Angling Centre: Athlone, Co Westmeath

Fishery Location: River Shannon (Meadows, Halligan's Field  & Burgess Park, Co Westmeath).

RATING CHART

Pike Fishing Rated - excellent **** very good *** good ** fair * . N/P Species not present P - Species present

Coarse Fishing Rated - excellent **** very good *** good ** fair * . N/P - species not present - P - Species Present

THE FISHERY

Click on thumbnail map below to view a larger map of the fisheries in the area 

The Meadows is located on the main River Shannon in Athlone. It lies on the west bank of the river immediately down stream of Athlone Docks. It is possible to catch most coarse fish species here. It was once renowned for it's very good Bream fishing, however over recent years roach have made their presence felt in large numbers and now it is regarded more as a good mixed fishery. However hit it on a good day and 100lb + bags of bream are possible and are on occasion recorded. The river is about 10 feet deep at the Weir end, with depths graduating to 25 feet at the Canal end. Waggler and feeder are the main tactics employed. It is recommended to introduce plenty of feed initially for best results.

Burgess Park is situated immediately across the river on the east bank. Here species are similar to the Meadows with river depths varying from 8 - 12 feet. The stretch can become very weedy in high summer, particularly the upper and middle sections. Despite this, it is generally very fishable particularly at the lower or downstream swims and anglers regularly report good weights when the effort is put in.

FACILITIES AND ACCESS

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board completed fishery development works on the Meadows angling stretch back in 1999 under the funding scheme Tourism Angling Measure TAM.  This development consisted of a new roadway, car park and a 20 meter metal footbridge over the Canal, joining up the Meadows stretch and  Halligan's field stretch which  heretofore were regarded as separate stretches. This is now considered an angling match stretch of International standard, providing fishing space for up to 100 anglers. 

Burgess Park has access through the Golden Island shopping centre in town, with a pathway through the park to the river. Fishing is upstream towards the weir or downstream to the end of the park - open bank fishing

TO GET THERE

Meadows/ Halligan's Field: In Athlone cross over the bridge on the Shannon. At the roundabout take the first exit to the left down around by the Castle and drive along by the river until you come to the newly constructed apartments beside the lock gates. From here you can make your way along the river until you enter the Meadows stretch. The bottom end of the Meadows can be reached by taking a left at the roundabout, then take a right and right again and continue to the top of Connaught St. Turn left at Walsh's Public House and continue to the end of the road. Here you will meet the new road leading to the river with new car park. To access Halligan's Field turn left at the exit off this road and continue for about 1 km until you meet the first cottage on the right hand side. The fishing stretch is located on the opposite side of the road.

LINKS TO LOCAL FISHERIES GUIDES & CHARTS - ATHLONE AREA

Note: Below is a list of the main angling venues/hotspots in the area. If you wish to review how we rate each fishery in terms of target angling species, please click the link below. Fisheries marked * are in the ShRFB group of managed waters and anglers require a fishing permit,

TO VIEW FULL SPECIES RATING CHARTS TO FISHERIES LISTED BELOW CLICK HERE

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Regional  Map
Circle indicates relative location

BROWSE AND SELECT  NEAREST ACCOMMODATION LISTINGS  2010

click on providers name below

• Ganly's Self Catering Cottage, Glasson, Athlone

• Lough Ree House Self Catering Glasson Lough Ree Athlone

• Inny Bay  B&B, Lough Ree and Inny Mouth

• Shannon Side Guest House Athlone

LISTED ANGLING SERVICES

• Lough Ree Cruisers & Lake Boat Hire with accommodation

• Tom Foxe Inny Bay Boat Hire with accommodation

• Irish Bait & Tackle Services Ballyconnell, Cavan,  Ireland

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Angling Support: If you are planning a fishing trip to our region and need assistance please contact  Brian Mc Manus, Angling Section Tel 057 9121777 Fax: 057 9121756 or email info@shannon-fishery-board.ie