Fishing Activities In Lismore Many of the better beat areas are privately owned and also used extensively for tourist angling. We welcome fishermen and anglers from far and wide, catering for them in a well-organised fashion - pre-booking the accommodation, fishing & ghillie if needed, all available via the Ballyrafter House Hotel.
The demand for fishing along this river is high and visitors are advised to book in advance of visiting the river.
Fishing Licences for Salmon & Sea Trout
A state licence is necessary by law before you can fish for salmon or sea trout in any waters within Ireland. This is regardless of any permission that has been issued by the fishery owners and is not included in the authorisation price unless specified.
The salmon and sea trout correct licenses can be bought from the fishery boards and official license providers.
Ballyrafter House Hotel is an official and approved license provider. So there really is no need to go far for your licence. Licenses are set at a reasonable price, which is €50 for 21 days - this should cover the requirements of most anglers.
License Type Cost Annual €134.00 Season: (Single District) €64.00 21 Day (All Districts) €50.00 1 Day €36.00
Beats
Please note that in addition to the regular state licence, permits and other permissions might be required to fish in specific salmon waters. Ireland's river and lake waters have been privately managed and owned for many years. Within the Lismore area, these rivers are owned by the Duke of Devonshire, which he has the rights to. He then hires out the very best fishing waters for the day. In the case of Salmon, these are well stretched over the river, from 100 to at least 500 yards long with clean grit breeding beds. These rented sections are called beats and cover one or sometimes both river banks.
Prices for a day's rental can vary between €35 and €150 - this is all depending on the time of year and of course the specific beat. Please be aware that bank fishing or wading is the only technique allowed. The great thing about this system is that it prevents the river from being overfished. These beats are managed well, reasonably priced and the stocks are well conserved. The closest beat is directly below Lismore Castle, just a short stroll away. The lower beats deliver more flexibility when the water levels eventually fall.
Arrangements
The manager and owner of the Ballyrafter House Hotel, Joe Willoughby will organise the whole experience for you. Joe will make a call to all of the beats and then arrange the reservations. Joe will also arrange a change of beats for each day is requested.
If the water levels are getting to high, he will send you further upstream, or if the river is to low, send you further downstream, a little closer to the Hotel. Guests at the Ballyrafter will have complete access to our drying room and rod room with freezer amenities. If requested, transport to the beats can be arranged, in fact, we can also arrange car rental through Ballyrafter House when you book a room. You can let us know by filling in the comments section on the booking form.
Furthermore, if required, Joe will arrange for you to be picked up at Cork Airport and brought to the Ballyrafter House Hotel. The price is €95 each way for up to 4 people.
Ghillie
For those who don't know who a Ghillie is, it's a guide with an extraordinary amount of local knowledge. In past centuries, Lords had their very own game wardens to bait lines, net the fish and even help with the detailed points of angling. A Ghillie will perform the very same functions today and will guide you to the ideal pools. A Ghillie is not always a requirement, but Joe advises that one will increase your chances of success by around 150%. Prices are €100 for up to 2 rods per day.
Book Fishing Activities Book your fishing activities in Lismore well in advance and get in touch with Ballyrafter House Hotel. Our team will do all the hard work for you, so call now on
00 35358 54002 .
