragworm. Local tackle shops in Howth supply gear.
River Liffey: Dublin’s iconic river, flowing through the city, offers game and coarse fishing, with prime stretches at Islandbridge, Chapelizod, and upstream near Lucan. Anglers can target salmon, sea trout, brown trout, and coarse species like roach, dace, and pike. Salmon fishing peaks June to September, requiring a Fáilte Ireland rod license (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like Rory’s Fishing Tackle). Urban beats are accessible, but catches require skill due to pressure. Expect a mix of city and suburban settings, with local clubs like the Dublin Angling Initiative providing permits and guidance.
Dublin Bay (Clontarf to Sandymount): A sweeping coastal area offering shore-based sea angling along beaches, piers, and breakwaters, with easy access from Dublin city. Surf casting at Clontarf or Sandymount yields bass, flounder, plaice, and mackerel, with sea trout possible (rod license needed for trout). Summer evenings are best, using sandeel or lugworm. No license is required for other sea species. Expect scenic views of Dublin Bay, moderate crowds, and productive fishing at high tide. Tackle shops like Sea Angling Ireland in Ringsend offer bait and advice.
Pollaphuca Reservoir (Blessington Lakes): A large reservoir southwest of Dublin, near Blessington, managed by Inland Fisheries Ireland, known for trout and pike fishing. Stocked with rainbow and brown trout, with fly fishing from boats or banks yielding fish up to 5 lbs. Pike (up to 20 lbs.) are caught with lures or dead bait. A rod license and permit are required for trout (contact Blessington Lakes Angling Club). Expect a scenic, rural setting with good facilities, ideal for day trips. Coarse fishing for roach and perch is also possible without a license.
River Dodder: A tributary of the Liffey, flowing through south Dublin suburbs like Rathfarnham and Tallaght, offering brown trout and some coarse fishing. Small brown trout (0.5-1 lb.) dominate, best caught with dry flies or nymphs in spring and summer. Roach and dace are present in lower stretches. A rod license is needed for trout, available online or at tackle shops. Expect urban parkland settings with accessible banks, though fishing can be challenging due to low stocks. Local clubs like the Dodder Anglers provide permits and tips.
Skerries Harbour and Coast: A coastal town north of Dublin, known for sea angling from the harbor, piers, and nearby rocky shores, with boat options. Shore fishing produces mackerel, pollock, wrasse, and codling, with bass possible from Red Island. Boat charters target deeper species like cod and rays. No license is needed for sea fishing. Expect a charming seaside town, busy in summer, with reliable catches using feathers or bait. Skerries Angling Club and local tackle shops offer support and gear.
Royal Canal (Blanchardstown to Ashtown): A historic canal running through northwest Dublin, offering coarse and pike fishing with easy urban access. Anglers can catch roach, bream, tench, perch, and pike (up to 15 lbs.). No coarse fishing license is required, but pike may need a permit from Waterways Ireland. Feeder or float fishing with maggots or groundbait works well. Expect a calm, linear waterway with towpath access, ideal for casual anglers. Tackle shops like Angling & Outdoor in Blanchardstown provide bait and equipment.
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 Rory’s Fishing Tackle). No license is needed for coarse or sea fishing, but permits may apply for specific waters (e.g., Pollaphuca).
Guides and Charters: Operators like Howth Sea Angling, Dublin Angling Initiative, and guides in Skerries offer tailored trips, boats, and tackle. Inland Fisheries Ireland (www.fishinginireland.info) (www.fishinginireland.info) lists approved providers.
Techniques: Fly fishing and spinning are key for trout and salmon, while feeder/float fishing (20-40m with groundbait) suits coarse fish. Pike fishing uses lures or dead bait, and sea angling employs feathers, jigs, or bait like sandeel or lugworm.
Conservation: Catch-and-release is encouraged for salmon, trout, and pike in many fisheries. Sea fishing for bass follows strict regulations (e.g., minimum size limits). Check rules via Inland Fisheries Ireland or local clubs.
Accessibility: Dublin’s fishing spots are well-served by public transport (DART for coastal areas, buses for urban rivers), making them ideal for visitors without cars.

County Dublin:

Ireland’s county Dublin combines cultural heritage with urban appeal, with Trinity College’s Book of Kells and Dublin Castle offering historical depth. The Guinness Storehouse provides a journey through Ireland’s iconic stout, while Phoenix Park’s vast green spaces are ideal for cycling. The River Liffey’s scenic walks and Kilmainham Gaol’s historical tours make Dublin a versatile destination for culture and history. Dublin is Ireland’s third smallest county by size (922 square km) and largest by population (1,458,154). Dublin is also Ireland’s most visited tourist county by a margin, with around four million international visitors per year. In terms of hospitality,

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