Ireland Fishing: The River Eriff

Fly fishing on the River Eriff, one of Ireland's best salmon rivers

Salmon fly-fishing - River Eriff - Connemara

The Fishing on River Eriff

The River Eriff is one of the premier spate salmon fishing rivers in Ireland. It is characterised by lively streams with deep fish holding pools amidst superb wild Irish scenery. There are eight miles of angling water on the Eriff divided into nine beats, all of which are under the central control of the Western Regional Fisheries Board.  The fishing is uncrowded with only 2 rods on most beats and a maximum of 3 on the remainder. Although primarily a Grilse fishery the recent abolition of drift nets in Ireland has helped boost the size of salmon running the system.

In addition to the salmon fishing on the Eriff, guests can also fish the scenic 250-acre Lough Tawnyard. Although the stock of Sea Trout has diminished in recent years the Lough has some very good Brown Trout fishing along with some Salmon from late June. A boat is available for anglers fishing the Lough. There is also a smaller lake, DerrintinLough, with Brown Trout which can be fished from the bank.

History & location of Aasleagh lodge

Aasleagh Lodge Country House in situated in Connemara, Ireland on the River Eriff in County Galway. Both the Eriff Fishery and Aasleagh Lodge are steeped in history. Formerly part of the Marquis of Sligo Estate it passed amongst various owners until its purchase by the state in 1981 in conjunction with the Central Fisheries Board. It has had several well-known patrons who used to visit on a regular basis including Lord Mountbatten and Graham Hill, the famous British racing driver.

 <<< Click here to find out where The Aasleagh Lodge is.

Aasleagh map location

Aasleagh Lodge and bay at low tide

Aasleagh Lodge

Guest Bedroom at Aasleagh Lodge

The Lodge is an elegant Victorian country house situated on the banks of the Eriff River and the world famous Aasleagh Falls, set amidst a magnificent plantation of Scots Pine. Aasleigh lodge has sensational views over Killary Harbour and the mountains of Connemara. The lodge consists of 8 en-suite bedrooms and one standard room. It is comfortably furnished with an open peat fire kindled each evening creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. There is central heating throughout and the power showers and soft water are refreshing and rejuvenating.

Aasleagh Lodge kitchen makes good use of the great variety of locally sourced fresh produce. A full Irish Breakfast – bacon, egg, sausage, black and white pudding is available each morning. Fresh local sea fish are regular dishes along with fresh mussels, crabs and lobsters which are a speciality every Friday. Other hearty dishes include rack of lamb and aged West of Ireland sirloin beef.

The Governorrsquo;s Lodge, so-called from the time it was used by the Governorrsquo;s guard, is situated to the left of the Clock Tower and dates from the same period. Like the Clock Tower, this delightful two-storey building can accommodate up to four people and has recently been completely refurbished and newly furnished. It has attained a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 star rating, and is fully approved.

There is a nearby smokery in Cornamona for those wishing to take some of their catch home.

Best Times to Go

River Eriff

The river has a run of Spring salmon with a reasonable number of fish in the river from mid April. The run of springers peaks from mid-late May and range in size from 8 to 16lbs. Grilse normally start to enter the river in good numbers from the end of May onwards but the run has been later in recent years. The run of salmon peaks in July and continues through August and into September. Although there may not be as many salmon in the system in early June, anglers who fish this period have a better choice of beats with less angling pressure on the Fishery.

Non-fishing activities

There are a number of other activities which guests or non-fishers may wish to consider during their stay. These include horse riding, golf, riverbank or mountain walks, coastal cruises and cycling to name but a few. There is also some excellent sea angling to be had both on the coast and from some of the numerous charter boats operating from Clifden, Cleggan and Westport.

Getting there

To get to Aasleagh Lodge from the UK one can either travel by car using one of the ferry routes or by flying to Ireland West International Airport (Knock) where it is possible to hire a car.where it is possible to hire a car. It will take around 1 hr 40 mins to reach the lodge from the airport.  Galway Airport is around 1 hr 45 mins from the lodge.

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to Aasleagh Lodge , please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 646 797 2945
info@wherewisemenfish.com

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.