European Eel

Habitat Distribution

• Native to Ireland and present in lakes, rivers, streams and estuaries across the island — one of only 15 native freshwater fish species here.
• Found throughout major catchments including the Shannon, Erne, Corrib and Bann systems, as well as smaller coastal rivers and loughs.
• Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland holds the largest remaining wild eel fishery in Europe, with eels historically reaching high densities in its shallow, invertebrate-rich waters.
• Glass eels and elvers enter through estuaries and tidal reaches — the Shannon estuary has been a key study site — before dispersing into freshwater to feed and grow.

Key Locations

• Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland — the largest wild eel fishery in Europe, with a centuries-old commercial tradition and a fishermen's cooperative still operating.
• Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh — a major eel-producing system historically connected to significant commercial and recreational catches.
• River Shannon and Shannon Estuary — subject of Ireland's largest juvenile eel research programme; glass eels enter through the estuary and disperse through the entire catchment.
• Lough Corrib and the Corrib system, Co. Galway — recorded eel presence across the lake and its tributaries.

Specific Spots

• Muddy lake and river margins where invertebrates concentrate; eels root through soft substrate at night, so sheltered bays and slow backwaters are where they spend most of their time.
• Undercut banks, root tangles and submerged timber in rivers — eels rest in cover during daylight and move out to feed after dark.
• Estuary channels and river mouths in autumn, where silver-phase eels stage before their ocean migration and were historically encountered by shore anglers.