An exciting opportunity, for women interested in learning about flyfishing, will be happening at Laois Angling Centre near Portlaoise on Saturday 25th July 2026 and a second event is planned for Saturday 22nd August.
Both events begin at 11am and will include a short indoor session followed by 4 hours of casting instruction and practice outside.
The courses are aimed at beginners or novice anglers aged over 18 and all equipment will be provided. Participants may attend one or both events
No experience is necessary but booking is essential. To receive a booking form, please email the PRO Maddy Kelly prowomenanglersireland@gmail.com
Women will be travelling from all over Ireland to take part and full joining instructions will be sent to those who book.
Dan O’Neill from Kilkenny who is an APGAI Qualified Fly-Casting Instructor will be the lead instructor. He will be assisted by Maddy Kelly from Co Down.
Maddy Kelly who has 25 Caps for the Irish Ladies FlyfishingTeam and has been Team Captain on 3 occasions said,
‘This is an amazing opportunity for women to learn about flyfishing and getting started can be an enjoyable, relaxing, and rewarding experience. There are very few women in Ireland who fly fish but attending a beginner’s day for women lets you meet like-minded women.’
Fly fishing sees the angler visiting some of the most beautiful places in Ireland and in the rest of the world – peaceful natural settings that play a significant role in positive mental health with the sound of flowing water leading to an engagement with nature. This is known to reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety, offering a respite away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
For more information about womens flyfishing in Ireland or to take part in this event please email Maddy Kelly PRO at prowomenanglersireland@gmail.com
Maddy continued
‘There is a rumour that more people go fishing on a Sunday than watch football on a Saturday. I think those stats have become twisted slightly and ‘participation’ versus ‘spectating’ has been mixed up. I think it’s more likely true that more people participate in fishing than play football especially in certain areas.
Even if you don’t catch any fish, the physical exertion from your fishing adventure will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Walking to your fishing spot, carrying your gear, scrambling 5 miles up along a river bank and wading really works your inner core.
I hope that this encourages women to think about trying out flyfishing. All equipment will be provided and participants just need to wear warm clothes and to bring waterproofs.’
There are a range of events throughout Ireland for women who wish to learn to flyfish or to take part in other angling disciplines including a number at Straid Fishery in Co Antrim being organized by ‘Reel Women’, courses organized by the Ulster Angling Federation throughout NI, beginners days being run by the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association and events run by the Irish Ladies Shore Anglers.
Information on all events is available from Maddy Kelly at prowomenanglersireland@gmail.com
