If you’re planning a fishing holiday in Ireland this year, or just fancy a couple of days on the water during your visit, read on to get information about accommodation, transport, licences, regulations and fishing guides.
Perfect angling climate
Ireland is one of the best destinations in Europe to book a fishing holiday in 2025. Due to its geographic location on the eastern Atlantic ocean, this island is blessed with a mild climate and comfortable temperatures year round. All good ingredients for a successful angling adventure, whether in its abundant freshwater lake and river systems or extensive coastline.
Go Fishing Ireland is based in the eastern part of the country, within easy access of the capital city, Dublin, and its busy international airport. The local north east and midlands area offers everything the angler needs – game fishing for trout and salmon in the rivers and larger loughs (lakes), predator fishing for large northern pike in the lakes, coarse fishing in the smaller lakes and canals, and coastal fishing for sea bass and other saltwater species. Hundreds of fishable waters lie within easy access and angling pressure is low. Travel distances are small, and the road infrastructure is good. It’s possible to have breakfast in your Dublin city hotel and, by mid-morning, be casting to a rising trout in a peaceful rural setting.
Due to the mild climate, fishing is available all year round with different species targeted according to the seasons. Stillwaters rarely, if ever, freeze over in winter and summer temperatures don’t rise to uncomfortable levels, typically 17-23 degrees Celsius (63-73 Fahrenheit). The most popular fishing months for trout fishing are April through to the end of September. Pike fishing is available 12 months of the year, but most popular though autumn, winter and spring.
Accommodation for anglers and families
The visiting angler booking a fishing holiday in Ireland is spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation. Everything from luxury 5 star hotels to cosy Bed & Breakfasts. Self-catering is also widely available. If you plan to stay in Dublin or the surrounding counties, it’s possible to get to some great fishing within a short distance.
If you like the idea of staying somewhere on or near the water during your fishing holiday in Ireland, check out these places near to Dublin which are regularly used by my clients:
Hotels
Carton House Hotel, Maynooth, Co. Kildare – https://www.cartonhouse.com/
A magnificent 5-star resort set in 1,000 acres near Dublin with its own private estate lake and river. Pike and trout fishing on site. Fishing guide, boats and equipment are available. Why not treat yourself? Worth every penny!
Castle Arch Hotel, Trim, Co Meath – https://www.castlearchhotel.com/
A comfortable, friendly 3 star hotel in the medieval town of Trim. 30 minutes from Dublin. Walking distance to the River Boyne with extensive fishing for wild brown trout. Guided fishing available.
Newgrange Hotel, Navan, Co Meath – https://www.newgrangehotel.ie/
A popular 3 star hotel in the busy market town of Navan. Walking distance to the river Boyne with fly fishing for trout and some salmon.
SELF CATERING
Boyne View House – https://boyneview.ie/
Well appointed and extremely comfortable self-catering cottages and lodges on the banks of the river Boyne. Near the medieval town of Trim in Co. Meath. Fly fishing is available on site.
Slane Castle – https://www.slanecastle.ie
Set in the middle of a 1,500 acre estate in the heart of the Boyne Valley, Co. Meath. The Castle Collection is a unique accommodation experience in one of the most impressive and historic buildings on the island. Fishing is onsite on the river Boyne and strictly reserved for castle guests. Guided trout, salmon and pike fishing available on site.
Johnsfort, Clonmellon Co. Westmeath – https://johnsfort.ie/
Charming and very comfortable accommodation on a traditional 200 year old family farm. Close to the excellent trout fisheries of Lough Lene and Lough Sheelin where guided fishing trips can be booked. Also offers private tours of the local area and top tourist destinations across Ireland.
BED & BREAKFAST
St Kyrans Country House – https://www.stkyrans.com/
Stylish bed and breakfast accommodation overlooking Lough Ramor. A top pike fishing destination. Many other lakes nearby. Guided fishing trips can be arranged.
Transport
For getting to the various lakes and rivers during your fishing holiday in Ireland, a car is best. However, public transport options may be available depending on the fishing venue. Ireland has a good intercity and rural bus transport system. If the river or lake is near to a town or village, chances are, you can get there by bus. Check out this website to review destinations and timetables https://www.buseireann.ie/
Angling Licences and regulations
Compared with many other European countries, the Republic of Ireland offer lots of free fishing in fantastic locations. Some of the best pike and coarse fisheries are completely free to fish. However, many game fisheries, especially rivers, will require some form of day permit. These can often be purchased from the local fishing club or a government agency. There are plenty of exceptions. Some of our finest wild trout fisheries, particularly the large western lakes, offer free fishing. This government website offers a comprehensive overview of all the best fisheries and applicable regulations and licences https://fishinginireland.info/
If you plan to fish for salmon or sea trout, a special state licence is required.
In 2025 a daily licence costs €36.00, €50.00 for a 21 day licence and €100.00 for the full season in all districts. Local area licences can also be purchased.
Buy your salmon and seas trout fishing licence online here https://store.fishinginireland.info/
For more details about all licences and regulations in the Republic of Ireland, download this regulations booklet published by the Irish Government:
Visiting anglers should remember that there are two separate angling jurisdictions on the island. Northern Ireland, as part of the United Kingdom, has its own set of regulations and licences. Details about fishing in Northern Ireland can be reviewed here https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/angling-regulations-rules#toc-1
Guided fishing and fishing charters
Experienced fishing guides are located throughout the island. In many parts of the country they are still known as “Ghillies”. As any angler knows, local knowledge of the waters is key to a successful fishing holiday. Specialist guides for trout, salmon and pike can be booked in advance. Some can provide equipment as well, but it’s best to check this in advance. Prices for a full day guiding tend to range from €200-€400, depending on the service provided and the location. Contact us directly if you want to book river or lake fishing near to Dublin.
Fly casting lessons
If you’ve ever dreamed about learning how to cast a fly fishing rod, then Ireland is a great place to learn. The tradition of fly fishing in Ireland goes back over 200 years, so you’ll have a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw on. There are plenty of qualified fly fishing instructors located throughout the country. Contact me directly if you want to book a lesson or check out this website for a list of qualified instructors www.apgai-ireland.ie
Contact Us to get more information about booking your fishing holiday in Ireland