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sport · Sunday 16 August 2026 · 7:00am 
Athy Angling Club Fishing Competitions
At River Barrow and local waterways · Athy, Co. Kildare
At River Barrow and local waterways · Athy, Co. Kildare
The Athy Angling Club runs a full calendar of fishing matches throughout the summer on the River Barrow and the Grand Canal - two of the finest coarse angling waters in the midlands. These competitions draw anglers from across Kildare and beyond, with early morning starts, peg draws, and a weigh-in at the end of the session. If you fish coarse, or if you are keen to see how a properly run club match works, this is a good morning out on a stretch of river with real pedigree behind it.
The River Barrow at Athy is one of the most productive coarse fisheries in the country. The town stretch has around 18 permanent match pegs running alongside Pettits SuperValu and opposite the castle - well-established and fished hard by the local club for decades. During a competition those pegs are reserved for registered entrants, with the peg draw happening at or just before the 7am start.
Species in the river include roach, bream, skimmers, rudd, hybrids, perch and dace, with some tench and the chance of a pike. Feeder fishing works well, with cage feeders suited to faster flows. Results are based on total weight across the session, with prize presentations after the weigh-in. The club enforces a barbless hook policy for all matches - coarse, fly and pike. Entry fees run approximately €10 to €20 depending on the competition.
Athy is about 65 km southwest of Dublin via the M7 and N78, roughly a 50-minute drive. From Carlow it is a straight run north on the N78, around 20 minutes. Bus Eireann serves Athy from Dublin (route 4), with the town centre a short walk from the river. Parking is available near the town stretch pegs and along the quays.
Athy is a market town with good cafes and pubs - worth a coffee and a walk along the Barrow navigation after fishing. The Dominican church and the heritage centre on Emily Square are both worth a look if time allows. There is more to see in Athy and across Co. Kildare.
Heading to River Barrow and local waterways in Athy? Kildare has plenty more to see. Read the Athy area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.