FISHING in Ireland’s county WICKLOW

River Slaney: A major river flowing through Baltinglass and Shillelagh, renowned for salmon, sea trout, and brown trout, with some coarse fishing for pike. Anglers can target salmon (best February-September) and sea trout (summer nights) using fly or spinning methods in scenic stretches like Baltinglass. Brown trout are plentiful, and pike are found in slower waters. Expect accessible banks and a tranquil, rural setting with historic villages nearby. A state rod license is required for salmon and sea trout, and permits are available from local angling clubs or tackle shops like O’Rourke’s in Baltinglass (+353 59 648 1266). Guided trips are offered by experts like Wicklow Angling (+353 87 249 9966).
Lough Dan: A glacial lake near Roundwood in the Wicklow Mountains, known for wild brown trout and some perch. Anglers can enjoy fly fishing for brown trout (averaging 1-2 pounds) in a stunning, remote lake surrounded by mountains. Best fished from spring to autumn, especially during mayfly hatches (May-June). Boat hire is limited, so bank fishing is common. A state rod license is required, and permits may be needed from local landowners, available via tackle shops like The Anglers Rest in Wicklow town (+353 404 67136). The lake’s peaceful setting, with hiking trails nearby, is ideal for a nature-focused trip.
Wicklow Coast (Wicklow Head and Greystones): A rugged coastline offering sea angling from piers and beaches at Wicklow town, Greystones, and Bray, targeting a variety of marine species. Shore anglers can catch mackerel, pollock, bass, and wrasse from Greystones Harbour or Wicklow Head, while charter boats from Wicklow town (+353 87 683 2179) target cod, ling, and tope in deeper waters. Expect dramatic coastal views and lively summer fishing for mackerel. No license is needed for sea angling (except bass, restricted May 15–June 15). Charters provide tackle, and nearby towns like Greystones offer seafood restaurants and pubs for post-fishing relaxation.
River Liffey: A major river with stretches in west Wicklow near Blessington, known for wild brown trout and some coarse fish like pike and perch. Anglers can fly fish for brown trout (best March-September) in fast-flowing upper reaches or target pike in slower sections near Blessington Lakes. Expect a scenic, rural setting with good bank access. A state rod license is required for trout, and permits may be needed from local clubs, available at tackle shops like Blessington Lakes Tackle (+353 45 891 111). The nearby Poulaphouca Reservoir adds sightseeing options.
Poulaphouca Reservoir (Blessington Lakes): A large reservoir near Blessington, popular for brown trout, pike, and coarse fish like roach and perch. Anglers can target stocked brown trout (fly or spinning) and large pike (up to 20 pounds) from boats or banks. Expect a vast, scenic fishery with rolling hills and easy access from Blessington. A state rod license is required for trout, and permits are needed from the Blessington Lakes Angling Club, available at local tackle shops. Boat hire is available (+353 45 891 111), and the reservoir’s proximity to Dublin (45 minutes) makes it convenient for day trips.
Vartry Reservoir (Upper and Lower): Two reservoirs near Roundwood, known for stocked rainbow trout and some wild brown trout, managed by Inland Fisheries Ireland. Expect fly fishing for rainbow trout (2-5 pounds) in a peaceful, scenic setting, best from spring to autumn. The Upper Vartry is fly-only, while the Lower allows spinning. A state rod license and day tickets are required, available from The Anglers Rest or online at www.fishinginireland.info. Bank fishing is accessible, with limited boat hire. The reservoirs’ proximity to Roundwood’s pubs and the Wicklow Way trail adds to the experience.
Permits and Licenses: A state rod license is required for salmon, sea trout, and brown trout, available online at www.fishinginireland.info or from tackle shops like The Anglers Rest (Wicklow town, +353 404 67136) or Blessington Lakes Tackle (+353 45 891 111). Coarse and sea angling (except bass) require no license, but permits may be needed for specific waters.
Guided Fishing: Operators like Wicklow Angling (+353 87 249 9966) offer guided trips for freshwater and sea fishing, providing tackle and local expertise.
Tackle Shops: The Anglers Rest, Blessington Lakes Tackle, and O’Rourke’s (Baltinglass) stock bait, tackle, and permits. Online suppliers like Wildhunter.ie serve Wicklow.
Accessibility: Poulaphouca and Vartry Reservoirs offer good bank access, with some disabled-friendly platforms. Rivers like the Slaney have accessible stretches, but check with fishery managers for smaller waters.
Sustainability: Catch-and-release is encouraged for salmon, sea trout, and bass, with strict bag/size limits. Check www.fishinginireland.info for regulations and tide times for sea angling.

County Wicklow:

Ireland’s county Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland for its lush landscapes, with Glendalough’s monastic ruins and round tower set amidst serene lakes and valleys. The Wicklow Mountains National Park offers hiking trails with stunning views, while Powerscourt Estate’s manicured gardens and waterfall add natural elegance. Other attractions include the coastal paths of Bray. Wicklow is Ireland’s 17th largest county by size (,025 sq km) and 16th largest by population (155,851). Population peaked at 126,143 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 57,591 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Wicklow is Ireland’s twelfth most visited tourist county with around 204,000 international visitors per year.

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