FISHING in Ireland’s county MEATH

River Boyne (Navan to Trim): One of Ireland’s most famous rivers, flowing through Meath, renowned for salmon, brown trout, and coarse fishing, with prime stretches near Navan, Kells, and Trim. Anglers can target Atlantic salmon (peak June to September, up to 15 lbs.) and brown trout (0.5-3 lbs.) using fly fishing or spinning. Coarse species like roach, bream, dace, and pike are abundant in slower sections. A Fáilte Ireland rod license (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like Navan Angling Centre) and permits from local clubs like the Boyne Valley Angling Association are required for salmon and trout. Expect scenic, historic waters with accessible banks, ideal for both game and coarse anglers, with ghillies available for guided trips.
River Blackwater (Kells to Navan): A major tributary of the Boyne, known for brown trout, some salmon, and coarse fishing, with key beats near Kells and downstream to Navan. 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, fast-flowing waters with good bank access in a rural, peaceful setting. The Blackwater Angling Club provides permits and local advice, making it suitable for all skill levels.
Royal Canal (Enfield to Thomastown): A historic canal running through southern Meath, offering excellent coarse fishing and pike, with accessible stretches near Enfield and Hill of Down. Anglers can catch roach, bream, tench, perch, and pike (up to 12 lbs.) using feeder or float fishing with maggots, worms, or groundbait. No coarse fishing license is required, but pike may need a permit from Waterways Ireland. Expect calm, well-maintained towpaths, ideal for beginners and families, with a quiet, rural atmosphere. Tackle shops in Enfield or nearby Dublin provide gear, and the canal’s proximity to the M4 makes it convenient.
Lough Sheever (near Kilcock): A small lake near Kilcock, managed by local angling clubs, known for coarse fishing and pike, with some trout stocking. Roach, bream, tench, perch, and pike (up to 15 lbs.) are caught with feeder or float methods, while stocked rainbow trout (1-3 lbs.) are targeted with fly fishing. A rod license is required for trout, and permits are needed from local clubs or Inland Fisheries Ireland. Expect a compact, peaceful lake with good bank access, suitable for day trips. The rural setting and proximity to Dublin enhance accessibility.
Boyne Estuary (Mornington): The tidal mouth of the River Boyne near Mornington, offering sea angling and some coarse fishing, with easy access from Drogheda. Shore fishing yields bass, flounder, mullet, and sea trout (rod license needed for trout), best at high tide with sandeel or lugworm. Coarse species like roach and pike are present in brackish waters. No sea fishing license is required for most species. Expect sandy beaches and estuarine views, with moderate crowds in summer. Tackle shops in nearby Drogheda (e.g., Drogheda Angling Centre) provide bait and advice, ideal for coastal anglers.
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 Navan Angling Centre or Boyne Valley Tackle). 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 like the Boyne Valley Angling Association).
Guides and Facilities: Local angling clubs offer permits and advice, with limited guided trips available through Inland Fisheries Ireland contacts. Tackle shops in Navan, Kells, and Drogheda provide bait, gear, and local knowledge.
Techniques: Fly fishing (dry flies, nymphs) or spinning is used for trout and salmon. Feeder/float fishing (20-40m with groundbait, maggots, or worms) suits coarse fish. Pike fishing employs lures or dead bait, while sea angling uses 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 follows strict regulations (e.g., minimum size). Check rules via Inland Fisheries Ireland or local clubs.
Accessibility: Meath’s fishing spots are easily reached by car, with Navan, Kells, and Drogheda accessible via bus or train from Dublin (45-60 minutes), making day trips convenient.
Events: Meath hosts occasional coarse fishing competitions on the Boyne and Royal Canal, organized by local clubs. Check www.fishinginireland.info for schedules.

County Meath:

Ireland’s county Meath is steeped in Ireland’s ancient past, with the Hill of Tara offering a glimpse into royal history and panoramic views. The UNESCO-listed Brú na Bóinne complex, including Newgrange and Knowth, showcases intricate Neolithic tombs, while Trim Castle provides medieval grandeur. Other attractions include the Boyne River’s scenic walks and historic Slane Castle. Meath is Ireland’s 14th largest county by size (2,336 square km) and eighth largest by population (220,826). Population previously peaked at 183,828 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 62,969 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Meath is Ireland’s 19th most visited tourist county with around 122,000 international visitors per year.

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