Kingfisher Angling Centre: Expert angling experience and advice by owner
Paddy Guerin; supplier of permits & licences; Salmon, trout and coarse
fishing arranged; Professional Ghillies and Guides and all fishing gear
supplied (Agents for all leading equipment); Boats for hire available.
The train to & from Dublin stops behind the Angling Centre at the
Castleconnell station. Golf and horse riding also arranged locally;
Accommodation and prices provided on request.
Paddy Guerin: Founded the local Kingfisher Angling Club some years ago
and opened a fishing centre next to his well-known pub, P.J. Guerin's.
Paddy was reared on the Shannon River in nearby Limerick and follows in the
steps of his great grandfather, who had a pub and fishing tackle shop.
Paddy can also advise on fishing in other areas in Ireland, including
offshore and sea fishing.
P.J. Guerin's Pub: Your hosts Paddy and Mary Guerin.
Originally a coach house, was then established as a pub since 1870. On record
as having "the best pint of Guinness in the world." Ideally located next to
the majestic Shannon River and only 35 minutes from Shannon airport and 2 hours
from Dublin.
This cosy pub offers Traditional Irish music every week with sounds of guitars,
bodhrans, tin whistles, fiddles, bones, and accordians, amid frothy pints of
Guinness served in front of a roaring peat fire.
An article from The New York Times dated Monday, July 9, 1996 stated:
"P.J.Guerin's Pub is the undisputed headquarters of the men most knowledgeable
about the river and the fish in it, especially the famous Irish salmon. Some of
these men are hired fishing guides, or 'ghillies' as they are known locally.
Others are from other walks of life but thrown together in their relentless pursuit
of fish, which in this part of Ireland means either salmon or trout. The area
attracts anglers from all over the world. The banks of the river Shannon are a
verdant Eden, lined with elms, oaks and beech over 100 years old; in some places
the river is 300 yards wide. It's home to swans, geese, ducks and otters and few
people. It is so green it overwhelms one's senses. Patrick J. Guerin, the local
publican, is spearheading a move to incorporate the area into a national park or
nature preserve….this is in line with Ireland's announced aim at becoming the
sports playground of Europe with expanded fishing figuring prominently in the plan."
Castleconnell Village is located just off the N7 Road 35 minutes from
Shannon Airport and is only 6 miles from Limerick City; the local stretch
of the Shannon River is known world-wide as Ireland's premier salmon river.
Fishing facilities offer eight private stretches of tranquil, scenic settings,
with 3 rods allocated per section (beat). The Castleconnell salmon fishery
is owned and managed by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). Access and
parking is readily available in the immediate area. Salmon and Trout season
runs from February 1st to September 30th; Coarse fishing (other than game
fish) is available all year round.
Castleconnell is rich in history and tradition and possesses many charming
monuments of bygone days. In recent years the lovely village (population 3,000)
has been enhanced by the development of lovely river walks and the
brightly-coloured flower baskets that line the village's main street.
Expert Ghillie and Guide is Michael (Mick) O'Dougherty, the third generation in
his family to provide this service. Mick is also knowledgeable on all
aspects of other outdoor sports, and is an expert on fly tying. He can
also provide tuition on fly casting if needed. Mick's official record for
catching the biggest salmon on the nearby Mulcaire River still stands at 21
lbs; he is also one of the top official marine and countryside guides
in Ireland. His modest and easy personality guarantees a most pleasant day
on any one of our fisheries.
Michael Murtagh is the Environmental Manager of the local ESB Fisheries
Board. Michael is responsible for all the landscaping, water flow adjustments
and side stream development to stimulate salmon spawning facilities. Michael,
like the famous Castleconnell salmon, is an indispensable part of our fishery.
Tony Malloy caught this 25-lb salmon on 25 May 1999 on a brass spoon which
he made himself; Tony is a game warden by profession and hails from Birr
in County Offaly. It is said that when Tony comes on the river bank, the
salmon get nervous. I believe it!
Kingfisher boats for hire.
Nice catch Paddy!
Guerin's Pub and Kingfisher Angling Centre.
Kingfisher Angling Centre - looking after your every fishing need.