Do You Need a Fishing Licence in Ireland? Licences and Permits Explained

Fishing licences and permits in Ireland explained: salmon licences, trout, pike, the Midlands permit and key rules. Permits sold in Mullingar.

David O'Malley

8/31/20262 min read

black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile

Do You Need a Fishing Licence in Ireland? Licences and Permits Explained

"Do I need a fishing licence?" is one of the questions we hear most at O'Malleys in Mullingar. The short answer: you only need a State licence for salmon and sea trout. But many waters, including the lakes around Mullingar, need a permit. Here's a plain guide to what you need, and where to get it.

Licence or Permit: What's the Difference?

  • A licence is issued by the State and lets you fish for certain species anywhere in the country, subject to having permission to fish the water.

  • A permit gives you the right to fish a particular water or group of waters. It is issued by whoever controls that fishery.

Fishing for Salmon and Sea Trout

You must hold a State Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing Licence to fish for salmon or sea trout. Licences are available for periods from one day to one year, and you can buy one online from Inland Fisheries Ireland (gov.ie). A licence alone doesn't give you the right to fish a water, so you usually need a permit or permission too.

Fishing for Brown Trout

You do not need a licence to fish for trout in Ireland (Fishing in Ireland). However, many of the best trout lakes are controlled waters that need a permit.

Fishing for Pike and Coarse Fish

No licence is needed for coarse fishing or sea angling. In the Midlands, though, pike, trout and coarse fishing on controlled waters needs a permit (see below).

The Midlands Permit: What Mullingar Anglers Need

If you fish the lakes around Mullingar, you need the Inland Fisheries Ireland Midlands permit. It covers trout, pike and coarse fishing on controlled waters including:

  • Lough Ennell

  • Lough Owel

  • Lough Derravaragh

  • Lough Sheelin

  • Lough Glore, Lough Kinale, Lough Iron and other waters in the Inny, Suck and Brosna catchments

The permit isn't needed for the main River Shannon (Fishing in Ireland). You can buy your Midlands permit over the counter at O'Malleys, 33 Dominick Street, Mullingar.

Key Rules Every Angler Should Know

These national rules apply to all anglers (Inland Fisheries Ireland):

  • No more than two rods at a time.

  • Live bait is banned.

  • Pike: you may keep one pike per day, and any pike over 50 cm must be released.

  • Coarse fish: you may keep four coarse fish per day, and none over 25 cm.

  • Lifejackets must be worn when fishing from a boat on Irish loughs.

Individual waters can have their own rules, such as bag limits or boat-only fishing, so always check before you go.

Fishing Licence FAQs

Do I need a licence to fish for trout in Ireland?

No. But many trout lakes, including Lough Ennell and Lough Owel, need a Midlands permit.

Where can I buy a Midlands fishing permit in Mullingar?

At O'Malleys, 33 Dominick Street, Mullingar. You can also buy one online from Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Do I need a licence for pike fishing?

No licence is needed for pike. On controlled waters in the Midlands, you need the Midlands permit.

Do I need a licence for sea fishing?

No. Sea angling in Ireland doesn't need a licence.

Get Your Permit at O'Malleys Mullingar

Call into O'Malleys at 33 Dominick Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 HF38, for your permit, tackle and up-to-date local advice. Phone 044-9348300. Fishing Lough Ennell? Read our Lough Ennell fishing guide.