FISHING in Ireland’s county WEXFORD

River Slaney (Enniscorthy to Wexford Harbour): A renowned salmon and trout river flowing through Wexford, with prime stretches near Enniscorthy, Bunclody, and the estuary at Wexford town. Anglers can target Atlantic salmon (peak February to June, up to 15 lbs.) and brown trout (0.5-2 lbs.) using fly fishing or spinning. Sea trout are abundant in summer evenings, and coarse species like roach and pike are present in lower reaches. A Fáilte Ireland rod license (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like Rory’s Tackle in Wexford) and permits from the Slaney Angling Club are required for salmon and trout. Expect scenic, fast-flowing waters with accessible banks, busy during salmon runs, and guided trips available.
Wexford Harbour and Estuary: A productive estuarine area at the mouth of the River Slaney, offering sea angling and some coarse fishing, with key spots near Wexford town and Rosslare. Shore fishing yields bass, flounder, mullet, and sea trout (rod license needed for trout), best at high tide with sandeel or lugworm. Boat charters target cod, pollack, wrasse, and rays. No sea fishing license is required for most species. Expect tidal waters with sandy beaches and bustling harbor views, popular in summer. Operators like Wexford Sea Angling provide boats and tackle, with tackle shops like Southeast Angling Ireland in Wexford for bait.
Kilmore Quay: A picturesque fishing village on Wexford’s south coast, known for world-class sea angling from shore, piers, and charter boats. Shore fishing at Kilmore Quay pier or nearby beaches produces bass, mackerel, pollack, and wrasse, using feathers or bait like ragworm. Boat trips target cod, ling, pollack, and occasional shark (catch-and-release), with wrecks and reefs accessible. No sea fishing license is needed. Expect a vibrant coastal village with stunning views, busy in summer, and reliable catches. Charters like Kilmore Quay Angling offer guided trips, with local tackle shops for gear.
Bannow Bay: A sheltered bay on Wexford’s southwest coast, near Fethard-on-Sea, offering sea angling from beaches and rocky marks, with some boat options. Shore fishing yields bass, flounder, mackerel, and occasional cod, best with surf casting using lugworm or sandeel. Boat charters target pollack, cod, and rays. No sea fishing license is required. Expect tranquil, sandy beaches with scenic coastal views, less crowded than Kilmore Quay. Local operators like Hook Peninsula Angling provide charters, and tackle shops in New Ross or Wexford supply bait.
Oaklands Lake (New Ross): A managed lake near New Ross, known for coarse fishing and pike, with good facilities for anglers. Anglers can catch roach, bream, tench, perch, and pike (up to 15 lbs.) using feeder or float fishing with maggots, worms, or groundbait. No coarse fishing license is required, but pike may need a permit from Inland Fisheries Ireland or local clubs. Expect a well-maintained, accessible lake with platforms, ideal for families and casual anglers. Tackle shops in New Ross provide gear, and the lake’s proximity to town adds convenience.
Ballyteigue Bay (near Duncormick): A sandy coastal bay on Wexford’s south coast, known for shore-based sea angling, particularly for bass and flatfish. Surf casting yields bass, flounder, plaice, and mackerel, best at high tide with sandeel or lugworm. No sea fishing license is required. Expect long, open beaches with a wild, natural atmosphere, quieter than other coastal spots. The bay’s exposure requires checking tide and weather conditions. Tackle shops in Wexford or Kilmore Quay provide bait, and local angling clubs offer advice.
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 Tackle or Southeast Angling Ireland). 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 Slaney Angling Club).
Guides and Charters: Operators like Wexford Sea Angling, Kilmore Quay Angling, and Hook Peninsula Angling offer guided trips, boats, and tackle. Inland Fisheries Ireland (www.fishinginireland.info) (www.fishinginireland.info) lists approved providers.
Techniques: Fly fishing (wet/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 feathers, jigs, or 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 and shark follows strict regulations (e.g., minimum size). Check rules via Inland Fisheries Ireland or local clubs.
Accessibility: Wexford’s fishing spots are easily reached by car, with Wexford town, New Ross, and Kilmore Quay accessible via bus or train from Dublin (2-3 hours). Coastal areas require tide planning.
Events: Wexford hosts sea angling competitions in Kilmore Quay and coarse fishing events on Oaklands Lake, organized by local clubs. Check www.fishinginireland.info for schedules.

County Wexford:

Ireland’s county Wexford combines coastal beauty with historic sites, with the Hook Lighthouse, one of the world’s oldest, offering scenic coastal views. The Irish National Heritage Park recreates ancient and medieval settlements, while Wexford’s beaches, like Curracloe, provide sandy shores for walking. Other attractions include the historic town of Enniscorthy and its castle. Wexford is Ireland’s 13th largest county by size (2,351 square km) and 14th largest by population (163,919). Population peaked at 202,033 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 83,308 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Wexford is Ireland’s eighth most visited tourist county with around 229,000 international visitors per year.

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