River Liffey

The River Liffey is one of Ireland's most fascinating and diverse trout rivers, flowing for over one hundred and thirty kilometres from its source high in the Wicklow Mountains through the limestone plains of County Kildare and on through Dublin city to the sea. For anglers, it is the remarkable middle section — the Kildare Liffey — that holds the greatest interest: a rich, meandering trout stream that produces wild brown trout of exceptional quality, including fish to specimen weight and beyond.

The Liffey's transformation is extraordinary. It begins as a poor, acidic mountain stream above Sally Gap, tumbling through granite and heather before entering the vast Poulaphouca Reservoir at Blessington. Below the dam, the river enters an entirely different geological world. As it flows across the limestone plains of Kildare through Ballymore Eustace, Kilcullen, Newbridge, Clane, Straffan and Celbridge, it becomes one of the richest trout rivers in the east of Ireland. Dr Michael Kennedy of the Inland Fisheries Trust recorded some of the fastest-growing brown trout in Ireland in the river near Lucan.

The fly hatches on the Kildare Liffey are prolific and varied. Dark olives appear from March, with excellent hatches driving the early season fishing. Sedges — including grey flags — provide outstanding evening sport through summer. The yellow evening dun hatches heavily around Clane, and the blue-winged olive appears from mid-season, though the Liffey's variant has an unusually dark wing requiring specifically dressed imitations. There is some mayfly, though it is patchy rather than a defining feature. May and September are widely regarded as the best fishing months, though good sport can be had throughout the season.

Trout on the Kildare Liffey average around a pound, with fish of two to three pounds caught regularly by skilled anglers. Each season produces trout over the specimen weight of five pounds — remarkable for an eastern river within an hour of Dublin. The trout are wild, free-rising and challenging, demanding good presentation and accurate fly selection. This is not easy fishing, but it is immensely rewarding.

Salmon and sea trout run the lower Liffey from Dublin through Lucan to Leixlip, though this fishery has declined significantly and the river is currently closed for migratory fish upstream of Leixlip Dam. Below the dam, catch-and-release salmon fishing is available through the Dublin and District Salmon and Trout Anglers Association, with free fishing at Memorial Park above Islandbridge. The Strawberry Beds stretch along the lower Lucan road is a well-known salmon beat.

Fishing on the Liffey is controlled by several angling clubs and private owners, with day permits typically costing around ten euros and available from local tackle shops and post offices. The river's proximity to Dublin — the best trout water is barely an hour from the city centre — makes it an invaluable resource for urban anglers seeking high-quality wild trout fishing without a long journey.

Based on 0 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on River Liffey:

Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.

The Liffey's brown trout population is entirely wild and self-sustaining. Catch-and-release is strongly encouraged, particularly for larger fish. Barbless hooks are mandatory by law on the Liffey (Bye-law No. 982 of 2020). Handle trout carefully in the water and return them quickly. The ESB water releases from Poulaphouca and Golden Falls affect river levels — rising water can displace insects and fish. The river faces pressures from development, agricultural runoff and urban encroachment, making responsible angling and environmental vigilance essential.