FISHING in Ireland’s county CLARE

Lough Derg: Ireland’s third-largest lake, located in east Clare near Killaloe, is a mixed fishery famous for its brown trout, pike, and coarse fish like bream, roach, and perch. Anglers can enjoy a peaceful fishing holiday, especially during the mayfly season (late April to early May) when trout are active. Expect to catch brown trout (averaging 2-4 pounds) and pike up to 30 pounds. Boat rentals, such as 19ft Mayfly fibreglass boats with 5hp Yamaha engines, are available through operators like Anglers Paradise Ireland, and guided trips can be arranged with experts like Damien Culliney. Fishing for Kids in Killaloe offers family-friendly lessons on spinning rod techniques. A DAERA license is required, and permits can be obtained locally. The scenic surroundings, including picturesque towns like Killaloe, add to the experience.
Shannon Estuary: A major sea angling hub where the River Shannon meets the Atlantic, accessible from ports like Kilrush and Kilbaha. Deep-sea fishing charters, such as Fishing Adventures at Kilbaha Pier, offer access to abundant species like mackerel, cod, ling, pollock, whiting, haddock, and sharks (blue, porbeagle, tope). Expect 15-20 minute boat trips to prime fishing grounds near Loop Head Lighthouse. Charters often participate in the Marine Sportfish Tagging Programme, promoting catch-and-release for sharks. Coarse angling yields pike, roach, bream, and tench, while upriver fishing targets tope, ray, and monkfish. Operators like Gerry Norton (Kilbaha) and Kevin Kelly/Michael Johnson (Kilrush) provide equipped boats. A license is required for certain species like sea trout, bass, and salmon, and bait (e.g., mackerel) is often caught fresh at the trip’s start. The estuary’s dramatic scenery enhances the experience.
Doonbeg River: A river flowing through Doonbeg village, known for salmon, sea trout, and brown trout, accessible at the N67 bridge and other locations. Anglers can target salmon and trout using fly or spinning methods in a scenic coastal setting. The river offers good fishing from spring to autumn, with sea trout and salmon runs peaking in summer. Expect a mix of bank and wading opportunities, though some areas require caution due to currents. A DAERA license and local permits are needed, available from tackle shops in nearby towns like Kilrush. The proximity to Doonbeg Bay adds opportunities for sea angling for bass and mullet.
Kilkee Reservoir: A small reservoir 1.5 km from Kilkee on the N67 road, stocked with brown and rainbow trout for fly fishing. This is a serene spot for fly fishing, ideal for catching trout in a quiet, rural setting. The reservoir is easily accessible by car and offers consistent fishing from spring to autumn. Anglers can expect hard-fighting trout, with best results during hatches of olives or sedges. A DAERA license is required, and permits can be obtained locally. The nearby town of Kilkee provides amenities and access to coastal fishing for added variety.
Galway Bay and North Clare Coast (Ballyvaughan to Doolin): The rocky coastline from Ballyvaughan to Doolin, including areas like Black Head, Fanore, and the Cliffs of Moher, offers excellent sea angling. Shore anglers can fish from piers, beaches, and rocks for bass, flounder, mackerel, pollack, wrasse, and dogfish, while charter boats from Ballyvaughan target deeper waters for blue shark, tope, ray, cod, and ling. Notable spots include Inner Rocks and the “Flags” near Black Head for ray and conger, and Fanore Beach for surf fishing bass and flatfish (beware of weaver fish). Charter boats, like those from O’Callaghan’s Angling and Cruising in Liscannor, offer deep-sea trips to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher, with tagging and release for sharks. Expect rugged terrain and potential tackle losses on rocky ground. Bait (e.g., sandeel, mackerel) can be collected locally. A license is needed for protected species, and permits are available from local tackle shops.
River Clare: A medium-sized river flowing through Tuam, Corofin, and Claregalway, known for wild brown trout and occasional salmon. This river offers excellent trout fishing from March to September, with peak seasons in April-June and September. Expect good hatches of olives, spinners, and sedges, ideal for fly fishing. The river supports trout averaging 1-2 pounds, with a daily bag limit of 2 trout (one over 10 pounds) and a minimum size of 13 inches. Permits are required from Tuam Anglers Association or Corofin Fishing Association, and a DAERA license is needed. Angling is allowed from Daly’s Bridge to 300m upstream of the Anbally footbridge, with all legal methods permitted since 2018. The scenic floodplain and club-managed stretches ensure a quality experience.
Permits and Licenses: A DAERA rod license is required for most freshwater and some sea fishing (e.g., sea trout, bass, salmon). Local permits can be obtained from tackle shops like Michael Bourke’s in Kilrush or online via www.fishinginireland.info. Always check regulations, as bag limits and size restrictions apply, especially for salmon and trout.
Tackle Shops: Michael Bourke’s tackle shop in Kilrush (+353 65 905 0555) and stores in Ennis (e.g., Unit 5A, Abby Park, Quin Road) provide rods, reels, bait, and flies for coarse, sea, game, and pike fishing.
Guided Fishing: Operators like Anglers Paradise Ireland (Damien Culliney, +353 87 215 83 37) and Fishing Adventures (Kilbaha, +353 65 6821457) offer guided trips, boat rentals, and equipment for all skill levels, ensuring access to prime spots on Lough Derg and the Shannon Estuary.
Conservation: Catch-and-release is encouraged, especially for protected species like salmon, sea trout, and bass.

County Clare:

Ireland’s county Clare is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and traditional heritage, with the Cliffs of Moher offering breathtaking views over the Atlantic. The Burren’s unique limestone landscape provides hiking and rare flora, while Bunratty Castle offers medieval history with its restored interiors. Check out the traditional music scene in Doolin and the county’s coastal beaches. Clare is Ireland’s eighth largest county by size (3,188 square km) and 19th largest by population (127,938). Population peaked at 286,394 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 73,597 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Clare is Ireland’s sixth most visited tourist county with around 485,000 international visitors per year.

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