Darren O'Rourke
Question:469. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps Failte Ireland are taking to promote fishing tourism within the State. [28009/26]
View answerTuesday, 21 April 2026
Questions (469)
Written answers
Fáilte Ireland promotes fishing tourism through a combination of strategic planning, targeted marketing, business and capital supports, and sustainability measures. These actions are aimed at growing fishing tourism in a way that supports rural economies, protects natural resources and enhances Ireland’s reputation as a world-class fishing destination.
Fáilte Ireland also promotes fishing tourism through its place-based destination brands, such as Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Dublin and the Hidden Heartlands. These brands highlight Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastal environments, where angling experiences can be enjoyed as part of a broader holiday offering that also includes culture, heritage, food and outdoor activities.
Fáilte Ireland works closely with Tourism Ireland and Inland Fisheries Ireland to support the promotion of Ireland’s fishing and angling tourism offering, particularly in key overseas markets. This is achieved through international publicity and targeted media engagement, helping to position Ireland as a high-quality angling destination within the wider tourism proposition.
Fáilte Ireland has an ongoing rolling agreement with Inland Fisheries Ireland to support international media activity focused on angling tourism. International journalists are regularly invited to experience Ireland’s angling product first-hand, which is a key element of the broader tourism offering to overseas visitors. In 2025, Fáilte Ireland welcomed specialist and mainstream media from Germany, Great Britain, France, the United States, the Benelux countries and Italy to experience what Ireland has to offer.
Fáilte Ireland also supports angling tourism through engagement with significant events that deliver tangible economic benefits for local communities. In 2023, Lough Muckno in County Monaghan hosted the 6th World Feeder Fishing Championship for Clubs. The scale of this international competition delivered a strong and sustainable angling tourism boost to the local economy, with an estimated 2,000 bed nights booked by travelling anglers and their associates.
Finally, Fáilte Ireland promotes fishing tourism through its Discover Ireland website. The site provides comprehensive information on things to see and do across the country, including listings for fishing and angling activities, events and attractions. The platform aims to provide practical planning support for short breaks and holidays in Ireland and includes dedicated content highlighting Ireland’s best fishing spots and experiences.