Royal Canal

Canal

The Royal Canal stretches 145km from Dublin to the Shannon. It offers excellent coarse fishing for roach, bream, perch, pike, and tench in a peaceful canal setting.

County
Dublin/Kildare/Meath/Westmeath/Longford
Province
Leinster
Nearest Town
Mullingar
IFI District
Shannon/Eastern

Access Information

Free fishing along entire length. Towpath provides easy access throughout.

Regulations

National Regulations That Apply

Licence: Varies
Permit: Varies

Methods: Only rod and line permitted. Maximum 2 rods at any time. No live fish as bait. No transfer of live roach between waters. Must not kill foul-hooked fish.

Additional: You may not fish for eels and any eels caught must be returned to the water. On waters designated closed or catch and release for salmon, you may not use worms as bait and may only use single or double barbless hooks.

Source: IFI

Licence: No
Permit: Rarely

Season Notes: No closed season. Fish year round.

Bag Limit: 1 pike per day (under 50cm only). Maximum 0.75kg of pike flesh.

Size Limit: Maximum size 50cm fork length. All pike over 50cm must be returned.

Methods: No live fish as bait. Maximum 2 rods. Maximum 12 coarse fish for bait (if over 4, must have receipt from dealer).

Additional: Most pike angling in Ireland is free. Permits mainly required in Midland Fisheries Area and on ESB fisheries.

Source: IFI

Licence: No
Permit: Rarely

Season Notes: No closed season. Fish year round.

Bag Limit: 4 coarse fish per day. Must be 25cm fork length or under.

Size Limit: Maximum size 25cm fork length.

Methods: No live fish as bait. No fishing for eels (return all eels). No transfer of live roach between waters. No selling of coarse fish.

Additional: Most coarse angling in Ireland is free. Permits mainly required in Midland Fisheries Area and on ESB fisheries. Additional rules may apply on waters where salmon/trout fishing also takes place.

Source: IFI

Important: Regulations change regularly. Always check with Inland Fisheries Ireland or enquire locally before fishing.
Quick Facts
  • Type Canal
  • Fishing Free
  • Species 7
  • County Dublin/Kildare/Meath/Westmeath/Longford
Location

Lat: 53.4500, Lon: -7.3333

View on Google Maps