The Lion's Head, Howth Head

Sea Fishing

DANGER! This area is not easily accessible and has high ledged, please that caution if you are visiting this area.

A deep-water rock mark on the cliffs of Howth Head, named for its distinctive profile and prized for the depth that comes in close. It produces pollack, coalfish and ballan wrasse over the kelp, conger after dark, and mackerel through the summer. The cliff approach is steep and exposed, so sure footing, daylight access and calm seas are essential.

County
Dublin
Province
Leinster
Nearest Town
Howth

Access Information

Steep cliff descent from the Howth Head paths — daylight access and great care essential.

Permits

No permit or license is required for general sea angling from the shore.

Regulations

National Regulations That Apply

Licence: Varies
Permit: Varies

Methods: Only rod and line permitted. Maximum 2 rods at any time. No live fish as bait. No transfer of live roach between waters. Must not kill foul-hooked fish.

Additional: You may not fish for eels and any eels caught must be returned to the water. On waters designated closed or catch and release for salmon, you may not use worms as bait and may only use single or double barbless hooks.

Source: IFI

Licence: Rarely
Permit: No

Season Notes: No open/closed season for most species (except salmon and sea trout at sea).

Bag Limit: Bag limits only for salmon, sea trout and sea bass.

Size Limit: Size limits only for salmon, sea trout and sea bass.

Methods: No trolling with gear capable of capturing bluefin tuna without special authorisation. Porbeagle shark, common skate, white skate, undulate ray, spurdog and angel shark are endangered and should be returned.

Additional: State Licence only required if fishing for sea trout or salmon at sea. Special authorisation required for bluefin tuna (catch & release only, awarded to limited charter operators).

Source: IFI

Licence: No
Permit: No

Season Notes: Currently no closed season but changes year to year. Check before fishing.

Bag Limit: Varies year to year. Some periods may be catch and release only. Regulations set by EU and subject to change at short notice.

Size Limit: Minimum size 42cm (when keeping is permitted).

Methods: No restrictions on method currently.

Additional: EU regulations change frequently. Always check latest information before fishing. No licence or permit required.

Source: IFI

Important: Regulations change regularly. Always check with Inland Fisheries Ireland or enquire locally before fishing.
Quick Facts
  • Type Sea Fishing
  • Fishing Free
  • Species 8
  • County Dublin
Location

Lat: 53.3635, Lon: -6.0614

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