Fly Fisherman Magazine - Destinations 2023

Ireland
TRIP TIMING
Most brown trout fisheries in Ireland open between February 15
and March 15, and close on September 30. The best of the mayfly
hatches occur during May and June, which is why we always plan
our trips in June. We’ve found good weather in June, the foliage is
bright green with flowers in full bloom, and there are hatches.
June is also a great month for touring, and when visiting the Emerald
Isle it would be a shame not to spend a day or more in Dublin.
There’s much to see and it’s one of the cleanest, friendliest cities in
the world. One early morning we found a woman with her vacuum
cleaning the sidewalk in front of a popular pub. We remarked that
we had never seen someone vacuuming the sidewalk and she told
us that the Irish like to keep it tidy.
Dublin is the capital of Ireland and sits on the east coast at the
mouth of the river Liffey. The city is packed with history, with notto-be-missed
sites such as the Dublin Castle and the St. Patrick’s
Cathedral. And for those who like to combine fishing and golf,
there are some world famous golf opportunities. For us, it’s the sipping
rises on the river Suir that keep us coming back.
Cathy and Barry Beck live in Benton, Pennsylvania, where they
offer fly fishing schools and guided fishing on Fishing Creek.
For more than 40 years they have traveled the world with fly
rods and cameras, documenting everything from African safaris
to South American golden dorados and New Zealand rainbow
trout. For more information visit barryandcathybeck.com.
Recommended Gear
All that Irish green doesn’t happen without rain, so don’t
forget a good raincoat. Daily showers are common, which
may explain the popularity of the Barbour waxed cotton
jackets among the locals. Waders are highly recommended
with studded lightweight rubber soles. If you prefer to travel
light, Clonanay Fly Fishing offers rental gear.
Sage / R8 Core 590-4, 5-Weight / $ 1,050
RIO Products / RIO Gold 5-weight floating fly line / $ 100
Patagonia / Swiftcurrent Ultralight Waders / $ 500
Simms / Flyweight Wading boots with Vibram soles / $ 230
Fishpond / Thunderhead Submersible Sling Pack / $ 250
BajÍo / Nato Rose Mirror Sunglasses / $ 209
Patagonia / Black Hole Wheeled Duffel / 40L $ 359, 70L $ 399
Book your Destination
To get to Dublin, you can fly nonstop from most
major East Coast cities like Philadelphia, New York
City, or Boston. For information on Cathy and
Barry Beck’s annual hosted trips, contact Frontiers
Travel (frontierstravel.com). For general information
on Andrew Ryan’s Clonanav Fly Fishing visit
flyfishingireland.com.
frontierstravel.com
DESTINATIONS G L O B A L F L Y - F I S H I N G A D V E N T U R E S
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