John Kennedy enjoyed the rainbow trout fishing at Derrymore Springs
Michael Flanagan reports that sometimes a put and take fishery can save the day…
Staying on the trout scene John Kennedy of Edmonton in Canada had planed to try a day on the fly on Owel, but it was blowing a gale and had to settle for a few hours on Derrymore Springs near Killucan.
John Kennedy enjoyed the rainbow trout fishing at Derrymore Springs
John had a great bit of fun on Derrymore Springs Fishery and Water Adventure Centre. The few rainbow trout that he caught were fighting fit and in great condition. John enjoyed his day so much, that a return trip is on the cards.
Midlands Angling provide a top class Guiding service covering many of the top coarse and game waters across the Midlands. Visiting fly anglers have landed some fine trout while out with Midland Angling Guides, pike anglers also recorded some net bursting catches including many pike over 20lbs. Top waters include Lough Ree, Ennell, Owel, Lene, Mount Dalton, and Glore Lake just to mention a few. Michael Flanagan Midland Angling
Pike and Trout angling guide.
On the Shores of Lough Corrib, there is a lot on offer for the angler
Standing grandly on the shores of Lough Corrib, the iconic Ashford Castle (www.ashfordcastle.com) in Ireland will be officially unveiled on Friday, April 17th following a complete restoration, enhancement and refurbishment programme that will firmly re-establish it as the most luxurious destination hotel in Ireland.
With a plethora of new additions and amenities, including a 32-seat cinema, billiard room, cigar terrace and children’s games room, the renovation programme will ensure that the castle will provide five-star facilities and levels of luxury synonymous with the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
Fishing enthusiasts will have the expertise of one of six gillies now on hand at Ireland’s only Orvis-endorsed property for fishing and all the necessary equipment and accessories can be hired or purchased from the on-site Fishing and Golf Centre. The castle’s 9-hole golf course has been treated to ensure it offers the best playing conditions all year round. All of these facilities and the outdoor activities on offer at the estate – falconry, horse-riding, water sports, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, hiking, golf and tennis – can also be enjoyed by guests at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, a charming boutique four-star sister hotel within the castle grounds. On the Shores of Lough Corrib, there is a lot on offer for the angler
“Mrs. Tollman and her team have looked at the needs of Ashford Castle from top to bottom, inside and out and have put together a restoration programme that is truly out of this world,” says Jonathan Raggett, managing director of Red Carnation Hotels. “It will take Ashford Castle to another level, beyond its already world-class standards. As the project approaches its final stages, there is a palpable excitement throughout Red Carnation and in fact throughout Ireland and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of it.”
Once home to the Guinness family for over 100 years, the castle has welcomed royalty, celebrities and heads of state across its illustrious history including George V (then Prince of Wales), Ronald Reagan, Brad Pitt, John Wayne, Fred Astaire, Barbra Streisand, John Travolta and many more.
Every inch of the glorious castle estate, parts of which date back to 1228, has been carefully examined, restored and enhanced. The design team was headed by Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, Founder and President of Red Carnation Hotels, with the support of her daughter Toni Tollman, the Red Carnation project team and architect Philippe Bonino.
The renovation will ensure family members are well catered for under one historic roof with the addition of a 32-seat cinema, children’s games room and even a Lego Room Service menu to keep younger family members entertained. Adults will appreciate the creation of a splendid billiard room, two outdoor roof terraces (one of which will serve fine Cuban cigars) and an array of enhanced public areas, all of which provide the perfect environment in which to kick back and relax in comfort and style. Couples in search of a romantic hideaway will find exactly that at Ashford Castle where the ancient underground wine stores will be transformed into private dining cellars and the old boat house on the shores of Lake Corrib is set to become a private and secluded honeymoon suite.
Each of the 68 guest rooms and 14 staterooms and suites has been completely and lovingly refurbished and furnished with carefully sourced antique pieces, exquisite fabrics, bespoke carpets, original artwork and marble bathrooms, sensitively complementing the ambience and tradition of this iconic building while incorporating more modern technologies such as I-luv speakers, electronic blinds and air conditioning, mood light dimming, USB chargers in the wall and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
As well as the bedrooms, the existing public areas such as the striking vaulted entrance hall and Library, the Connaught Room, Princes of Wales Bar, Drawing Room and the castle’s three restaurants – the George V dining room, the Cullen’s at the Dungeon and Cullen’s at the Cottage – have all been beautifully enhanced. Enjoy a lavish full Irish Breakfast, light lunch or delicious evening meal in one of these magnificent restaurants for a dining experience with a difference. Guests can also indulge in a tempting Afternoon Tea in the elegant Connaught room.
In true Red Carnation style, no detail has been missed and meticulous attention has been brought to every aspect of this important project. Of particular note is the beautiful array of furnishings, art and antiques. New additions include two stunning stone Irish wolfhounds at the entrance to the castle, a magnificent suit of armour in the entrance hall, an antique lectern in the George V dining room and Murano glass chandeliers from Venice.
Wherever possible, materials and pieces have been sourced from local artisans and suppliers to reflect the hotel’s unique environment. Examples include the Prince of Wales bar which has been made from local Connemara marble and in-room amenities by organic skincare range VOYA from County Sligo. The castle’s illustrious history is also evident throughout and an array of amazing artefacts from the Guinness era of ownership has been sourced to display in the hotel, forging a museum in themselves. Included in this are Lady Ardilaun’s watercolours as well as letters and other documents, which provide tangible evidence of the hotel’s colourful heritage.
Due to the age and scale of the castle, the restoration required a complete overhaul of the building’s infrastructure, including stonework, windows and roofs, to ensure its long-term future. Behind the scenes, the castle’s kitchens have been moved and completely rebuilt on a different level closer to the dining room, facilitating a more efficient and timely service.
The outdoor areas have also been given the tender loving care required with enhancements and expansions. The falconry school, which was Ireland’s first, has been fortified, as has the equestrian centre. The walled and herb gardens have been tidied, and for more active types, the two tennis courts are now all-weather surfaces with an on-site tennis coach who can assist guests looking to perfect their technique.
The final piece of the intricate renovation is the addition of a beautiful spa and indoor ozone-filtrated swimming pool which, subject to the appropriate planning approvals, will open in July 2015 and will reinforce Ashford as the most luxurious destination hotel in Ireland. Guests will be able to work up a sweat in the brand new Techno Gym where a range of cardio and resistance equipment will be on offer. The five spa treatment rooms will offer a range of pampering therapies to soothe, refresh and rejuvenate including aroma stone massages, an invigorating body polish, detoxifying wraps and deep regenerating facials.
To support the improved facilities at the hotel, the staff levels have been significantly increased, boosting employment within the local area. All staff members have undertaken Red Carnation’s award-winning training and development programmes to ensure that the service delivery across the hotel is second to none.
Remaining a constant throughout the entire restoration programme has been Ashford’s General Manager Niall Rochford and his fantastic team. Mr Rochford has presided at Ashford Castle for nearly 13 years and was awarded the prestigious Hotel Manager of the Year 2013 by the Irish Hospitality Institute Founders.
Cattle are being trained to pump water for themselves as part of a unique project which could lead to clean rivers and the green light for further residential and industrial development in North Cork. The EU has issued a protection order on the freshwater pearl mussel, which is present in large numbers in the River Blackwater and its tributaries. There are fears that excess silt in the rivers and below-standard sewage treatment plants are affecting the mussels’ breeding and as a result planned residential and industrial development has been put on hold… Irish Examiner, 09/04/15. Read the full article ‘Cattle trained to pump own water in drive to clean up rivers in North Cork‘.
A multi-agency taskforce is to be set up to ensure the health of protected freshwater mussels, otherwise their demise could have a serious impact on future economic development in the North Cork region. There could be up to 32,000 protected freshwater pearl mussels in the River Blackwater and ensuring their health, alongside future economic development, is not going to be easy, according to the Cork County Council’s senior planner… Irish Examiner, 08/04/15. Read the full article ‘North Cork region’s economy depends on protecting river mussel‘.
‘Welcome to the Burke Open. The day has arrived. Wishing you all safe and happy fishing. Hope you have a great couple of days in Clonbur.” What a great way to awaken at 7am by text with announcement of the fly- fishing competition on Mask. The one stipulation – long john’s must be worn… Irish Times, 06/04/015. Read the full article ‘Long johns de rigueur at Clonbur fly-fishing competition‘.
Wild Ireland, a primetime six-part series, sees presenter Christine Bleakley returning home to Ireland to travel the length of its 1500-mile west coast – the longest continuous coastal route – known as the Wild Atlantic Way. The series is devised by Big Mountain Productions, a Newry-based production company, but supported by Tourism Ireland, within their strategy to highlight the Wild Atlantic Way around the world. The Lisdoonvarna-based Burren Smokehouse will feature in the first episode of the series to be broadcast on ITV and UTV Ireland on Monday April 13th from 8.00pm to 8.30pm… The Clare Herald, 07/04/15. Read the full article ‘ITV series to feature The Burren Smokehouse‘.
The State should draw on the expertise of the European beaver to restore river habitats and save the wild salmon, according to a Co Waterford fishery owner. Nicholas Grubb, who owns the Dromana fishery on the river Blackwater, says recent trials in Scotland show the beaver’s potential for improving river habitats. “This would be far more economic than continuing to pour vast sums into scientific research while wild salmon stocks continue to decline,” he says… Irish Times, 06/04/15. Read the full article ‘European beaver could help save wild salmon stocks‘.
At long last, the weather has improved over the last week and even now it sunny, warm and bright and there is a promise of some showers and wet cooler weather over the next few days. Inland water temperatures are still very low and it will take a bit of consistent higher day temperatures to liven things up fully for the angler.
One of the great catches this week saw of the week saw young Liam Harris catch and release a salmon estimated at 20 lb. back to the River Suir near Carrick on Suir. The first few days in April have brought some nice catches of salmon to anglers fishing the Munster Blackwater at Blackwater lodge including the first fly caught fish. A sea trout of 5 lb. and steady salmon fishing was reported last week from Lough Currane. The Killarney lakes and the River Flesk are producing steady salmon fishing and the River Lee and Ilen also produced a few salmon. The last seven days produced much better salmon fishing for anglers on the Delphi system in the west. The river Moy is starting to produce some better salmon fishing in recent days. Spinning produced steady good salmon for anglers on the River Drowes and there was a few fish also reported from nearby Lough Melvin.
Angling guide Andrew Ryan reports that the trout fishing on the Nire and the Suir in South Tipperary is still going well with some of the bigger fish falling to nymphs. The warmer weather brought more anglers out on Lough Sheelin and there was some fine trout fishing recorded in the last week. Trout fishing improved greatly with the warmer weather on the two big western loughs on Corrib and Mask and well known angling guide Tom Doc Sullivan caught a lovely trout of 8 lb. on fly this week. Dry and wet flies are producing better trout fishing on Lough Conn in the warmer weather in the past few days. It is nice to report some better trout fishing on fly at Lough Arrow at the recent Easter competition. The warmer weather also brought better trout fishing for anglers on Lough Melvin over the last weekend.
Irish International and Erne Anglers club member James O’Doherty, Tubertini UK and only 16 years of age took his first festival win on his home waters at the DAIWA Erne Easter Three Day Festival at the weekend. He beat some of the cream of Irish match fishing at this popular office. The better weather has brought better fishing to the famous hot water stretch at Lanesborough where there was good roach fishing and better signs of bigger fish to come. Further up river, the Ballyhaunis AC relocated their match from a flooded River Suck to the mudflats in Carrick on Shannon and the anglers enjoyed some good bream catches on the day. The Easter festival at Lough Sillan at Shercock produced some good weights with the Irish feeder team manager, Brenton Sweeney taking top weight with 28 lb. 5 oz. followed by a lot of good weights. Over In Lough Muckno the three day Easter Festival was won by Cathal Hughes, Galway and his partner Philip Jackson was second at the popular festival there.
Angling guide Rob Love reported that he had a party of Japanese anglers out fishing for pike on Carton Lake and they enjoyed very good sport.
Cian O’Halloran was fishing in the Tramore area when he landed a really big bass which he quickly photographed and returned and he wins our Catch of the Week
Elsewhere there are many competition notices and important new clippings in this week angling update which should be of interest. While the weekend is promised cooler the outlook is for better warmer weather next week and more anglers are going out to enjoy the best of Irish fishing. Be careful out there and wear a life jacket if afloat on freshwater or at sea,
Tight lines especially in Ireland,
Paul Bourke
Catch, Photo, Release
If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update please send it to [email protected].
Kevin O’Boyle reports that while water levels are still high and the weather wet, windy and cold, those who ventured out had some good results on Lough Conn…
On the northern half of the lake John Walsh, Cloghans, had 5 trout for 7 lbs all on buzzers in Bog Bay. Colm Mc Andrew, Laharadane, had 2 trout for 3 lbs. to 1.75 lbs. on buzzers. John Connanonn and son Jonathan had 2 trout for just over 2 lbs on tradional wets.
Down the lake Sean Devily and Mick Sweeney, both of Loughrea, Galway, had 5 trout between them on traditional patterns. Peter Grey, Castlebar, and Paul Caslin, Ross, Pontoon, had 5 trout between them for just over 7 lbs on dry flies. Gary Binley, Foxford, bagged 4 trout for 6 lbs on buzzers. Ben Browne, Stephen Browne and son Luke, Cloghans, had 3 trout best 2 lbs all on dry duck fly.
Joe Ferguson, Knockmore had 2 trout for just under 3 lbs on dry duck fly in Bog Bay.
Jack McNeely Annual Memorial
The Jack Mc Neely annual memorial competition was fished on Monday 5 th April. There was a 13″ limit and heaviest fish weigh in only.
1 st Patrick Kelly. Cloghans 1.55 lbs
2 nd Gary Binley Foxford 1.43 lbs
3 rd Brendan Breslin knock more 1.30 lbs
Lots of trout were caught in the competition, example P Kelly and G Binley had 4 to 5 more trout all on dries.
Cian O’Halloran of Absolute Fishing, probably one of the best know bass fishing specialist shops in Ireland, found the time on Easter Monday to get out fishing for a couple of hours. After waiting for the evening to some he headed to a rock mark to try for one of Waterford’s famous bass.
A lovely bass from the Tramore area to win the Catch of the Week
He might have been a bit rusty starting out after the winter layoff but by the end of the session he certainly had the cobwebs fully dusted off.
Fishing a Senko he had a really beautiful bass which looked even bigger as it was being released and wins our Catch of the Week.
Irish Bass Festival 2015
The Irish Bass Festival 2015 will run from 17th-19th July. This is Ireland’s biggest bass fishing event. The festival is open to all lure anglers, being a lure only event, and will take place along the south coast of Ireland. Anglers are free to roam around and fish wherever they please in search of bass. Anglers get to enjoy a great social weekend and have a taste of the outstanding lure fishing we have along the southern coastline of Ireland which we believe is the “Bass Mecca of Europe” – www.irishbassfestival.com
