Ireland is renowned for its pristine lakes and has an estimated 14,000km of rivers and 5,600km of coastline, but also has an impressive range of campsites ideally located if you're an angler seeking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ireland while indulging in your favourite pastime. You can access even the most remote of fishing destinations from the comfort of your own motorhome, then at the end of a long and rewarding day, get straight down to cooking your catch and savour every moment with every bite.
In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through some of the top campsites in Ireland that offer excellent fishing opportunities.
Lough Ree East Caravan and Camping Park, Athlone - Co. Westmeath
Situated directly on the shore of Lough Ree East, Loughree East Caravan and Camping is a family run park with its own jetty and boat-slip. It makes for an ideal location for angling as it’s bordered by a 500 meter stretch of the Breensford trout river. This spot is clearly a favourite among serious anglers who have been massively rewarded with impressive catches, as can be seen from the photo below. Conveniently located less than 3 miles/5 km from Athlone town with its many riverside shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. You can hire a boat from www.lakesidedayboathire.ie situated less than a mile from the campsite. After a long day on the water, you can stroll to the Dog & Duck pub which is only a 2 min walk away. Other water activities include, wind-surfing, sailing and canoeing and if you are happy to venture a bit further, Bay Sports inflatable water park is only 15 minutes away in Hudson bay.
If competitive fishing is of interest, look out for the Lough Ree Predator Challenge which takes place in September. Formal entry in advance is required if you are interested in participating, you recommended if partaking. See their Facebook page...https://www.facebook.com/p/Lough-Ree-Predator-Challenge-100067719771296/
Roches Camping, Bannow Bay - Wexford
Positioned midway between Wexford and Waterford, Roches camping site offers spectacular views of Bannow Bay with excellent off the coast fishing for pollock, mackerel, seabass and trout. Situated on the historic Bannow estuary which is a great source for bass, it offers spectacular views of the golden beaches from all angles. The supply runs can change over time, so we strongly encourage you get the local expertise on the best spots in order to get the best out of your efforts. Fishing aside, the campsite itself is dog friendly and offers beachside horse and pony trekking from the site, plus it is only 45 minute drive from Rosslare Ferries. There is also an array of splendid Wexford beaches to visit and Hook Lighthouse, Wexford Town, Duncannon Fort and Tintern Abbey are only 30 minutes away. This site is ideally located for fishing but also a great location to enjoy the great outdoors and spend time in your motorhome with friends and family. For more information on Roches Campsite you can visit their facebook page.
Roundwood Caravan and Camping Park - Wicklow
Nestled in the heart of County Wicklow, Roundwood Caravan and Camping Park provides an idyllic setting for fishing enthusiasts. Situated near the picturesque Roundwood Reservoir, this campsite offers easy access to trout fishing. Fly fishing is permitted under license on the Vartry Reservoirs which are currently managed by Dublin City Council. The season runs from March 1st to October 12th. Day tickets to fish the shoreline of the Lower Reservoir only (the Upper is not safe for wading) are available from Dublin City Council and can be purchased at the Vartry Waterworks at the Lower Reservoir, telephone 01 2818368. Boat fishing is let to County Wicklow Anglers Association. The Vartry Reservoirs hold brown trout. The trout in the Upper Reservoir are wild while trout stocks in the Lower Reservoir are augmented by occasionally stocking them with small trout that become naturalised. The average size of the trout here is 0.75lb. Overall, the site has received great reviews and is particularly popular with anglers and walkers. To find out more about the campsite or make a booking visit their website at the link above.
Battlebridge Caravan and Camping Park - Leitrim
Located in the charming County Leitrim, Battlebridge Caravan and Camping Park is a hidden gem for pike fishing enthusiasts. Set along the banks of the River Shannon, this campsite offers a peaceful atmosphere. Coarse fish species in the area include bream, roach, rudd, hybrids, tench, pike and perch and game fish include wild Atlantic salmon, sea trout and brown trout. Both beginners and experienced anglers can benefit from the services of a friendly local expert, who will be able to advise on the best bait, locations, tackle and even local fishing lore. See the angling in Leitrim guide. Meanwhile for the rest of your camping crew, Leitrim village is only 10 minutes walk and Carrick on Shannon is a 10 minute drive from the site. For things to do in Carrick on Shannon check out the following web page this way to get to keep everyone happy while you enjoy your favourite pastime.
Cong Caravan and Camping Park - Mayo
Famous for its magnificent lakes and rivers, County Mayo is a paradise for anglers. Cong Caravan and Camping Park is situated near the village of Cong and provides an ideal base for exploring the fishing opportunities in the region. With Lough Corrib and Lough Mask in close proximity, you'll have access to exceptional trout and salmon fishing. Visit the following website for local fishing guides and instructors. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of these serene lakes and the thrill of landing a prized catch. Cong Camping Park is a 5 minute walk from Ireland's finest brown trout and salmon fishing on Lough Corrib and 10 minutes walk from the world famous Ashford Castle (if fishing off the grounds of Ashford Castle, it's good to be aware that there is a small fee). Hawk walks are a real treat at Ireland's School of Falconry at Ashford Castle and Cruises on Lough Corrib depart from Lisloughrey Quay 5 minutes walk from the Park. There is an abundance of outdoor activities on the Park's doorstep - from kayaking, horse riding, cycling and walking trails through the 2,000 acres of woodlands that surround Cong to more adventurous mountain climbs in Connemara including the Maamturks, the Twelve Bens, and Croagh Patrick. The 12th Century village of Cong itself is possibly one of Irelands most charismatic and captivating villages and will leave you mesmerised, you certainly won't be short of things to do.
Knockalla Caravan and Camping Park - County Donegal
For those seeking a coastal fishing experience, Knockalla Caravan and Camping Park offers an incredible setting with miles of sandy beaches which have blue flag status . This campsite provides access to sea fishing for species such as mackerel, pollock, and sea bass. Cast your line into the Atlantic Ocean and be prepared for the thrill of reeling in some impressive catches while enjoying the rugged beauty of Donegal's coastline. For a spot of serious sea fishing, you can book a deep sea fishing trip at Sea Fishing Donegal. For a more low-key approach, you can always cast from the beach, rocky shoreline and Portsalon Pier is also known to be a great spot for fishing. Knockalla is the perfect base to explore what the North West Coast has to offer. With an array of activities for water sport enthusiasts, scenic walks for walkers, award winning golf courses and without doubt some of the most spectacular panoramic views there is plenty to keep you coming back time and time again. Ballymockster Beach is a short 10 minute walk or 2 minutes and was voted the 2nd most beautiful beach in the world by the Observer Travel Magazine.
Ireland's diverse landscapes and abundance of waterways make it a dream destination for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the serenity of lakes, the majesty of rivers, or the excitement of coastal fishing, Ireland has something to offer every angler. The campsites mentioned above provide the perfect combination of comfortable accommodation, stunning surroundings, and exceptional fishing opportunities. So, pack your fishing gear, pitch your tent, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable angling adventure in the breath-taking beauty of Ireland.
If you are interested in purchasing a motorhome or campervan, come and see the range at our showrooms in Shannonside Business Park, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary V94VY98. Anchor Point Motorhomes is your Burstner, Weinsberg and Westfalia Motorhome Ireland dealer, we pride ourselves on delivering a 5-star service to all our customers.
Call us on 353 (0)61 379903 or pop in to see us. A warm welcome awaits!
