Fishing Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

In the final part of this series, Andy Bowman features two prestigious fisheries at the luxury end of the market that offer fabulous fishing and luxurious accommodation.

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There is a touring route that follows Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coastline from County Kerry in the south to Donegal in the north. It travels through some of the most dramatic scenery and passes by many of the best salmon and sea trout systems in Europe. Discover the best places to fish region by region as we follow Andy on his journey along the Wild Atlantic Way in search of Irish Silver.

The Ballynahinch Castle Fishery

Set among the grandeur of an old established woodland, the Ballynahinch Castle Hotel overlooks this fine salmon and sea trout river from its elevated position. Built around 1750, it nestles in 450 acres of private estate and owns the fishing rights to the river and surrounding waters. It is one of the Great Fishing Houses of Ireland.

There is an air of exclusivity about the place. You would guess just by looking at the estate that a day’s fishing would cost rather a lot. Well, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

The river flows into Bertraghboy Bay on the Atlantic coast and upriver makes its way through rocky open moorland for about two miles ringed by the backdrop of the 12 Bens mountain range.

As the river approaches the hotel grounds it becomes increasingly tree lined. It passes below the hotel where it widens a little and then disappears under the old stone road bridge. From there it winds its way upstream between the old established broadleafs of the impressive mature woodlands. This is an enchanting place of dark pools and dappled light as the river slowly twists its way in a series of named pools, riffles and glides, towards and under the rustic steel footbridge before disappearing into Ballynahinch lough.

Studded Felt-Sole Waders

The river can be pretty deep at points and the wading can be a bit tricky underfoot. I would prefer a studded felt sole here, definitely not a cleated rubber one. It is perfectly possible to fish most of the river without