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Barrow

Boat Ramps
1
Access Points
1
Species
11

The River Barrow is one of Ireland's most celebrated fishing destinations and the country's second longest river system, stretching approximately 192km from its source to the sea and draining a catchment area of around 3,010 km². Located in the southeast of Ireland, this wide, generally shallow river — reaching up to 40 metres across in places — offers a remarkable mixed stock fishery that draws both Irish and international anglers year-round. With average depths ranging from 4 to 10 feet and deeper water typically found along the towpath on the navigable side, the Barrow presents a variety of angling opportunities across its navigable stretch from Athy in County Kildare to St. Mullins in County Carlow — approximately 65km of navigable waterway. The river's flow is characteristically slow to moderate, and its unique infrastructure of 23 canal locks and lateral canal cuts adds exceptional variety to the fishing experience. Known proverbially as one of the "Three Sisters" rivers alongside the Nore and Suir, the Barrow is widely regarded as one of Ireland's finest coarse angling fisheries, with outstanding stocks of multiple species and easy access along 68km of historic towpath.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Barrow and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Barrow. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Barrow

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Co. Carlow licenses and regulations

No licenses or regulations available for Co. Carlow.

Take Barrow with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Barrow to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Barrow to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Barrow and check the forecast before you go.

Carlow

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