With the abundance of coastline and inland waterways, Ireland is the perfect destination for all types of
angling holidays. Salmon, trout and sea trout are native species with an honoured place in Irish culture, and Ireland's lakes and rivers have preserved their character in a landscape which has changed very little over the centuries.
The Irish coastline, almost 5,000km miles long, is washed by some of the cleanest and clearest seas in Europe. It is also one of the most varied, with dramatic cliffs and many miles of wide strands. This variety offers unlimited opportunities to the sea angler, who can find somewhere to fish all year round. Ireland also has some of the cleanest and most lightly-fished freshwaters in Europe. The Irish landscape is one of small fields and wild peat bogs, littered with lakes of all sizes and drained by many rivers - with the result that there are over 11,000km of riverbank for the coarse and pike angler. The pike is one of the most widespread of Irish fish, and pike fishing is as old as Irish angling.
In the Republic most coarse fishing is free and along with brown trout requires no State Licence. A licence and generally a permit to fish is required for salmon and sea trout fishing and these are available in various denominations ranging from a season to a day to suit the length of your stay. In Northern Ireland a licence is required for coarse and game fishing. These are available from many outlets who can also give details of permits required.
For information on license requirements in the Republic of Ireland please visit the Central Fisheries Board. Information on license requirements in Northern Ireland can be found on the Discover Northern Ireland website.
Central Fisheries Board
Eastern Regional Fisheries Board
South Western Regional Fisheries Board
Shannon Fishery Board
Western Regional Fisheries Board
