There's something truly enchanting about gliding across the serene waters of Lough Key while the sky above transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors. This past week, during the 53rd Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships held from September 20th to 26th in Boyle, County Roscommon, I had the privilege of experiencing this magic firsthand.  Hosted at

As passionate anglers at Fish North West, we've spent countless hours on the banks of Ireland's stunning northwest waterways, from the mighty River Shannon in Leitrim to the serene loughs of Sligo and Roscommon, such as Lough Allen and Lough Key. Deadbaiting remains one of the most effective techniques for targeting these apex predators, and

As anglers in Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon, we're blessed with some of Ireland's most breathtaking fishing destinations. From the serene waters of Lough Allen in Leitrim to the wild Atlantic shores of Sligo and the tranquil River Shannon in Leitrim and Roscommon, these spots are our sanctuaries. But these treasures are at risk. Landowners are

Here at FishNorthWest.ie, I’m usually the one guiding, sharing my passion for the incredible fishing we have here in the northwest of Ireland. But every angler has a bucket list, and sometimes you have to become the student again to cross a fish off it. For me, that fish was the zander. This pursuit recently

We all have that one fish. The one that gets into your blood. For me, it’s not the pike, not the trout, but the tench. And on my rare days off, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than on the bank at dawn, waiting for that first bite. This morning was one of those perfect mornings.

What an incredible day it was! I set out to one of the most picturesque lakes in Leitrim for some bream fishing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Before hitting the water, I did some prebaiting with pellets and a soaked mix I got from Just Bait. I have to say,

Here at FishNorthWest.ie, we talk a lot about the thrill of the catch. But for head guide Martin, the greatest thrill isn’t just size or numbers—it’s the pursuit of the new. It’s about adding another species to the life list, understanding its habits, and earning a capture through skill and learning. This relentless passion recently

There’s a special kind of magic that comes with night fishing. The world shrinks to the glow of your headlamp, the sound of the river, and the anticipation of what might be lurking beneath the surface. For over five years, I’ve been chasing a 20lb-plus pike in a small, winding river in the northwest of

As winter sets in and the waters begin to chill, my enthusiasm for fishing remains as high as ever. Armed with my trusty Westin drop-shot rod and my favorite soft bait, the Easy Shinner, I decided to venture out on the river in search of winter river perch. As I navigated the familiar fishing

As the temperatures drop, I find myself reminiscing about the satisfaction of setting up my float ledger rig. There’s something about it that strikes a chord with me, and honestly, I don't use this technique nearly enough.