The Adare and wider West Limerick region is popular among game and coarse fishing enthusiasts. The River Maigue which flows through Adare is one of Ireland’s most notable trout fishing spots and the Rivers Deel and Feale as well as the Shannon Estuary offer excellent fishing opportunities.
General Information on Fishing in the Adare Area
- Game Angling for atlantic salmon and brown trout generally best from March to September. Season from 5th Feb to Sept 30th.
- Coarse Fishing for pike, roach, bream, eel, tench, rudd etc. generally available all year round.
- Sea Angling is best from April to October.
- Fishing methods: fly-fishing, spin-fishing, worm fishing allowed in most circumstances.
- Please note that a licence and permit is usually required for salmon and trout fishing but usually not for coarse or sea fishing.
Game Angling
The River Maigue, only minutes from the castle the castle, is ideal for fly-fishing for brown trout with the occasional salmon.The nearby River Deel (10 minute drive) also offers very good brown trout fishing by permit. The serious salmon angler has the majestic River Shannon just a 30 minute drive from Adare at Castleconnell where private beats in glorious surroundings can be booked. The River Feale, a spate river just 30 minutes west of Adare offers salmon from April with summer salmon and sea-trout from May to September.
When conditions prove difficult on the river, due to flooding or otherwise, there are a number of small lakes in the area which are suitable for fly-fishing for brown and rainbow trout.
Coarse Angling
Coarse fishing for pike, perch, bream, roach, tench, and rudd is available at special access points on the River Shannon at Castleconnell and O’Brien’s Bridge just 30 and 45 minutes drive respectively from Adare.
Sea Angling
There is excellent sea fishing from shore, pier or boat available all along the rich rivers of the Shannon Estuary. Species include tope, conger eel, dogfish, bull-huss, ling, ray, bass etc. There are access points at Foynes, Kilteery etc all about 30 minutes drive from Adare. A charter boat accommodating up to 4 anglers on an all-inclusive package can be arranged for a full day’s fishing on the Estuary with Paddy at www.celticangling.com This would suit the serious sea angler seeking tope, bass, large conger etc. Launch point is Tarbert, a 45 minute drive from Adare.
Fishing Outings
Full-day or half-day, all-inclusive outings for any of the above game, coarse or sea fishing are available from Paddy Dunworth of Celtic Angling (contact details below). Paddy is a qualified marine and countryside guide, fully insured caters for up to 4 anglers. His all-inclusive service includes Land Rover transport to and from your accommodation, all tackle and wet gear, permits and licences, packed lunches, complimentary drinks, fly-casting instruction, digital photos and personal guiding at a relaxed and friendly pace. Beginners are especially welcome. Paddy also speaks some French, German and Gaelic. Heritage and hill walking outings are also offered for the non-angling members of the family or you may choose to combine a half-day’s fishing with sightseeing or hill-walking.
Celtic Angling, actively pursues a policy of sustainable development and practice “catch and release” wherever possible. However, we have no objection to clients taking a fish or two for the “pot” as a worthy meal to round off an enjoyable day’s fishing.