Lough Dan

Lough Dan lies deep in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, cradled between steep glacial ridges just a few kilometres from Roundwood and approximately one hour south of Dublin. It is described as the largest natural lake on the east coast of Ireland, a dramatic body of dark mountain water fed by the Cloghoge and Inchavore rivers and drained by the Avonmore, which begins its long journey to the sea at Arklow here at the southern end of the lake.

The setting is exceptional. Steep cliffs rise on the eastern shore, Peregrine falcons nest on the high ground above, and the surrounding valley is protected as a Special Area of Conservation. Otter, hare, and red grouse are all resident. The lake sits within a working hill farm, and access to the fishing is managed by Lough Dan House, the farmhouse and guesthouse overlooking the water.

Lough Dan holds a natural population of wild brown trout. The water is highly acidic, draining from granite mountain terrain, which limits growth rates but produces fish that are lean, hard-fighting, and beautiful. Trout are best pursued from a drifting boat using traditional Irish wet fly methods — the lake is well suited to the classic approach of a team of three flies on a floating line, covering the water methodically across the wind.

The fishery is run on a structured basis through Lough Dan House, which offers boat hire for two anglers, rod and reel hire, life jackets, and a substantial lunch as part of fishing packages. Overnight accommodation is available at the guesthouse, making it a natural base for a dedicated fishing trip. Fishing times are flexible and can be adapted to conditions.

For the Dublin angler seeking wild trout in genuine mountain scenery, Lough Dan is one of the most rewarding destinations on the east side of the country. It is not a venue for numbers — the fish are wild and the conditions can be challenging — but a trout from Lough Dan is worth more than a dozen from a stocked lake.