Climate & Weather Forecasts
Ireland has a temperate climate, with rain falling throughout the year. As a rule of thumb, the further west one goes the wetter it gets. This rainfall leads to excellent conditions for salmon and sea trout but also means that the angler should pay close attention to local weather forecasts prior to fishing.
At all times the fishing will depend to some extent on prevailing weather, water levels, barometric pressure and temperature. Most Irish rivers and loughs are subject to seasonal rhythms of high and low water. The high winds of spring and autumn can render boat fishing on the bigger loughs unsafe for short periods. If going afloat on one of the large Irish loughs it is essential to get a weather forecast and plan the day accordingly.
Weather Forecast Resources Republic of Ireland
- RTÉ Radio and Television www.rte.ie
- Met Eireann – The Irish Meteorological Service www.met.ie
Met Eireann Weatherdial Service:
(local numbers, premium rates apply)
- South West (Munster) 1550 123 850
- North (Ulster) 1550 123 853
- East and midlands (Leinster) 1550 123 851
- West and northwest (Connacht) 1550 123 852
- Dublin 1550 123 854.
Weather Forecast Resources Northern Ireland
- BBC Radio & Television www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland
- UTV television www.utvlive.com
- The Met Office www.metoffice.gov.uk
Access and Country Code
Irish waters are usually reached by passing through farmland and anglers are generally allowed this access by courtesy of local farmers. If in doubt please ask the farmer for permission to enter onto the land to fish the water.
Country Code
- Respect farmland and the rural environment.
- Do not interfere with livestock, crops, machinery or other property.
- Guard against all risks of fire, especially near forests and during dry spells.
- Leave all farm gates as you find them.
- Always keep children under close control and supervision.
- Avoid entering farmland containing livestock. Your presence can cause stress to the livestock & even endanger your own safety.
- Do not enter farmland with dogs, even if on a leash, unless permission has been obtained from the landowner.
- Always use gates, stiles or other recognised access points and avoid damage to fences, hedges and walls.
- Take all litter home.
- Take special care on country roads.
- Avoid making unnecessary noise.
- Protect wildlife, plants and trees.
- Take heed of warning signs – they are there for your protection.
Safety
Some Irish inland waters are very large and become dangerous in high winds; they may have reefs or rocky shoals which can be hazardous even on a calm day. When intending to use a boat, anglers should notify someone about where they are fishing and what time they are due to return. It is essential to be familiar with such waters and their hazards before going afloat unaided; a ghillie or guide should be hired for the first few days of the trip.
Please note the law requires that a suitable Personal Flotation Device must be worn in the following situations:
- By anyone on board an open craft that is under 7 meters in length.
- By anyone on deck on a craft that is under 7 meters length.
- By anyone under the age of 16 on board an open craft or on deck of any other type of craft.
Anglers should wear suitable protective waterproof clothing whether fishing from shore or boat. Suitable and appropriate footwear should be worn at all times. When fly fishing, the angler should wear a protective set of sunglasses as eye protection and a hat. Midge repellent is essential for fishing on many of the small lakes & streams in the summer months.
Previous: Conservation