Words & Images by Mexico & Europe Program Director Sam Mebane
After months of anticipation, my trip to Ireland and Spain finally kicked off with a flight into Dublin, where I was greeted by a driver from Ballynahinch Castle. The three-hour drive across the country was the perfect opportunity to shake off the travel fatigue and take in the lush, green Irish landscape. We arrived at Ballynahinch Castle in the late afternoon, and I was immediately taken by the charm and grandeur of this historic property. Nestled in the heart of Connemara, it felt like stepping back in time—with the warmth and luxury of a modern lodge.
I spent the next three days fishing the local rivers with Ballynahinch’s seasoned guides. From start to finish, they rolled out the red carpet. The fishing was immersive, the surroundings breathtaking, and the food nothing short of spectacular. Each evening meal rivaled the last—fresh, local, and elegantly prepared. The staff at Ballynahinch went above and beyond to make sure every detail of my stay was taken care of, making it an unforgettable experience.
Ballynahinch is not just a world-class fishing destination—it's also the perfect getaway for couples or families. The property offers everything from hiking and clay shooting to riverside picnics and cozy lounges with roaring fires, making it ideal for both anglers and non-anglers alike.
From there, I traveled to Clonmel in the southeast of Ireland for three more days of fishing, this time with Clonanav Fly Fishing. The contrast in landscape and river systems between the two regions was striking. I was genuinely blown away by the quality of the fishery—big, wild brown trout and technical dry fly fishing using 9-foot 4-weight rods. The guides at Clonanav were exceptional: patient, knowledgeable, and deeply familiar with their local waters.
While fishing with Clonanav, I stayed at Hotel Minella in Clonmel—a very nice riverside hotel with great food and an impressive history. The property even has horse stables that are home to several champion racing horses, adding a unique and authentic Irish touch to the stay. On my final night in the area, I stayed at Glasha Farmhouse, a charming bed and breakfast located just down the road from the fly shop. Glasha is warm, comfortable, and welcoming—perfect after a long day on the water. It’s also just a short walk to Lonergan’s Pub, which has been in operation since the 1600s. Sitting in a pub with that kind of history, enjoying a pint after a day of trout fishing, was a definite highlight.
One evening, we ventured into downtown Clonmel for dinner and drinks, ending the night at Phil Carroll’s Pub—another authentic Irish experience and a great way to cap off a day on the river. We also took an afternoon to visit Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel, both of which offered a rich look into Ireland’s medieval past and added an extra layer of cultural depth to the trip.
Clonanav is a great fit for serious anglers who want to be challenged by technical fishing on small streams—but it’s also a solid option for couples looking for a quiet Irish town, beautiful scenery, and a mix of fishing and cultural activities.
The next phase of the journey took me to Spain. I flew into Barcelona, took a taxi to the Barcelona Sants train station, and caught a train to Lleida. From there, a driver met me and transported me to Palacio del Obispo in Graus. After settling in, we dined at a Michelin-starred restaurant—a fitting introduction to the culinary side of northern Spain.
The next day, we fished the low country at the base of the Pyrenees. The scenery was absolutely stunning: steep mountain ridges, clear waters, and a mix of brook and zebra trout that kept us busy throughout the day. A three-course lunch and a bottle of wine at the river's edge reminded me that fishing in Spain comes with a whole different rhythm and style—one I could easily get used to.
After fishing, we made the drive to Biescas, where I checked into Hotel Viñas de Larrede. The lodge was breathtaking—nestled in a quiet valley, with views of the surrounding mountains and elegant, comfortable accommodations. That night’s dinner at Tiki Tapas was one of the best meals I’ve ever had: creative, fresh, and full of personality.
The final day of the trip brought us to the high country, where we hiked into a remote alpine river for some of the most beautiful fishing I’ve ever experienced. Casting dry flies to small wild brown trout in gin-clear water, surrounded by snow-capped peaks—it was the perfect note to end the trip on.
For the return journey, I was driven to the Zaragoza-Delicias train station, caught a train back to Barcelona Sants, and then took a taxi to the airport for my flight home. The logistics throughout the trip were smooth and well-organized, making it easy to relax and enjoy the experience.
The Spanish Pyrenees region is a dream destination for couples and families. With a slower pace, incredible food, and activities ranging from hiking to cultural day trips, it’s ideal for those looking to blend world-class fishing with world-class travel.
From the misty rivers of Ireland to the dramatic mountain streams of the Pyrenees, this was a journey packed with unforgettable fishing, exceptional food, and warm hospitality at every stop. If you’re ever interested in exploring any of these destinations for yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to Yellow Dog. I’d be happy to help you plan an incredible trip.
