The Undiscovered Fishing Paradise of the North West

Ballymote, situated 15 miles south of Sligo town, holds some of the most spectacular fishing waterways to be found in the north west of Ireland. Here is a list of all the hot spots to fish when visiting the Ballymote area.

Owenmore River Cluid Stretch

This stretch situated approx 2 miles outside Ballymote Ballinacarrow road, holds bream, rudd, hybrids, perch. Bags of Bream up to 100lbs weight have been recorded on this stretch. A very accessible stretch with styles over all the drains.

Owenmore River Competition Stretch

Situated 3 miles from Ballymote this stretch also holds large sized Bream, hybrids, Rudd, Pike and Perch. Best fished from June onwards. Big bags of fish have been caught on this stretch. This stretch is famous for it's competition facilities and good fishing.

Ballinascarrow Lake

Just 1 mile east of Ballymote. This lake has large stocks of Bream, Rudd, Hybrids and large Carp which have been seen but in all the years of people fishing the lake have yet to be caught. North West Regional Fisheries are currently upgrading the existing facilities by adding stands, stiles and a car park.

Ardrea Lake

A small lake situated 2 miles north of Ballymote, holds large stocks of Bream, Ruddd, Hybrids, specimen Tench, Perch and Pike. A very accessible lake with fishing stands aon the roadside of the lake.

Cloonacleigha Lake

Situated 4 miles west of Ballymote opposite Templehouse Lake. The lake covers approximately 30 acres. There is a slip way at the adge of the lake for launching boats. Pike over 20lbs are very common on this lake.

Templehouse Lake

Situated 4 miles south of Ballymote. This lake is best fished from Kilbrattan shore for Bream, Rudd and Pike after permission has been obtained from Mr Sandy Perceval at Templehouse. The lakeside bridge is famous for its Bream fishing.

Feenagh Lake

This is a stocked brown trout lake in the Ballymote area, which is stocked annually by the angling club. Recent years has seen Feenagh fishing its best. Brown trout up to 5 1/2lbs have been caught in recent seasons. Row boats are available for hire.

Lough Arrow

Famous for its brown Trout, this 3123 acre limestone lake is one of Ireland's cleanest and most renowned fishing lakes. There are large areas of shallows with prolific hatches of fly and a wide variety of fishing.

Other Activities to do in Ballymote

Ballymote has a beautiful 9-hole golf course situated 3 miles east of Ballymote where visitors are welcome. Green fees can be paid on the day to the clubhouse.

The town has numerous public houses with traditional Irish music sessions at the weekend in many of the pubs.

Ballymote is also noted for it's lovely pint of Guinness, so while visiting why not try one!

There are numerous archaeological sites in the area from 5,500 year old megalithic monuments to the 13th century castle found in the town's park.

Visit Carrowkeel, one of Ireland's largest Passage Tomb Cemeteries.

Ballymote is close to other major centres such as Sligo, Tubbercurry, Boyle, Collooney and is easy to access by road or rail and Knock International Airport is only 20 minutes away.

Various festivals occur throughout the year in the town.