Best Fishing Spots in Ireland: Lakes, Rivers & Coastal Marks to Try
Ireland is packed with brilliant fishing, from wild loughs and productive rivers to scenic coastal marks. Whether you’re after pike, perch, trout, salmon, bass, pollock, bream or roach, this guide will help you choose where to fish and what tackle to bring.
Quick answer: where are the best fishing spots in Ireland?
Some of the best fishing areas in Ireland include the Cavan Lakelands, Lough Erne in Fermanagh, Lough Corrib, Lough Sheelin, the River Shannon, Lough Derg, the River Moy, the River Blackwater, the west coast for sea fishing, and the Donegal coastline. The best place depends on whether you are targeting pike, coarse fish, trout, salmon or sea species.
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Select the style of fishing you’re most interested in.
Top fishing spots in Ireland
1. Cavan Lakelands
A must-know area for coarse and pike anglers. Cavan is famous for its many lakes, with excellent opportunities for pike, bream, roach, hybrids, perch and wild brown trout.
Best for: Pike, coarse fishing, perch, trout.2. Lough Erne, Fermanagh
A huge lakeland system with excellent variety. Fermanagh Lakelands highlights pike, perch, bream and roach across Lough Erne and the River Erne system.
Best for: Pike, perch, bream, roach.3. Lough Sheelin
One of Ireland’s best-known wild brown trout loughs, especially popular with fly anglers. It also has pike fishing, but trout are the headline attraction.
Best for: Wild brown trout, fly fishing.4. River Shannon
Ireland’s great river system offers a wide range of fishing, including pike and coarse fishing, with many productive stretches and connected loughs.
Best for: Pike, coarse fish, perch.5. Lough Derg
A major Shannon lake with strong mixed fishing. Depending on area and season, anglers target pike, trout, perch and coarse fish.
Best for: Pike, trout, coarse fishing.6. River Moy, Mayo
One of Ireland’s most famous salmon rivers. A strong choice for anglers interested in game fishing and the classic Irish salmon experience.
Best for: Salmon.7. Lough Corrib, Galway
A legendary western trout lake with huge water, islands, bays and excellent fly fishing heritage.
Best for: Brown trout, fly fishing.8. Donegal Coast
A brilliant sea fishing region with rugged shore marks, beaches, rocks and boat fishing options. Great for anglers who want scenery and variety.
Best for: Pollock, wrasse, mackerel, bass, shore fishing.9. Cork Harbour & West Cork
A strong sea fishing area with estuaries, beaches, harbours and rock marks. Good for anglers targeting bass, pollock, mackerel and other sea species.
Best for: Sea fishing, bass, pollock.10. Causeway Coast & Antrim
Northern Ireland’s coastline offers dramatic sea fishing marks, with Discover NI highlighting the region’s unspoilt coast and shore fishing opportunities.
Best for: Shore fishing, pollock, mackerel, wrasse.Best fishing areas by species
| Target species | Good areas to research | Useful tackle |
|---|---|---|
| Pike | Cavan, Lough Erne, River Shannon, Lough Derg, Lough Ree | Pike rods, reels, lures, deadbait rigs, wire traces, forceps, unhooking mats |
| Coarse fish | Cavan, Fermanagh, Upper Bann, Shannon, canals and lake systems | Feeder rods, floats, hooks, groundbait, keepnets, landing nets |
| Brown trout | Lough Sheelin, Lough Corrib, Lough Mask, western loughs and rivers | Fly rods, fly lines, leaders, wet flies, dry flies, waders |
| Salmon | River Moy, Blackwater, Corrib system, western rivers | Fly rods, spinning rods, salmon flies, spinners, landing nets |
| Sea fish | Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Wexford, Antrim coast | Beach rods, spinning rods, lures, feathers, rigs, weights, waterproof clothing |
Fishing spot finder
I’m a beginner — where should I start?
Start with accessible coarse or pike venues where you can fish from the bank and keep your setup simple. Cavan and Fermanagh are excellent starting points because there are many lakes, river stretches and mixed fisheries.
I want big pike
Focus on large loughs and connected river systems. Cavan, Lough Erne, the Shannon system, Lough Derg and Lough Ree are all strong areas to research.
I want trout on the fly
Look at classic trout loughs such as Lough Sheelin, Lough Corrib, Lough Mask and western river systems. Match your flies to the hatch and season.
I want sea fishing from the shore
Look for beaches, piers, rock marks and estuaries around Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Wexford and Antrim. Always check tides, access and safety before fishing.
Before you go: check licences, rules and local access
Fishing rules vary depending on location, species and water. Always check whether you need a licence, permit or day ticket before fishing. Salmon and sea trout are especially regulated, and Northern Ireland has its own rod licence requirements for public freshwaters.
Essential tackle checklist for fishing in Ireland
For pike
- Pike rod and reel
- Strong braid or mono
- Wire traces
- Lures or deadbait rigs
- Long forceps
- Unhooking mat
- Large landing net
For coarse fishing
- Feeder or float rod
- Reel and line
- Hooks and floats
- Feeders and weights
- Groundbait
- Landing net
- Seat box or chair
For sea fishing
- Beach or spinning rod
- Saltwater reel
- Rigs and weights
- Lures or feathers
- Waterproof clothing
- Headlamp
- Tide plan
Best time to fish in Ireland
The best time depends on the species. Pike fishing is often popular in the cooler months, coarse fishing can be excellent through spring, summer and autumn, trout fishing is closely linked to hatches and conditions, while sea fishing depends heavily on tide, weather and target species.
FAQs: fishing spots in Ireland
Where is the best place for pike fishing in Ireland?
Cavan, Fermanagh/Lough Erne, the Shannon system, Lough Derg and Lough Ree are all excellent areas to research for pike fishing.
Where is good for coarse fishing in Ireland?
Cavan and Fermanagh are both strong coarse fishing areas, with good opportunities for roach, bream, hybrids and perch.
Where can I fish for trout in Ireland?
Lough Sheelin, Lough Corrib, Lough Mask and many western loughs and rivers are well-known trout fishing destinations.
Do I need a fishing licence in Ireland?
It depends on the species and location. Salmon and sea trout fishing generally require licences, and many private or managed waters require permits. Always check local rules before fishing.
What should beginners bring fishing in Ireland?
Beginners should bring a suitable rod and reel, correct line, hooks or lures, landing net, forceps, weatherproof clothing, licence or permit if needed, and basic fish-care equipment.
Ready to get set up?
Whether you’re planning a trip to the Cavan lakes, Lough Erne, the Shannon, a western trout lough or the Irish coast, Mick’s Fishing Tackle has the rods, reels, lures, bait, clothing and accessories to help you fish with confidence.