There are fishing trips and then there are fishing trips to Ireland.
For anglers, Ireland offers something that is hard to replicate elsewhere. What is that? Productive lakes and rivers surrounded by spectacular scenery, welcoming towns, historic sites, great food and plenty of opportunities to explore between casts.
So why limit your Irish fishing holiday to the water?
From the peaceful lakelands of Fermanagh to the wild landscapes of the west coast, Ireland is the perfect destination for combining serious fishing with an unforgettable getaway.
Here are some of the places worth putting on your Irish fishing itinerary and ideas for what to do when you’re ready to put the rod away for the day.
If you want your fishing holiday to feel like a proper escape, Lough Erne in County Fermanagh is a fantastic place to start.
Made up of Upper and Lower Lough Erne, this huge network of waterways is surrounded by rolling countryside, islands, woodland and historic sites. Lower Lough Erne alone covers more than 10,000 hectares and offers opportunities to target species including brown trout, pike, perch, bream and roach.
For fly anglers, the Mayfly period is an especially important part of the season on Lower Lough Erne while pike and coarse fishing provide opportunities at other times of year.
But the real attraction is what surrounds the fishing.
Base yourself around Enniskillen, an island town with plenty to see, eat and explore. When you’re not on the water, you can explore historic sites, take a boat trip, visit nearby attractions or simply enjoy the scenery of the Fermanagh Lakelands.
The region is also home to attractions such as Devenish Island and the Marble Arch Caves while the famous Cuilcagh Boardwalk offers another way to experience the landscape.
In other words, you can fish in the morning, explore in the afternoon and settle into a great meal or traditional pub in the evening.
That’s what makes Fermanagh such an appealing fishing destination: the holiday doesn’t stop when the fishing does.
Fishermen looking for a legendary Irish lake experience, Lough Corrib should be high on the list.
Close to Galway City and stretching deep into the countryside, Lough Corrib is renowned for its wild brown trout and salmon fishing. The lake covers close to 20,000 hectares with boat hire and boatmen available at several locations.
And then there’s the scenery.
The landscape around Corrib is quintessentially west of Ireland…mountains, stone walls, small villages and changing skies over the water.
Recent 2026 reports from Inland Fisheries Ireland highlighted strong mayfly activity on Corrib with wet fly, dry fly and dapping all producing during the hatch.
Don’t just plan to fish Corrib but plan to experience Galway.
Spend an evening exploring Galway City, enjoy its restaurants, homely pubs and traditional music sessions. You can even head further west into Connemara.
You could easily turn a few days of fishing into a wider west-coast road trip, combining time on the lake with the landscapes, culture and coastal scenery that make this part of Ireland so popular.
If predator fishing is your passion, Lough Derg deserves attention.
Situated on the River Shannon, Lough Derg is a large lake surrounded by attractive towns, villages and countryside. Current reports show ongoing activity for pike, perch and trout with specialist guides operating on the lake.
It also gives you an excellent opportunity to combine fishing with a classic Irish touring holiday.
Work your fishing around the towns and attractions of the Shannon region.
You could spend the morning chasing pike, stop for lunch in a riverside town, explore a historic site in the afternoon and finish the day with dinner overlooking the water.
The wider Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region is built around this kind of slower-paced travel, with the River Shannon connecting towns like Killaloe, lakes and countryside across the centre of the island.
If you’re travelling with a partner, family or friends who aren’t fishing every day, that can make a big difference.
For many visiting anglers, Ireland’s rivers are just as appealing as its lakes.
The River Moy in County Mayo is one of the country’s best-known salmon rivers and runs through some beautiful north-western countryside. It really is worth travelling for!
The wider Moy catchment also includes Lough Conn and Lough Cullin, both important fishing waters in the region. Lough Conn is part of the River Moy catchment and is noted for its trout and salmon fishing. The peace out on this rover for fishing is something that can’t be replicated..
This is where a fishing holiday can become a proper Wild Atlantic Way adventure.
Explore towns such as Ballina, head towards the coast, take in the beaches and rugged landscapes of Mayo or continue west towards some of Ireland’s most dramatic scenery.
And if the fishing conditions aren’t quite cooperating one day?
That’s your excuse to go exploring.
One of the joys of fishing in Ireland is that you don’t necessarily have to stick to the biggest or most famous waters.
The west of Ireland is packed with lakes, rivers and smaller fisheries, offering opportunities for anglers looking to get away from the crowds.
Loughs such as Lough Mask and Lough Carra are part of a wider western angling landscape famous for wild brown trout and traditional Irish fly fishing.
Anglers who enjoy exploring, this is where the idea of a fishing road trip really comes into its own.
Pick a region rather than a single lake.
Give yourself several days.
Follow the fishing.
And see where the road takes you.
Fishing regulations, seasons, access arrangements and local requirements can vary depending on where and what you plan to fish. Before setting off, always check the latest official updates, fishing guides and advice on Fishing in Ireland.
It’s also important to check whether local permits, licences or specific rules apply to the river, lake or fishery you plan to visit. Some waters may be privately managed or have their own access arrangements, fishing permits, conservation measures or local regulations.
A little preparation before your trip can help make sure you arrive with everything you need and can spend more time enjoying the fishing.
Our tip: Check the latest information shortly before travelling, particularly if you’re planning to fish a specific river or private fishery, as local conditions, regulations and access arrangements can change.
Whether you’re dreaming of casting a fly over Lough Erne, chasing trout on Lough Corrib, targeting pike on Lough Derg or exploring the rivers and lakes of the west, Ireland offers the chance to turn your fishing trip into something much bigger.
It’s not just about the fish you catch.
It’s the lake at sunrise.
The road winding through the countryside.
The pub at the end of the day.
The stories shared over dinner.
And the feeling that you’ve experienced a little more of Ireland than you expected.
Make your next fish a fishing trip, make your next adventure an Irish adventure.
Explore our website and start planning your fishing holiday with us today.
