Blessington, Co Dublin
This lake is the largest reservoir (4,000 acres) in Ireland and is only 19 miles from Dublin. It has 50 miles of shoreline with many inlets and bays which offer the angler excellent coarse and pike fishing. The lake is controlled and managed by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and a permit for all types of fishing is required. The lake is open for coarse & pike angling all year round except for the month of October. Fishing with white maggots only is allowed. There is a total catch and release policy for pike and all coarse fish on this water.
Blessington Lake is considered a centre of excellence for pike angling as it has recorded regular catches of 20-30lb pike annually. From January to March (spawning period) the largest fish are often taken in shallow weedy areas. These are located at Russelstown, the mouth of the Kings River and at the overflow below Blessington village. Other areas to try are Ballyknockan, Lackan, Tulfaris, Burgage Bridge and Blessington Bridge. Spinning, deadbaiting and trolling are the most successful methods. Recommended deadbaits include herring, mackerel, smelt and sprat and a range of spinners, spoons and plugs.
The fishery is owned by the ESB so a permit is required. The permits cost
- day permit €5
- season permit is €30
Permits are available from:
Blessington:
-Charles Camping (Tel: 00353 45 865351).
-Blesington Boat Hire, Ballyknockan, Blessington Lake, Co. Wicklow
Tel: +353 (0)87 3552403
Dublin:
Rory’s,
Southside Angling,
Henry’s
Tallaght Gun & Rod Shop
Angling & Shooting Centre
Boat permits are available from the E.S.B. Fisheries Conservation, Hydro Group, Ardnacrusha, Limerick (Tel: 353 61 – 345588)
Blessington Lake Boat Hire
Ballyknockan, Blessington Lake, Co. Wicklow
Tel: +353 (0)87 3552403
Web: www.blessingtonlakeboathire.com/ Email: [email protected]
Access
The no. 65 bus from Eden Quay in the City Centre stops at Blessington with a limited number of buses going on to Ballymore Eustace (check with Dublin Bus for more details). Otherwise the most accessible way to get around the shores of the lake is by car. There are numerous car parking and picnic areas.