Ireland's premier limestone brown trout river, the Mulkear drains the Slieveardagh hills and flows into the River Suir near Limerick. A classic limestone river — clear, technical, and rich with insect life. The Mulkear is justly famous for its resident wild brown trout (average 12–14 oz, specimens to 2 lb+) and exceptional dry-fly fishing. Spring salmon from February; sea trout June–September. The river is gin-clear in summer — sight-fishing and fine-tippet nymphing the standard approach. Managed beats; day tickets available. Comparable in standard to the Nore and Barrow. For 2026 this is a catch-and-release fishery under the Wild Salmon & Sea Trout Tagging Scheme — all salmon and grilse must be returned.
EPA river-invertebrate monitoring confirms mayflies, stoneflies, caddis, aquatic diptera and freshwater crustaceans (including white-clawed crayfish) are present across the Mulkear's monitored segments. This is food-presence evidence only and doesn't establish emergence timing or the strength of any hatch.
- Limestone
