More Pics Accomodations: 12 Bedroom Country House Cost: EURO 1800 per week ; daily rates also available Dates: Feb 1 to Sept 30 Duration: 7 nights and 6 days fishing Location: Ireland Not Included: Drinks, Ghillie/Guide fees, Government salmon licence Phone Number: 353-95-42222 Provided: All meals, 6 days fishing Species: Spring & Summer Salmon, Grilse Website: www.delphi-salmon.com

Delphi Lodge & Fishery - Leenane, Co. Galway, Ireland

Delphi Lodge is a wonderful 1830s country house in one of the most spectacular settings in Ireland. It is a celebrated fishing lodge, previously owned by the Marquis of Sligo, that offers luxury accommodation amid breathtaking scenery.

Delphi Lodge is emphatically not a hotel. It has no room service, bellhops or a la carte menu. Everyone eats together at a huge oak dining table, presided over by owner Peter Mantle or by the captor of the day’s biggest salmon. It is a fishing lodge, but also a private country house of the highest quality.

The Fishing:

Delphi is one of the most famous salmon fisheries in the West of Ireland. Its wide variety of fly fishing, both on river and lake, its spectacular setting and its 170-year angling history, help to make it a special haven for fishermen.

Spring salmon run into Delphi on any flood from January to May. Normally weighing between eight and twelve pounds, these big fish require dedicated pursuit. Grilse and summer salmon arrive at Delphi from late May onwards, with the runs peaking in July. They normally weigh between three and six pounds..

The number of fishermen is strictly limited to just twelve per day (or only eight in February and March). Fishing rotates between the river and lakes on a half-daily basis to provide maximum variety of scenery and opportunity. And, with very limited exceptions in the case of Doolough, all fishing is by fly only.

The Accommodations:

With twelve bedrooms (all with private bathrooms and many with lake views), Delphi Lodge is open to fishers and non-fishers alike. The great mix of guests, many from overseas, the relaxed informality and the houseparty atmosphere make it a very special Connemara hideaway.

The bedrooms are charmingly furnished and the beds exceptionally comfortable. Downstairs, fine reception rooms include a cosy library (packed with fishing books), a billiard room and a large drawing room overlooking the lake. Throughout the house are many mounted specimen fish caught at Delphi, along with other antique fishing memorabilia and paintings.

Cliodhna Prendergast, one of the Lodge cooks, was recently voted 'The Best Chef in the West of Ireland' by Food & Wine magazine. And Peter's amazing wine list, featuring over 300 fairly-priced wines, is much thumbed and provides welcome relief on dour days. Picnic lunch baskets are also available for fishermen, though most come back to the Lodge for lunch.

Additional activities:

For non-fishing companions, there are glorious sandy beaches nearby, golf at Westport, gardens and crafts at Kylemore Abbey, horse-riding on the beach at Cleggan and a health spa just ˝ mile down the road from Delphi Lodge.

Rates:

Fisherman’s Weekly Package €1,800 Single room supplement €200 Extra fishing per day €120 Ghillie/Guide per day (normally shared by 2) €80 The Fisherman’s Weekly Package includes 7 nights’ accommodation, all breakfasts, lunches & dinners and 6 days’ fishing. The only extras are drinks, ghillie/guide fees and the Government salmon licence. In February, fishing is at half price until the first salmon of the year has been landed.