An Angling Brochure for the Upper Shannon Region

Greatest of the rivers of Ireland, the Shannon makes a leisurely journey from remote mountains, through fertile plains and wide expanses of lonely peat bog, to the city of Limerick and on to the Atlantic Ocean.  Flowing through lakes large and small, with tributaries wandering far and wide through the midlands and, for good measure, several  canals, it offers in endless variety the finest fishing in Ireland. 

This guide describes the glories of the upper river which, while it can(t offer sea fishing, more than compensates for the lack by the abundance and variety of rivers, lakes and canals, catering for every conceivable kind of sport. 

The poet T W Rolleston wrote of the Shannon flowing in a quiet watered land, a land of rosesand nobody has bettered that description.  The river for the most part winds its way slowly through the midlands of Ireland.  The Upper Shannon extends from the source of the river, in the lonely Shannon Pot on the Cuilcagh Mountains, to the ancient crossing at Shannonbridge, where it is met by the River Suck, one of the major tributaries. 

Fishing for salmon and brown trout are part of a tradition going back for centuries.  Salmon are scarce in the Upper Shannon, but work is in progress to increase their numbers.  Brown trout are plentiful in many of the lakes, fine fighting fish, ready to take the famous mayfly or any of the artificial flies and lures that have been devised to outwit them.  Magnificent pike abound, together with big bream and tench, roach by the thousand, the exciting roach-bream hybrids and fine perch.  For specialists, big eels are plentiful. 

The region has been welcoming angling visitors for more than fifty years, so everything that an angler could need is available.  Old piers and harbour walls provide easy access to the waters.  Where reeds fringe the shorelines, fishing stands are in place.  For those who want to take to the water, boats are available for hire in all the popular spots.  Accommodation of all kinds is available, delightful family homes and farmhouses catering for B & B or full board, hotels large and small, self-catering houses or cottages.  Fishing tackle shops provide everything in the way of gear, to say nothing of expert advice on the best places to go. 

The waters have been grouped into nine fishing areas, each district being an area such as a lake or group of lakes or a stretch of river which stands on its own and would make the basis for a satisfying angling holiday.  The information provided includes some of the main characteristics of each fishery, principal waters in the area, types of fishing available and a map.  These items will make it possible to select a location to head for and stay in the first place and even enough for the entire holiday.  But dont forget that, when you get there, you are bound to discover much more than any book, large or small, can tell you.