A Regional Centre of Excellence for Brown Trout Fishing
On a brilliant sunny day in May a well-attended ceremony took place in Cahir a Regional Centre of Excellence for Brown Trout Fishing in the vicinity of the Swiss Cottage. The granting of Cahir's status required many elements. The availability of the fish themselves is an obvious one but equally important are a number of 'infrastructure' features such as good access to the river, accommodation, a wide variety of places to eat etc.
The ceremony was the official opening of six fishing 'stands' (see photo below) along the river easily reached from car-parks which all have wheelchair access.
The town of Cahir is built on the River Suir. Everyone, from the total beginner to the most experienced fishing enthusiast, can pass a very pleasant day by its unspoilt banks. It has long been renowned as one of Europe’s finest dry fly rivers for wild brown trout and this recently aquired 'excellence' status represents an undisputed recognition of this. The wild trout found in the Suir need unpolluted, well-oxygenated water, clean gravel beds in which to spawn and in-stream plants to provide cover and food. These qualities are found in abundance in the Cahir area.
The Suir provides a near perfect environment for the survival and growth of wild brown trout. It is the second longest river in Ireland at 185km (115 miles). Together with its tributaries, it drains a total catchments area of 3,610 sq km (1,394 sq miles). It is a wide river ranging from 25-35m (82-115ft) in its middle sections. Very few rivers can equal it in terms of the overall numbers of trout that it produces and that are available to the angler. The average size of trout ranges from 0.35–0.9kg (¾ to 2 lb) in different areas, depending on the habitat. Their lifespan is relatively short and few trout exceed 4 years of age. There are also very good runs of salmon depending on water levels and conditions.
The fishing in the area is controlled by the Cahir and District Anglers’ Association. This is one of the oldest (over 80 years) and finest clubs in Ireland. They will help with any questions you may have before or during your trip to Cahir.
Angling guides are available with vast experience of the river and its tributaries.
Contact Kevin Rowe, Information Officer, Cahir and District Anglers’ Association, Reiska Road, Cahir, County Tipperary.
Tel: 052 7442729 Mobile: 087 6409271
E-Mail: kevinrowe01@gmail.com
