Athlone is a busy and important angling centre located in the heart of Ireland’s midlands on the River Shannon, Co Westmeath and lies immediately south of Lough Ree, a large lake of 10,500 hectares. Lough Ree is 26 kms long by 10 kms at its widest point, and is 120 feet at its deepest, but averages about 20 feet. It is approximately equidistant from Dublin and Shannon Airports, an approximate distance of 135 kms.
WHERE TO FISH
You can fish in a number of locations on the River Shannon, Lough Ree and the lower stretches of the River Inny of which Athlone serves well as a base. Lough Ree offers a wide choice of fishing bays. The shoreline on the lake is generally rocky and sometimes uneven. Anglers opting for shore fishing on the lake should come suitably prepared with levelling platforms for your comfort and ease. Also do consider your own safety, avoid shore fishing in adverse weather conditions. Where public access to some shores on the lake are limited by road or are through private property, a boat will be essential to gain access. This can be arranged locally. The River Shannon down stream of Athlone offers a number of fishing hot spots as far as Clonmacnoise, about 12 kms away.
Bream |
Roach |
Tench |
Rudd |
Hybrids |
Perch |
Pike |
|
** |
*** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
** |
|
* |
**** |
P |
P |
*** |
P |
* |
|
** |
** |
P |
* |
** |
P |
*** |
|
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
P |
** |
|
** |
*** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
*** |
|
** |
** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
*** |
|
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
P |
*** |
|
** |
** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
*** |
|
** |
*** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
*** |
|
*** |
**** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
*** |
Meadows and Burgess Park River Shannon
Bream |
Roach |
Tench |
Rudd |
Hybrids |
Perch |
Pike |
** |
*** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
** |
The Meadows is located on the main River Shannon in Athlone. It lies on the west bank of the river immediately down stream of Athlone Docks. It is possible to catch most coarse fish species here. It was once renowned for it’s very good Bream fishing, however over recent years roach have made their presence felt in large numbers and now it is regarded more as a good mixed fishery. However hit it on a good day and 100lb + bags of bream are possible and are on occasion recorded. The river is about 10 feet deep at the Weir end, with depths graduating to 25 feet at the Canal end. Waggler and feeder are the main tactics employed. It is recommended to introduce plenty of feed initially for best results.
Burgess Park is situated immediately across the river on the east bank. Here species are similar to the Meadows with river depths varying from 8 – 12 feet. The stretch can become very weedy in high summer, particularly the upper and middle sections. Despite this, it is generally very fishable particularly at the lower or downstream swims and anglers regularly report good weights when the effort is put in.
FACILITIES AND ACCESS: IFI completed fishery development works on the Meadows angling stretch back in 1999. This development consisted of a new roadway, car park and a 20 meter metal footbridge over the Canal, joining up the Meadows stretch and Halligan’s field stretch which heretofore were regarded as separate stretches. This is now considered an angling match stretch of International standard, providing fishing space for up to 100 anglers.
Burgess Park has access through the Golden Island shopping centre in town, with a pathway through the park to the river. Fishing is upstream towards the weir or downstream to the end of the park – open bank fishing
TO GET THERE: Meadows/ Halligan’s Field: In Athlone cross over the bridge on the Shannon. At the roundabout take the first exit to the left down around by the Castle and drive along by the river until you come to the newly constructed apartments beside the lock gates. From here you can make your way along the river until you enter the Meadows stretch. The bottom end of the Meadows can be reached by taking a left at the roundabout, then take a right and right again and continue to the top of Connaught St. Turn left at Walsh’s Public House and continue to the end of the road. Here you will meet the new road leading to the river with new car park. To access Halligan’s Field turn left at the exit off this road and continue for about 1 km until you meet the first cottage on the right hand side. The fishing stretch is located on the opposite side of the road.
Platforms River Shannon
Bream |
Roach |
Tench |
Rudd |
Hybrids |
Perch |
Pike |
* |
**** |
P |
P |
*** |
P |
* |
The ‘platforms’ as they are popularly referred to are situated on the west bank of the river in Athlone. There are five stands here and each one is capable of accommodating two anglers. The river flows from left to right and at normal flow is quite slow moving. It averages about 10 to 18 feet in depth and suits pole and waggler fishing. It responds well to heavy feeding and is a good venue if the target species are roach or hybrids. From angling feedback late evening seems to be a good time, particularly in summer when water is likely to be clear and low.
FACILITIES AND ACCESS: Access is very good. Because of the good access they prove very popular throughout the season.
TO GET THERE: Foot access is currently only from Whitebridge along the toe path, a distance of several hundred meters due to development at the Athlone Leisure World Park. We will keep you updated on any new access to the venue. Alternatively boat access is possible along the river.
Nally’s Farm and Long Island River Shannon
No vehicular access is allowed across fields and farmland, anglers who access the fishery on foot are welcome. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated by landowners.
Bream |
Roach |
Tench |
Rudd |
Hybrids |
Perch |
Pike |
** |
** |
P |
* |
** |
P |
*** |
Long Island and Nally’s Farm stretch are opposite each other. The Long Island stretch is on the west bank downstream of Athlone and can be reached by crossing a causeway to the island. From here it requires a walk of about 200 to 300 meters to reach the bank side. You have a choice of fishing in the main flow or the backwater. It’s a good venue for anglers interested in mixed fishing for species such as large bream, roach and hybrids. The shelf is generally fairly close in and a pole to hand at 8 or 9 meters should get good results. For the Pike angler this is a renowned section of river where the Pike Angling Federation hold competitions.
On the opposite (East) bank is Nally’s Farm. Access to the river is on the opposite bank through private property and permission should be sought by calling at the farm house on route to the venue. The river here is deep and narrow. In dry weather you can drive to the bank side. The shelf is 5 to 6 meters out, but the river rapidly shelves off thereafter into very deep water of 20ft + . You should get good mixed fishing for most coarse fish here. It is renowned for its large ‘Shannon’ bream should you encounter a shoal. Roach and hybrids are also plentiful. Feeder or sliding waggler is recommended. Pre-baiting should be considered prior to your visit, otherwise introduce a lot of grounbait at the start of your session and constantly feed throughout the session.
TO GET THERE
No vehicular access is allowed across fields and farmland, anglers who access the fishery on foot are welcome. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated by landowners.
Long Island: From the main bridge over the Shannon in Athlone, take the left exit at the rounabout and continue to the top of Connaught St. Turn left over the bridge and continue on this road for approx 3kms. You will note some mushroom tunnels on your left hand side and a group of houses on both sides of the road. Take a left in-between the houses through a red gate. This leads directly to the island. Care should be taken while driving along this track.
Nally’s Farm. From the bridge in Athlone take the Dublin road out to the next roundabout. Take the second exit off the rounabout, down by the Golden Island Shopping Centre, then take the first left at the Texaco Garage and continue on this road for about 3 kms. Mr Nally’s two story house is located at the T Junction. The fishing stretch is situated to the right of the Cul de Sac.
Long Shed, Calf Island and Clonoun
Bream |
Roach |
Tench |
Rudd |
Hybrids |
Perch |
Pike |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
P |
** |
here are three recognised angling stretches located between 6 kms and 10 kms downstream of Athlone. The first of these stretches is near Clonoun village, the next stretch known as Calf Island is located a couple of kilometres downstream of this and finally the Long Shed opposite Clonmacnoise is another couple of kilometres downstream of Calf Island. (See map)
Clonoun Stretch: This well known stretch lies about 6 kms downstream of Athlone on the west bank. You will be fishing into deep water here, with depths ranging from 20 ft to 25 ft at normal water levels. This is a very good venue for nearly all species of coarse fish, and is particularly noted for it’s quality rudd. You will also get some tench fishing, as well as other species including bream and roach. Access is through a gravel road on a land commission site.
Calf Island: This is another good stretch about 2 kms further downstream from Clonoun village described above. There is a back water here where you can catch Tench up to 5lbs or 6lbs. It frequently returns very good bags to visiting anglers when conditions are favourable. Access to the river is through private land the property of Mr John Ward. Please seek permission from Mr Ward or make alternative arrangements with your guide or accommodation provider.
Long Shed: There is a stretch locally known as the ‘Long Shed’. This is at the most southern point of the fishing stretches described in this guide under Athlone Angling Centre and is located opposite the old Monastic settlement at Clonmacnoise on the west bank. This is a deep stretch of river and is a scenic venue where you can expect to get good bream, roach and rudd fishing. This is also a good venue for pike fishing.
TO GET THERE
Clonoun Stretch – From the bridge in Athlone take the left exit off the rounabout, continue up the to the top Connaught St, turn left over the bridge and continue on this road until you come to Clonoun village crossroads, an approximate distance of 6 kms. Turn left at Clonoun crossroads and continue for approx 300 meters. There is a laneway situated to the right here. Continue down the lane until you meet a gateway on your left with a timber seat adjacent to it. Go through the gates and down to the river. Fishing is both left and right.
Calf Island. At Clonoun village continue to the next T junction, turn left and continue for approx 2 kms. Mr Wards farm is located on the left hand side. Seek permission here to fish the stretch.
Long Shed: From Calf Island continue until you meet a long green shed on your right hand side, there is a track located about 200 to 300 meters on the left hand side, which will bring you down to the bankside. The fishing stretch is located to the right hand side facing downstream.
Hudson Bay Lough Ree
Bream |
Roach |
Tench |
Rudd |
Hybrids |
Perch |
Pike |
** |
*** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
*** |
This is a well noted location on the lake for Bream fishing. This is a relatively shallow bay and again pre-baiting is recommended for best results.
FACILITIES AND ACCESS: Access is gained across the camping site with the owners permission. This can be arranged by contacting Paddy Lenihan Hudson Bay Caravan Camping at the site.
TO GET THERE: Take the N 61 North out of Athlone for about 6 kms, following the sign posts for Roscommon. Take the second right after the Texaco Garage and follow the road over the railway track into Hudson Bay Hotel, and then continue to the Camping Site.
Gailey Bay Lough Ree
Bream |
Roach |
Tench |
Rudd |
Hybrids |
Perch |
Pike |
** |
** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
*** |
You will encounter most coarse fish, especially bream, roach and hybrids. High summer would be the best time using waggler or feeder. Depths average about 10 feet. For best results pre-baiting is recommended . This is also a noted Pike Fishing Bay and has the potential to produce large fish to 20lbs+
FACILITIES AND ACCESS: Access is good. The shore is rocky and a levelling platform is recommended for comfort. Boats can be hired from the owner of Gailey Bay Caravan and Camping which will be of particular interest for the Pike angler wishing to troll this bay. He also offers Caravan and Camping for those interested Contact Mr Pat Naughton, Gailey Bay Caravan & Camping Park, Gailey Bay, Knockcrokery, Co Roscommon. See our Service Providers and select Co Roscommon for further advertisement details
TO GET THERE: From Athlone take the N61 Roscommon road north to the Athlone side of the village of Knockcrokery, and then take the right turn immediately before the ‘level railway crossing’. Continue down this narrow road to a cross-roads and turn right. This will lead you past the camping site to the lake. The pegs are situated in front of the old derelict castle located there.
Inner Lakes Lough Ree
Bream |
Roach |
Tench |
Rudd |
Hybrids |
Perch |
Pike |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
P |
*** |
These lakes contain all the main species of coarse fish and is particularly noted for its large Tench on Coosan Lough. The Inner Lakes are also noted for Rudd as well as most other coarse fish species. Shore fishing from Coosan point can be excellent and has good access. The channel between the main Lough and Coosan Lough is deep (20 – 30 feet) and holds a good head of Bream. For best results pre-baiting is recommended. This is a very good area for Pike fishing from a boat which can be hired locally. There is a boat launching slipway available.
FACILITIES AND ACCESS: The inner lakes are best fished from a boat which can be hired locally. See right hand column for advertised listings.
TO GET THERE: Coosan Point: Coming into the town turn right at the traffic lights before the main bridge in Athlone, follow the sign post for Coosan. This will lead you right in to the fishing point.
Barrymore Point Lough Ree
Bream |
Roach |
Tench |
Rudd |
Hybrids |
Perch |
Pike |
** |
** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
*** |
The lake at Barrymore point is deep and is quite snaggy in places. It holds a good head of bream, roach. and hybrids. To avoid the snags it is advisable to fish about 40 meters out. Pre-baiting is essential for best results.
FACILITIES AND ACCESS: Access is very good, requiring very little walking. The fishing area is very rocky and a levelling platform is recommended for your comfort. There are three stone jetties opposite the ‘Dutch House’ where fishing is possible. A boat is necessary to fish some of the more inaccessible ‘hidden’ areas, and can be hired locally
TO GET THERE: Take the N 61 North out of Athlone for about 5 kms, following the sign posts for Roscommon. Take the first right after the Texaco Garage and follow the road to the point and car park.
Portrunny Lough Ree
Bream |
Roach |
Tench |
Rudd |
Hybrids |
Perch |
Pike |
** |
*** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
*** |
All main coarse fish species are present here, but fishes best during May and June. Boats can be launched from the shore. Pike fishing can be very good producing fish to 20lbs+ in suitable conditions, especially good in early springtime. A noted stretch is at the mouth of the River Hind which flows into the Bay. The mouth of the River Hind itself can be fished for coarse fish from a boat. For the coarse angler there is access to the river at the next upstream road bridge, where very good roach fishing is available, particularly earlier in the year to the end of May. Excessive weed growth can become a problem thereafter, limiting fishing here.
FACILITIES AND ACCESS: Access is excellent on the lake with a road running parallel to the shore.
TO GET THERE: From Athlone take the N61 Roscommon road north to the village of Knockcrokery and take the right turn immediately before the ‘level railway crossing’. Continue down this narrow road to a cross-roads and turn right. This will bring you past the camping site to the lake. The pegs at Galey Bay are situated in front of the old derelict castle located there. Continue on to the next bay which is Portrunny.
Inny Bay Lough Ree
Bream |
Roach |
Tench |
Rudd |
Hybrids |
Perch |
Pike |
*** |
**** |
* |
P |
** |
P |
*** |
Permit required , can be bought online.
Inny Bay can be one of the most prolific waters in the region. In late April and early May the venue can be one of the best fishing areas for roach in Ireland. The Bay itself is quite large with average depths of about 15 feet at normal water level. The bay is heavily reeded and there is a ‘cut’ through the weeds that runs for several hundred meters from the mouth up to ‘Bethlehem’. Here you can catch Bream, Hybrids, Roach and occasional Tench. For ease of access, a boat would offer a distinct advantage and can be hired locally from Mr Tom Foxe. Tom has developed a private access road which leads to the lake shore and river and requires permission.
The Inny River has varying physical characteristics and caters for all styles of fishing i.e. pole, stick float, waggler and feeder. The stretch of river known locally as Tom Foxe’s is slow moving and deep. It has high banks making it a particularly suitable venue during high water levels and offers shelter during windy weather. Fishing the pole to hand at about seven meters should get the best results here. Feeder at 20 ft or float also works well. As fish tend to shoal here particularly in late spring April/May, heavy feeding is advisable for best results. Fish maggot as hook bait for roach and worm for bream, feed hemp and sweetcorn through your ground bait. Very good fishing was had over recent years early in the year April/May
Farther upstream you have the stretch known as the ‘Red Bridge’. This stretch is similar in characteristics and profile to Tom Foxe’s and the same style of fishing applies. There is another bridge upstream of this again called White Bridge or sometimes referred to as Shrule Bridge. The river is shallow and fast flowing and regarded as a good trout fishing stretch. In early May roach often congregate in large shoals. During this time a stick float works well or use the pole holding it back.
FACILITIES AND ACCESS: From Athlone take the N 55 north through the village of Glasson until you meet a ‘Top’ garage on your left, take a left turn at the next cross roads and then take the next right, continue for approximately 5 kms until you meet a sign for a ‘B&B River Inny Fishing’, turn left here. This leads directly into Tom Foxe’s farm. This is private property and you will require permission to gain access. Call at the farm.
TO GET THERE: To get to White Bridge take the N55 to Tang Village and take the second left after the school. The river is about 1.5 kms down this road. You can fish downstream on the right bank to the bend where it veers to deeper water.
To get to the Red Bridge continue past White Bridge and take a left at the T junction, follow the signpost for Red Bridge. When you pass over a cattle grid, fishing is on both banks and there is a good carpark here.