Salmon anglers will have the benefit of a first-class facility next season following the reopening of Aasleagh Lodge in Lennane, Co Galway, by the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Fahey. Following extensive refurbishment, the lodge now has 10 en-suite bedrooms, facilities for disabled anglers and a state-of- the-art kitchen.
Once home to the aristocracy, Aasleagh Lodge is set in 36 acres of woodland on the banks of the Erriff River overlooking Killary Harbour. The facility has been a popular destination with anglers for many years and the latest improvements should create one of the best salmon angling sites in Ireland.
In addition to the lodge refurbishment, a major bank access project is in progress. It involves the provision of footbridges, parking, entry gates and stiles. Further improvements include an in-stream development project to ensure stocks of wild salmon are maintained for the future. Renovations so far have cost £300,000.
"This is a crucial time in promoting Ireland as a primary angling destination," the Minister said at the official opening. "We must focus our energies on reversing the trend of declining numbers of tourist anglers to Ireland." The Western Regional Fisheries Board was crucial in this regard, he said. In addition to its marketing strategy through its website (www.wrfb.ie) and brochures, the board works closely with Game Fishing Ireland. "I am particularly pleased to learn the Great Fishing Houses of Ireland has recently welcomed the Erriff Fishery and Aasleagh Lodge on board," the Minister said.
Visitors can also stay at nearby Aasleagh Cottage, which sleeps up to six people. Overlooking the sea at Killary Harbour, the cottage is let on a weekly, self-catering basis. Aasleagh Lodge and Cottage will open for business from April 1st next. In the meantime, inquiries for accommodation and fishing should be made to Jim or Mary Stafford at 095-42252, or e-mail: erriff.fish@iol.ie
During January and February of next year, a series of one-day fly fishing courses will take place at Rathbeggan Lakes, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath. Set in the tranquil valley of the Tolka river and open all year round, Rathbeggan has become firmly established as one of Ireland's premier put-and-take venues. Located just 30 minutes from Dublin, and offering a wide range of facilities, this is the ideal venue to learn fly fishing.
The courses are being hosted by one of Ireland's leading instructors, Andrew Ryan, of the Clonanav Fly Fishing Centre, Co Waterford. He has been teaching flycasting for the past nine years and is one of only a handful of APGAI-qualified instructors in Ireland and the UK.
All levels of fly fisher are being catered for. Most days are designed with emphasis on those taking up the sport for the first time. The beginners course will focus on correct tackle set-up, basic overhead casting, roll casting and fishing tactics for both rivers and lakes. The advanced courses will be geared towards those wishing to improve their skills and learn casts such as the single haul, double haul, jump roll and hauled roll.
For more details, contact Dave Robinson at Rathbeggan Lakes (01-824 0197), or Andrew Ryan at Clonanav (052-36141).
Correspondence and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Fax: 01-679 1881. E-mail: angling@irish-times.ie
