The Fishing
The Boyne is one of Irelands finest wild brown trout fisheries. It holds a good stock of fish up to 5lbs and sometimes even larger. The Slane Castle stretch holds some very large specimens. The river gets a small run of big salmon early in the season and a reasonable run of grilse and sea trout in summer and early autumn. The river also holds some very large pike to 25lbs and perch to 3lbs.
Lake fishing is also available to Castle guests who want to fish for large brown trout or pike. We offer guided boat fishing trips on some exceptionally good fisheries including Lough Sheelin, Lough Lene, and Lough Ramor. All located within an hour’s drive of your accommodation. Fishing equipment can be provided – single handed fly or spinning.
Fishery Regulations
Fishing on the Castle stretch of the river Boyne is by invitation only and is exclusively available through our accommodation packages. If fishing for salmon and sea trout, anglers must have a State licence and the necessary permission before fishing. All legitimate methods can be used including spinning and fly fishing.
Current salmon fishing regulations allow “catch and release” only. Anglers must use single or double barbless hooks when fishing for all species and worms are prohibited as bait. The river season runs from 1st March to 30th September. Lake fishing for trout runs from March 1st to October 12th. Fishing for pike and other species on the lakes is available all year. Pike fishing on the lakes is very good from October and through the winter months.
Visiting anglers must prebook fishing trips and can avail of advice, guidance and equipment provided by our resident fishing guide.
The First Floor Apartment:
Guests will stay in our ‘First Floor Apartment’ – a selection of ensuite bedrooms located on the first floor of the Castle itself. Includes a fully equipped kitchen, lounge & dining area – ‘The Lord Lieutenant’s Lounge’.
This can be booked as follows:
- 3-bedroom apartment (sleeping up to 8 guests)
- 5-bedroom apartment (sleeping up to 13 guests)
Room Inventory:
- 3-bedroom apartment (sleeping up to 8 guests)
- King’s Room (four poster super king bed) – bath & shower
- Earl & Countess (E&C) Room (four poster king bed) – bath & shower
- Annex to E&C (2 x single beds) – shared bathroom with Earl & Countess
- Lady Henrietta’s Room (super king double or twin (2 x singles) – shower
- 5-bedroom apartment (sleeping up to 13 guests) – the 3 x bedrooms above plus:
- Hunting Room (four poster king bed only) – shower only
- Anglesey Room (canopy super king bed & single bed) – bath only
Pricing:
Accommodation (2 night minimum required):
- Midweek: €225 per room including breakfast (double or single occupancy)
- Weekend: €250 per room including breakfast (double or single occupancy)
Fishing (Visiting anglers must prebook fishing trips and can avail of advice, guidance and equipment provided by our resident fishing guide):
- At Slane Castle fishery
- Full day (8 hours) – €200.00
- Half day/Evening (4 hours) – €150.00
- Nearby Lakes (e.g. Lough Sheelin, Lough Lene, Lough Ramor, etc. Fishing for trout and/or pike)
- Full day boat fishing trip (8 hours) – €200.00 + €25.00 per additional angler (max 3 anglers)
Includes boat (19 foot traditional Irish lake boat) , professional guide, all fishing equipment, life jackets, tea/coffee & light snacks.
Children – recommended for children over 8 years, accompanied by parent/guardian.
Extra boats and fishing guides can be arranged for larger groups.
- Fly fishing courses and lessons at Slane Castle
- Option A: Fly fishing lesson (2 hours) – €85.00 per person (max 4 persons)
- Option B: Half-day Fly Fishing course – (9am-1pm or 2pm-6pm) – €150.00 per person – (max 4 persons)
- Option C: Full day Fly Fishing course (10am-5pm) – €180.00 per person – (max 4 persons)
All equipment provided. Courses delivered by a qualified, professional game angling instructor (A.P.G.A.I. Ireland )
Children – fly fishing courses recommended for children over 12 accompanied by a parent/guardian
Optional extras (all subject to availability):
- Private lunch (in conjunction with accommodation): €700 for up to 7 guests + €65pp thereafter (1/1/1 3-course menu)
- Private dinner (in conjunction with accommodation): €1100 for up to 7 guests + €95pp thereafter (1/1/1 3-course menu)
- Option for either of the above to be hosted by Earl of Mount Charles, Alex Conyngham: €750
- Private guided tour of Slane Castle: €150
- Visit to Slane Distillery: Tours/tasting on request & subject to availability
Terms and Conditions:
- This is a self catering stay. Guests will have access to a fully equipped kitchen, lounge & dining area during their stay – ‘The Lord Lieutenant’s Lounge’. There are a selection of dining options and shops in Slane village.
- Slane Castle is a family home and as such does not function as a hotel. There is no in-house phone service, concierge, bar or restaurant. We also do not operate room service.
- Payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
- Twin rooms (2 single beds) are available in Lady Henrietta’s Room as the bed is a zip&link, but this must be requested in advance via email.
- Check-in: 3pm (latest 4.30pm). Arrival time must be confirmed prior to arrival.
- Check-out 11am sharp. Please drop your room keys to Castle Reception on departure.
- Parking is located at Slane Distillery located 2 minutes’ walk from Slane Castle Courtyard.
- If taxis are required, please ensure to book these in advance as there are very limited services available in Slane village. We can provide contact information on request
- Please take note, you will need to carry your own European adapter for any equipment you will need to use during your stay.
Changes to the cancellations and refunds policy can only be made at the absolute discretion of Slane Castle Ltd.
In the case of a significant change to accommodation or cancellation by SLANE CASTLE for safety reasons or otherwise we will inform you as soon as possible.
There will be an option to (a) accept changed arrangements, (b) choose an alternative date, (c) cancel or accept cancellation and receive a full refund.
SLANE CASTLE accepts no liability for any loss, travel expenses or any other out of pocket expenses incurred by a visitor for whatever reason as a result of an accommodation cancellation, save as set out above.
