Kilmore Quay

Kilmore Quay is the premier charter fishing port on Ireland's south-east coast — a compact working harbour village in County Wexford that occupies a position at the southern tip of the Wexford coastline, looking directly across to the Saltee Islands and beyond them to some of the most productive offshore grounds in Irish waters. The combination of deep water in close proximity, prolific reef systems, historic wreck grounds, and the warming influence of Celtic Sea currents makes this a genuinely world-class mixed sea fishing location that draws visiting anglers from across Europe each season.

The harbour is the operational heart of the south-east charter fleet. Experienced skippers have worked these waters for decades, targeting everything from tope and bass to blue shark and specimen ray. What sets Kilmore Quay apart from many Atlantic coast ports is the proximity of productive marks — the Saltee Islands sit just four miles offshore, and prime reef and wreck ground lies within 10–20 miles of the harbour mouth. This closeness translates directly into fishing time. Where other ports spend an hour steaming each way, Kilmore Quay boats are on productive marks within thirty to forty-five minutes.

The south-east coast offers exceptional diversity of target species for a single departure point. Tope — powerful members of the shark family in the 25–45 lb range — are found on sandy ground within easy reach, while the seabed south of Wexford holds a remarkable variety of ray species: thornback, blonde, painted, undulate, and homelyn ray have all been recorded from these grounds. The Celtic Sea wreck population, accumulated over centuries of maritime traffic, supports conger eel, ling, and cod. Blue shark arrive offshore in summer. Bass are present along the shore marks and in the Bannow Bay estuary system throughout the warmer months.

Shore fishing around Kilmore Quay is often overlooked in favour of the charter fleet, but the coastline on either side of the village offers genuine quality. Rocky platforms, sandy beaches, and the quay walls themselves produce bass, pollack, wrasse, mackerel, and a variety of flatfish. Ballyteige Bay to the west holds significant bass populations accessible to beach casters, while the rocky marks east of the quay provide lure fishing for pollack and wrasse throughout the season.

The village has long attracted international sea anglers, particularly from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, and its reputation rests on consistency — these grounds produce fish reliably through a long season. The village itself is a genuine working harbour with excellent seafood restaurants, comfortable accommodation, and the authentic maritime atmosphere of a place that still makes its living from the sea.

Based on 0 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on Kilmore Quay:

Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.

Kilmore Quay's reputation depends on the continued health of its fish populations and the marine environment of the Celtic Sea. Release all tope and shark with minimum handling and air exposure. Bass regulations must be strictly observed — these exist to protect a recovering population. Keep only what you intend to eat, and within legal minimum sizes. Handle ray carefully, supporting the full body weight. Remove all tackle waste and litter from shore marks. The Saltee Islands are a protected bird sanctuary — respect all landing restrictions and do not disturb wildlife. Support charter operators who practise and actively promote responsible fishing.