FISHING in Ireland’s county DOWN

River Lagan: A major river flowing through Belfast and Lisburn, known for its salmon, brown trout, and coarse fish like roach and perch. Anglers can target salmon and brown trout in the upper stretches, particularly from spring to autumn, using fly or spinning methods. Coarse fishing downstream yields roach, bream, and perch. Expect urban and rural settings with easy bank access in areas like Drumbeg and Lisburn. A DAERA rod license and permits from local angling clubs (e.g., Lisburn & District Angling Club) are required, available at tackle shops like Lisburn Angling Centre. The river’s proximity to Belfast makes it convenient, with scenic spots for a relaxing day.
Strangford Lough: One of the largest sea loughs in Ireland, located near Downpatrick, offering exceptional sea angling and some coarse fishing. Shore anglers can fish from piers and beaches for mackerel, pollock, coalfish, and bass, while charter boats from Portaferry or Killyleagh target deeper waters for tope, ray, cod, and whiting. Expect vibrant marine life and stunning views of the Mourne Mountains. No license is needed for sea angling (except bass, restricted May 15–June 15), but boat charters (e.g., Strangford Lough Fishing Charters) require booking. Coarse fishing for pike and perch is possible in connected freshwater areas. Local tackle shops in Downpatrick provide bait and gear.
Lough Erne (Lower Lough Erne): While primarily associated with Fermanagh, Lower Lough Erne extends into County Down near Belleek, offering world-class coarse and game fishing. Anglers can target pike (up to 30 pounds), bream, roach, and perch in this vast lough, with brown trout available in some areas. Expect boat or bank fishing in a tranquil, expansive setting with lush surroundings. Guided trips and boat hire are available through operators like Erne Angling. A DAERA license is required, and permits can be obtained from tackle shops in Kesh or Enniskillen. The lough’s size and biodiversity make it ideal for multi-day fishing trips.
Quoile River and Basin: A tidal river and basin near Downpatrick, managed as a nature reserve, known for coarse fishing (pike, roach, bream) and some trout. Expect a peaceful fishing experience in a wildlife-rich area, with pike up to 20 pounds and plentiful coarse fish. Bank fishing is accessible, with designated areas for anglers. A DAERA license is needed, and permits are available from local tackle shops or the Quoile Angling Club. The basin’s calm waters and scenic trails make it family-friendly, with birdwatching opportunities for non-anglers.
Dundrum Bay: A coastal bay near Newcastle, offering excellent sea angling for bass, mackerel, flounder, and dogfish, with views of the Mourne Mountains. Shore fishing from Dundrum’s beaches or piers is productive for bass and flatfish, while charter boats target deeper species like cod and tope. Expect a vibrant coastal atmosphere, especially in summer when mackerel are plentiful. No license is required for sea angling (except bass), but check local restrictions. Charters from Newcastle (e.g., Mourne Sea Tours) provide equipment and guidance. Tackle shops in Newcastle stock bait and offer advice for rocky marks.
Castlewellan Lake: A picturesque lake within Castlewellan Forest Park, stocked with rainbow and brown trout for fly fishing, with some coarse fishing for pike. Anglers can enjoy fly fishing for trout in a stunning park setting, with boats available for hire (book via Castlewellan Angling Club). Expect hard-fighting trout and occasional pike, best fished from spring to autumn. A DAERA license and day/season permits are required, available at local tackle shops or online. The lake’s accessibility, with disabled-friendly platforms, and nearby forest trails make it ideal for families. The historic castle and maze add to the visitor experience.
Permits and Licenses: A DAERA rod license is mandatory for freshwater fishing in county Down, available online (www.nidirect.gov.uk Aghadoes.com) or at tackle shops like Lisburn Angling Centre (+44 28 9266 9777) or Downpatrick’s Angling & Outdoors (+44 28 4461 5555). Local permits are required for most game and coarse fisheries, obtainable from angling clubs or shops.
Guided Fishing: Operators like Erne Angling or local guides in Downpatrick offer tailored trips for salmon, trout, pike, or sea angling, with equipment provided. Contact tackle shops for recommendations.
Accessibility: Most venues, like Castlewellan Lake and Quoile Basin, offer good bank access and facilities for disabled anglers. Boat hire is available at larger waters like Lough Erne.
Tackle Shops: Lisburn Angling Centre, Downpatrick’s Angling & Outdoors, and online suppliers like Wildhunter.ie provide tackle, bait, and permits. Local shops also offer expert advice on conditions and hotspots.
Sustainability: Catch-and-release is encouraged for protected species like salmon and bass. Check local regulations for bag/size limits, especially on the River Lagan and Strangford Lough.

County Down:

Ireland’s county Down offers a mix of historic sites and scenic landscapes, with Downpatrick’s Saint Patrick Centre and cathedral providing insights into Ireland’s patron saint. The Mourne Mountains offer hiking trails with sweeping views, while Strangford Lough provides kayaking and wildlife spotting. Other attractions include the historic Tollymore Forest Park. Down is Ireland’s 12th largest county by size (2,447 square km) and fourth largest by population (553,261). Population peaked at 361,446 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 204,303, in 1911. In terms of hospitality, Down is Ireland’s 18th most visited tourist county with around 127,000 international visitors per year.

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