Fishing
Fishing and angling in the Kingdom
This week I’m going to start in Dingle. Many people might think of fishing as a very boring pastime. However, fishing at sea is a different ‘kettle of fish’, if you’ll excuse the pun. So how about 2 hours of deep sea fishing in Dingle Bay, all rods and bait provided, out in the ocean surrounded by sea birds, watch gannets diving for fish, there’s a chance of seeing dolphins, including Fungie, and maybe the odd seal and splendid cliff scenery – and of course the almost certainty of catching mackerel, ling or pollack for your dinner. And all for just €25, €15 for children.
One of the really nice things about this trip is that at the end of it the skipper will fillet your catch for you. Then, if you drop it into John Benny’s or the Marina Inn and book a table for later that evening, they will serve your fish to you with chips and veg for just €10. That is amazing value!
As you know, Dingle attracts the very best of Ireland’s traditional musicians and both John Benny’s and the Marina Inn are renowned for great music sessions. What better way to end a great day!
For more information contact: Michael and Mary O’Neill at dingleboattours.com or call in to them at their shop at the marina.
Tel: 066 915 1344 / 087 672 6100
Killarney Fishing and Angling
Killarney is a joy for the angler. Rivers such as the Flesk, which flows into Loch Léin, get a good run of spring salmon and usually a great run of grilse; it’s also home to brown trout. The River Laune flows from Killarney’s lakes into Castlemaine Harbour. It is excellent for salmon, trout and sea trout; late summer is best for trout.
Permits are necessary for some waterways and stocked lakes. To fish for salmon and sea trout, one also needs a state licence. A brown trout permit for the River Flesk is €5 euro; salmon and sea trout €30/ day. The Killarney lakes are rich in salmon and brown trout. Try flies such as Jungle Cock, Peter Ross, Bibio and Black Zulu. Barfinnihy Lake, a stocked lake on the Moll’s Gap to Sneem road, has rainbow trout. It is easily accessed from the main road, spinning or fly fishing are best.
For fishing gear, bait, state licences, permits, boat hire and ghillies contact Denis O’Neill, Plunkett St., Killarney. Open 7 days. T:064-6631970. Facebook: O’Neills of Killarney
The good news for anglers is that no permit is required for fishing on the Killarney lakes but a state licence is required if fishing for salmon.
