Killala Bay is formed out of the estuary of the River Moy and straddles counties Mayo and Sligo, forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way route. It has long been a place for famously good salmon fishing, a fact that became internationally known in part due to the second home of the Republic of Ireland’s football team manager, Jack Charlton.
A small rocky ridge of land is all that separates the larger Lough Conn from its southerly neighbour Lough Cullin, whose formation is explained in a colourful legend which tells how Celtic hero, Fionn MacCumhaill was out hunting boar with his two hounds, Cullin and Conn. The dogs were chasing a boar when water began gushing from the boar’s feet. The steady flow of water from the boar drowned Conn and Cullin while simultaneously forming two lakes: Conn and Cullin.
There is something profoundly literary about the life of a salmon. Born into the waters of a river, they head to the mouth of the river at a young age, fattening up and preparing for the changes in water salinity that they will experience as adults.
Hill walking and scenic walks are in
abundance in the Pontoon area and there are beautiful beaches within easy drive. A spot by
the water offers tranquillity and plentiful scenery. For the angler, time moves at a different
pace and patience pays dividends, whether knee-deep in galoshes or sitting in a boat on the
lake with nothing but the sound of lapping water for company.
Among anglers, the River Moy is considered one of the premiere fishing spots in Europe. A destination in its own right, people travel from all parts of the globe to fish its world-class waters and there is something for every budget. The sight of fishermen on its banks are a permanent feature during the fishing season.
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