Clonanav Fly Fishing

Trip Overview
Clonanav Fly Fishing was originally founded by the Ryan Family in the mid-1990s as a guesthouse operation that could provide access to great fly fishing on the nearby Suir, Nire, and Tar Rivers. Since then, the business has significantly evolved, with the eldest son Andrew Ryan setting up his own pro-level fly shop, fly fishing school, outfitting business, and all-inclusive trip offerings. Clonanav Fly Fishing is now recognized as the premier destination for river and stream fishing in Ireland, offering unparalleled levels of service and some of the country’s most accomplished and seasoned guides. These unique packages with Yellow Dog and Clonanav can include lodging, ground transportation to and from Clonmel, private driver, area logistics, and some of the best-guided fishing available anywhere in Ireland. Andrew and his team offer the most legitimate brown trout and salmon fishing in the country, with accommodations at a 4-star hotel in the small town of Clonmel.

Lodging Locations and Options
For all Clonanav Fly Fishing multi-day packages, anglers stay at the 4-star Hotel Minella in the picturesque town of Clonmel. The hotel is ideally situated on the banks of the Suir River within easy walking distance of the town bars, restaurants, and businesses. Originally designed by the nationally acclaimed architect, John Skipton Mulvany, in the 1860s to be a private estate, Minella was purchased by the Nallen family in the early 1960s and converted to a country house hotel in 1963. Since that time, the hotel has undergone extensive redevelopment, constant refurbishment, and growth, and today the Minella is considered one of the nicest hotels in the region, with 90 individually designed and decorated rooms. (The Minella name is also recognized in the world of horse racing, and the current owners are actively involved in the training and breeding of world champion racehorses.) The rooms at Minella are clean and spacious, and the property itself offers a full slate and line-up of amenities. The hotel’s leisure facilities feature a 66-foot Swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, gym and fitness facility, sauna, steam room, and outdoor tennis courts.

Food and Beverages
There are several different options for dining and meals with these fishing packages. On-water lunches while fishing are packed and provided by Clonanav Fly Fishing, and on-river lunch catering is available for families or groups. Each morning, a full breakfast is available at Hotel Minella. Dinners can be at the hotel in the main restaurant, or you can visit any number of restaurants or pubs in Clonmel or the surrounding area. The dining options are fun and the food at these restaurants is always good. Hotel Minella’s oak-paneled restaurant has garden views and is known in Clonmel for serving excellent food. Using the freshest local and seasonal ingredients, they aim to promote the best of Irish cuisine while working with local Tipperary food producers to offer a varied and creative menu. Be sure to visit J. Lonergan’s “Bridge Pub” on the banks of the Nire – home to the best Guinness in Ireland! Overall, the food in this part of Ireland is outstanding, with numerous options for dining out each evening at a different restaurant. 

Typical Length of Stay
All packages are completely customized, and trips of any length can be arranged. 

Non-Angling Activities and Options
The entire country of Ireland provides endless opportunities for non-anglers, couples, and families to enjoy themselves during their stay. In the immediate County Waterford area of southern Ireland, non-angling activities include hiking, cycling, exploring small Irish villages, golf, live music, museums, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, and much, much more. The County Waterford area has many historic sites, including numerous castles, churches, ring forts, abbeys, and monasteries. For history lovers, there are castles at Lismore, Kilkenny, Cashel, and Cahir. The famous Swiss Cottage in Cahir and the Round Tower in Ardmore are also well worth a visit. Clonmel is the largest inland town in Munster. The town is a garrison town, complete with the historical Main Guard and the West Gate, which is still in existence. Other area attractions include the House of Waterford Crystal factory tour and Kilkenny Castle.

Internet / Communications
Most of the hotels and inns in Ireland offer consistent Wi-Fi access, and cell service is very good throughout most areas of the country. The Wi-Fi and Hotel Minella is fast and dependable.

Credit Cards
Most businesses, hotels, and restaurants throughout Ireland accept Visa and Mastercard. Fewer accept American Express. Note that many local and rural pubs are cash only.

How To Get There
Dublin or Shannon are the best international arrival options for fishing in this part of Ireland. Dublin is the most popular entry point, as most major commercial airlines offer regular non-stop flights to Dublin from major U.S. cities. Depending on your itinerary, you can either rent a car and tour Ireland by road (moving between different locations and fishing areas), or Yellow Dog will be happy to arrange a shuttle service or a private driver. Note that the roads in Ireland are very narrow – especially in the more rural areas of the country. Narrow, winding roads and the fact that you steer and drive on opposite sides from what we know in the US can make things a bit interesting for some drivers! Give this some consideration when planning transfers between destinations. Ireland is a tiny country. It only takes a few hours to drive from one end to the other, and it’s a scenic cultural experience with its rolling green hills and warm Irish culture. The drive from Dublin to the shop and headquarters of Clonanav Fly Fishing takes approximately two hours.

Arrival and Departure Details / Times
Anglers can arrive and depart on any day of the week, and trips of any length can be arranged. It is also possible to add on a shorter fishing package or a stay with Clonanav Fly Fishing for those that are visiting Ireland for non-angling activities and tours.

Documents Required
All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport that does not expire within six (6) months of trip dates. There are no visa requirements as long as you intend to stay for less than three months. Please be sure that your passport has at least two blank, unstamped pages, and that it is not torn, delaminated or damaged in any way. One thing to note is that Ireland is the only place in Europe with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facilities. So whether you’re flying back to the US from Dublin or Shannon, you take care of immigration and customs before you board rather than stateside, where you would otherwise have to line up with hundreds of incoming passengers.

Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog provides airline reservations and ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes.

Travel Tools
– Airline Ticketing
– Moon Phases
– Rent This Rod
– Trip Insurance and Emergency Evacuation
– Global Rescue Membership

General Information

Clonanav Fly Fishing’s operations are ideally located to take advantage of some of the best brown trout river fishing in all of Ireland. The River Suir and her tributaries offer unrivaled fishing for native brown trout in beautiful countryside settings. The Suir is renowned as a trout fishery and offers exceptional dry fly fishing for wild browns throughout the Irish fishing season. Tributaries such as the Nire, Tar, and Anner offer exceptional fishing at certain times of the season, and these smaller rivers usually run gin clear and offer very easy wading. Overall, Clonanav Fly Fishing has private access to more than 20 miles of private waters – most of which are no more than 15 minutes away from the fly shop. 

The owner and operator for Clonanav Fly Fishing – Andrew Ryan – is one of Ireland’s best-known flyfishing instructors and guides. Andrew has been guiding for over 25 years on the river Suir and the area tributaries. He holds FFF Masters and THCI certifications, considered the highest casting instruction qualification in the world. All of Andrew’s guides are highly skilled, experienced, and professional, and all work hard to ensure that every day is a great day on the water.

+ Listen to this WAYPOINTS Podcast: Fly Fishing in Ireland with Andrew Ryan of Clonavav Fly Fishing

River Suir
The River Suir is the second longest river in Ireland at 115 miles long. It is considered to be one of the best trout rivers in Europe, and also is home to impressive numbers of Atlantic Salmon at certain times of the year. The brown trout in the Suir average anywhere from 8 to 16 inches, although larger fish are caught regularly. Numerous fish in the river reach well into the mid-20-inch range! With many slow glides, deep pools, and easy tail-outs, the fish are selective, so long fine leaders are the norm. The hatches are impressive throughout the season, with flies ranging in size from 12 to 22. The main hatches include BWOs, caddis, spurwings, and black gnats. Small dries such as Klinkhammer patterns are the norm, and comparaduns, elk hair caddis, and small bead heads can also be incredibly effective. Suitable equipment for fishing the Suir is a 9-foot, 4 or 5-weight rod, floating lines, and long 6X and 7X leaders.

When it comes to fishing for Atlantic Salmon, Clonanav Fly Fishing has access to some of the best sections of water in all of southern Ireland. They offer access to several beats on the Suir, with over 8 miles in total. The river Suir is the second longest river in Ireland and boasts some runs of some of the biggest salmon found anywhere in the country. Fish of 15-18 lbs. are common, with the best months being May through September. All equipment – including double-handed spey and baby spey rods – can be provided. 

River Suir
The River Suir is the second longest river in Ireland at 115 miles long. It is considered to be one of the best trout rivers in Europe, and also is home to impressive numbers of Atlantic Salmon at certain times of the year. The brown trout in the Suir average anywhere from 12 to 18 inches, although larger fish are caught regularly. Numerous brown trout in the river reach well into the mid-20-inch range! With many slow glides, deep pools, and easy tail-outs, the fish are selective, so long fine leaders are the norm. The hatches are impressive throughout the season, with flies ranging in size from 12 to 22. The main hatches include BWOs, caddis, spurwings, and black gnats. Small dries including Klinkhammer patterns are the norm, and comparaduns, elk hair caddis, and small bead heads can also be incredibly effective. Suitable equipment for fishing the Suir is a 9-foot, 4 or 5-weight rod, floating lines, and long 6X and 7X leaders.

When it comes to fishing for Atlantic Salmon, Clonanav Fly Fishing has access to some of the best sections of water in all of southern Ireland. They offer access to several beats on the Suir, with over 8 miles in total. The river Suir is the second longest river in Ireland and boasts some runs of some of the biggest salmon found anywhere in the country. Fish of 15-18 lbs. are common, with the best months being May through September. All equipment – including double-handed spey and baby spey rods – can be 

River Nire
The Nire is a gin-clear spate/freestone river that flows from the Comeragh Mountains through the Nire Valley until it reaches the confluence with the River Suir. It is a narrow river (+/-35 feet on average) with constant ripple and pool formations. Access to the river is easy, with direct access for wading over moderate-sized river rocks. The river has a good stock of fish from 8-15 inches, as well as some absolute trophy browns that can push upwards of 30 inches. The fishing is mainly on dry flies and nymphs, with some streamer fishing during high water. Main hatches on the Nire include BWOs, spurwings, sedges, stoneflies, and terrestrials. Suitable equipment for fishing the Nire is a 9-foot, 3 or 4-weight rod, floating lines, and long 6X and 7X leaders.

River Tar
A limestone river very similar to the chalk streams found throughout the south of England, the Tar is a wide (+/-45 feet), shallow river with a healthy growth of flowering ranunculus weed. The bottom is level, which makes for easy wading. The Tar is known for its remarkable dry fly fishing due to the shallow nature of the river. The river has a good stock of fish in the 8-16 inch range and some much larger fish up to 20 inches. Main hatches on the Tar include BWO, caddis, spurwings, and black gnats. Suitable equipment for fishing the Nire is an 8-foot, 3 or 4-weight rod, floating lines, and long 6X and 7X leaders.

Equipment
Clonanav Fy Fishing is Ireland’s leading flyfishing pro shop, featuring the top brands in the industry. This is the kind of fly shop you would expect to find in a destination mountain town in the US West, with excellent customer service, knowledgeable staff, great inventory, and the best brands available. Along with the very best fly selection in all of Ireland, they also sell gear from Hardy, Greys, Guideline, Patagonia, Simms, Orvis, Rio, Redington, Airflo, and numerous other companies. It is possible to utilize 100% of what you need at the shop through their loaner program, allowing you to travel light and leave your own gear at home. For all guided packages, the shop includes the use of waders and boots, rods and reels, and of course, all necessary flies, leader, and tippet.

Fishing Licenses
In Ireland, it is necessary to procure a fishing license and fish tags when fishing for salmon. No license is required for trout fishing. Salmon licenses can (if necessary) be purchased or arranged through Clonanav.

Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book an Ireland trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter. All prices listed below are per person and quoted in Euros. 

**Due to the customizable nature of this program, please reach out to Yellow Dog for sample rates**

What’s Included:

• The number of nights lodging specified in your package at Hotel Minella in Clonmel
• All guided fishing as specified
• Use of rods, reels, waders, and wading boots
• Optional morning(s) of Atlantic salmon fishing – depending on season
• Use of spey rods for Atlantic salmon
• All flies and terminal tackle
• Round-trip ground transfer between hotel and river each day
• Dinner each evening if staying at Hotel Minella
• Picnic lunch on the water each day with your guide 
• Irish salmon fishing license – depending on season

What’s Not Included:

• International flight to and from Ireland
• Gratuities for guides, hotel staff, and transfer drivers
• Alcoholic beverages at hotel or while dining out in town

Trip Deposit Information
A 50% deposit (per angler) of the total package cost for each trip package is due to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures (YDFA) within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation. Yellow Dog reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $100.00 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Full payment is due 90 days before departure.  

IRELAND CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
For all Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, L.L.C. (YDFA) fishing packages with Clonanav Fly Fishing, both deposits and final payments received are non-refundable, regardless of the reason. Because of the operator’s no refund and no credit policy, we highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. In no event will the operator be responsible for any cancellation of services or operations due to inclement weather, any event of force majeure, airline delays, missed travel connections, or any other reason beyond the lodge’s control. If a cancelled package is resold by either the lodge or by Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, then a full refund will be sent or credited minus a $100.00 per person cancellation fee charged by Yellow Dog Flyfishing. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings  
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.   

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment 

• Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3 
• Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees) 
• Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT. 

"I’m still on a “natural fishy high” from our trip to fish Ireland and wanted to be sure to send a very grateful thank you to each of you for helping to make it such a memorable experience! … Thank you for all of the time and attention to detail prior to our trip. I appreciated the planning, pre-calls, the follow-up to my questions, and all the amazing trip details which eliminated any hiccups. I can’t wait to pick my next trip with Yellow Dog." - Stephanie M. (Read the Trip Recap)

“What a wonderful fishing experience! Ireland was amazing, and Olive’s riverside lodgings and Andrew’s Clonanav Flyfishing operation were absolutely terrific! We loved our guide and had great fishing. Thank you Yellow Dog!”  -- Winnie Y. 

"I write on behalf of all 6 within our party. You did an outstanding job of setting us up, accurately answering pre departure questions and timely responding to all inquiries. Clonanav is an outstanding outfitter. Andrew Ryan and all the guides are extremely knowledgeable, professional, kind and quite hysterical. He has a line on a caterer who provides lunch which is beyond reproach. What a life they lead in Clonmel. We really felt part of their family. Hotel Minella is an unbelievable property with excellent food and 2nd to none service. It is family owned with the proprietors present and engaged. Yes, we would return and we also recommend the experience to anyone, regardless of skill level, without reservation." - John G.

Ireland Trip Report