Fishing In and Around Cahir

Official opening of fishing stands with wheelchair access—May 22nd 2010 in Cahir—A Regional Centre of Excellence for Brown Trout Fishing.

On a brilliant sunny day in May a well-attended ceremony took place in Cahir—a Regional Centre of Excellence for Brown Trout Fishing— in the vicinity of the Swiss Cottage. The granting of Cahir's status required many elements. The availability of the fish themselves is an obvious one but equally important are a number of 'infrastructure' features such as good access to the river, accommodation, a wide variety of places to eat etc.

The ceremony was the official opening of six fishing 'stands' (see photo below) along the river— easily reached from car-parks—which all have wheelchair access.

The town of Cahir is built on the River Suir. Everyone, from the total beginner to the most experienced fishing enthusiast, can pass a very pleasant day by its unspoilt banks. It has long been renowned as one of Europe’s finest dry fly rivers for wild brown trout and this recently aquired 'excellence' status represents an undisputed recognition of this. The wild trout found in the Suir need unpolluted, well-oxygenated water, clean gravel beds in which to spawn and in-stream plants to provide cover and food. These qualities are found in abundance in the Cahir area.

The Suir provides a near perfect environment for the survival and growth of wild brown trout. It is the second longest river in Ireland at 185km (115 miles). Together with its tributaries, it drains a total catchments area of 3,610 sq km (1,394 sq miles). It is a wide river ranging from 25-35m (82-115ft) in its middle sections. Very few rivers can equal it in terms of the overall numbers of trout that it produces and that are available to the angler. The average size of trout ranges from 0.35–0.9kg (¾ to 2 lb) in different areas, depending on the habitat. Their lifespan is relatively short and few trout exceed 4 years of age. There are also very good runs of salmon depending on water levels and conditions.

The fishing in the area is controlled by the Cahir and District Anglers’ Association. This is one of the oldest (over 80 years) and finest clubs in Ireland. They will help with any questions you may have before or during your trip to Cahir. E-Mail: mokey.guirey@gmail.com

Angling guides are available with vast experience of the river and its tributaries. Contact Kevin Rowe, Information Officer, Cahir and District Anglers’ Association, Reiska Road, Cahir, County Tipperary.
Tel: 052 7442729 Mobile: 087 6409271

Download a PDF copy of the Cahir & District Anglers' Association information leaflet here

Fishing Permits

Brown trout : (Fly fishing only) Salmon: All legal methods (no trout to be taken).
Permits are available from The Heritage Shop in the Square.
Tel: 052 7442730. They can be obtained from 7am to 11 pm Monday to Sunday. Permits are available for day or weekly rates and printed information sheets are provided. Permits must be carried with all anglers at all times and you are requested to cooperate fully with bailiffs and water keepers.
The angling season for salmon and trout within the Suir catchments begins on March 17th and ends on September 30th. To fish for salmon it is necessary to obtain a state salmon angling license. These can be purchased locally or online from www.salmonlicences.ie

Left to right, Mr Brian Sheerin, CEO of SRFB—Mr Joe Teesdale, Chairman of SRFB—Mr Liam Ahearne, Chairman of South Tipperary County Council—
Dr Martin Mansergh, Minister of State and Mr Alan Cullagh, Development Inspector of the SRFB, deliver their opening remarks at the launch.

Group photo of members of the Cahir and District Angling Association

Photo of fishing stands on the river Suir at Cahir

Above, Left to right, Sinead Carr, Director of Services, South Tipp County Council—Mr Alan Cullagh, Development Inspector of SRFB—Mr Tom Hayes TD—Councillor Michael Anglim, Cahir Town Council—Mr Joe Teesdale, Chairman of SRFB—Mr Liam Ahearne, Chairman of South Tipp County Council—Senator Phil Prendergast—Minister of State, Dr Martin Mansergh—Councillor Marie Murphy, Cahir Town Council and Mr Mattie McGrath TD

Right—Members of the Cahir and District Anglers Association

Above—A view from one fishing stand across the river to one of the new stands

Photo of Minister Dr Martin Mansergh, assisted by Lian Ahearne, officially opening the Cahir Centre of Excellence for Brown Trout Fishing