The Ultimate Ireland Experience combines two of the country’s finest destinations— The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland, and Clonanav Fly Fishing in the River Suir Valley. This program highlights the very best of Irish angling while ensuring a seamless travel experience. With Ireland’s compact size and excellent roads, it is easy to see a lot of the country in a standard trip without the long travel days common elsewhere. Along the way, guests enjoy not only world-class fishing but also an abundance of non-angling opportunities: historic castles and monuments, beautiful coastlines, charming villages, and evenings spent in local pubs soaking up true Irish hospitality.
Why A Combo Trip?
Pairing Ballynahinch Castle in the west with Clonanav Fly Fishing in the southeast offers anglers a diverse and authentic Irish fishing experience. Ballynahinch is renowned for its Atlantic salmon and sea trout fishing, steeped in history and tradition, and is equally known as one of Ireland’s premier luxury destinations. The castle’s elegant accommodations, beautiful estate grounds, walking trails, and fine dining make it an ideal location for non-angling spouses or companions who want to relax in comfort while anglers spend time on the water.
Clonanav, by contrast, highlights the limestone-rich trout waters of the Suir Valley, with technical dry-fly and nymph fishing for wild browns in intimate rivers. Together, these two destinations showcase the best of Ireland’s angling opportunities while also ensuring that every traveler—angler and non-angler alike—finds something to enjoy. Just as important, Ireland’s compact size and excellent travel infrastructure make it easy to combine both regions without long travel days. Along the way, guests can explore castles, walk dramatic coastlines, and enjoy evenings in traditional pubs, making a combo trip here the perfect blend of fishing variety, cultural depth, and Irish hospitality.
It is absolutely possible to combine additional stops with The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland. Please contact Yellow Dog to learn more!
Who Is This Trip For?
This program is ideal for anglers of all skill levels, couples, families, and anyone seeking to combine fishing with authentic Irish culture. For dedicated anglers, the Great Fishing Houses of Ireland and Clonanav offer anglers great opportunities for salmon, sea trout, and wild brown trout. For couples, Ballynahinch Castle provides a luxurious and romantic escape, perfect for non-angling spouses who want to enjoy Ireland in comfort and style. At Clonanav, non-anglers have easy access to day trips that include the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, scenic village walks, and evenings of live music in cozy pubs in the city of Clonmel. With a customizable itinerary and destinations that appeal equally to anglers and non-anglers, this trip ensures that everyone has a memorable stay.
Fishing Details
Fishing at Ballynahinch Castle centers on Atlantic salmon and sea trout, pursued across a series of private beats that wind through the sprawling estate. With expert ghillies, a storied fishing tradition, and a breathtaking Connemara backdrop of rugged mountains and reflective waters, Ballynahinch delivers a classic and immersive salmon fishing experience.
By contrast, Clonanav Fly Fishing is all about brown trout on the limestone-fed Suir and its tributaries—the Nire, Tar, and Anner. These clear, intimate streams are famous for their hatches and technical fishing, where trout often rise to delicate dry flies or challenge anglers with subtle nymphing opportunities. Fish commonly reach 16–20 inches, with larger trout and summer salmon adding to the variety. With professional guides, private access to more than 20 miles of water, and a well-stocked pro shop, Clonanav provides everything anglers need to make the most of this world-class fishery.
Together, Ballynahinch and Clonanav offer a balance of iconic Irish salmon fishing and challenging wild trout angling, all set against the backdrop of castles, countryside, and Ireland’s legendary hospitality. The combination ensures not only diverse fishing but also a cultural journey through the heart of Ireland.
Sample Itinerary:
- Day 1 – Arrival in Ireland
Arrive in Dublin or Shannon and transfer to Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara (approx. 3.5 hours). Settle into your luxury accommodations, stroll the castle grounds, and enjoy a welcome dinner in the historic dining room. - Day 2 – Ballynahinch Fishing. Full day of guided salmon and sea trout fishing on the castle’s private beats with experienced ghillies. Non-anglers can enjoy estate walks, gardens, clay shooting, or a boat trip on the estate’s lakes.
- Day 3 – Fishing & Connemara Exploration. Morning fishing session on one of Ballynahinch’s salmon pools. Afternoon excursion to explore the Connemara National Park, the village of Clifden, or nearby coastal drives.
- Day 4 – Ballynahinch Fishing & Relaxation. Another full day of fishing for salmon and sea trout. Non-anglers may explore the Kylemore Abbey & Gardens or enjoy spa and leisure time at the castle. Final night at Ballynahinch with a celebratory dinner.
- Day 5 – Transfer to Clonanav (Suir Valley). Scenic drive (approx. 4 hours) to Clonmel, home of Clonanav Fly Fishing. Stop en route to visit the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most iconic medieval landmarks. Arrive at Clonanav, check into accommodations, and prepare for trout fishing the next day.
- Day 6 – Clonanav Trout Fishing. Full day of guided fishing on the River Suir and its tributaries. Expect technical dry-fly and nymphing opportunities for wild brown trout. Non-anglers can explore local villages, shop in Clonmel, or walk the scenic Suir Blueway trail. Dinner in a local pub or restaurant with traditional Irish music.
- Day 7 – Fishing the Nire or Tar River. Target large, wild browns on the clear waters of the Nire or the limestone-rich Tar, both known for superb dry-fly opportunities. Non-anglers may tour Cahir Castle or enjoy a countryside drive through Tipperary.
- Day 8 – Clonanav Fishing or Cultural Excursion. Optional day of guided fishing (brown trout or salmon on the Suir) or take a break for sightseeing. Suggested excursions: Waterford Crystal factory, coastal drive to Dungarvan, or day-trip to Kilkenny for its medieval castle and vibrant town center.
- Day 9 – Departure. Transfer back to Dublin or Shannon for flights home.
Due to the custom nature of combination packages, rates and inclusions/exclusions vary by programs and length of stay. If you would like to learn more, Please Contact Yellow Dog for details.
Helpful Content:
