Cliff-base rocks beneath the Wicklow Head Lighthouse. Deep water close in, severe tide rip, very deep holes just off the steps. Pollock to specimen size on the wrecks offshore (Kit Dunne / Wicklow Boat Charters has multiple Irish Specimen Pollack recorded under 20nm), the shore mark connects to similar water but tide rip and depth holes make this an experienced-only venue. Tope and conger possible in October as herring shoals push into the bay with the first frosts.
Open today's plan
The lighthouse rocks sit cliff-base beneath Wicklow Head Lighthouse with deep water close in, severe tide rip and very deep holes off the steps. The catalogue ties this mark to slack-water-only safety, an advanced-only skill rating, and an October window where herring and the first frosts bring tope and conger on whole-mackerel or fresh-herring baits.
SSE 26
Wind
1.0m
Swell
Flooding · High in 6h 26m
Tide
Good day or better — email when conditions score well
Get an email when Wicklow Head, Lighthouse Rocks reaches good conditions or better on our score. We check roughly once per day. While it stays good you get at most one email per 48 hours. Unsubscribe any time in one click.
Session plan
Ranked marks, species targets and today's call for the Wicklow coast live on the plan page — not on individual mark guides.
Open today's planTide window
Primary target
Safety
Tides and weather charts. Confirm tides and Met Éireann sea-area forecasts before travelling.
Target list and season windows
Lighthouse rocks with severe tide rip, expert rock anglers only, autumn herring can bring tope.
Spots · 7 min read
Wicklow Head Fishing 2026
Wicklow Head fishing in 2026: pollack, wrasse and mackerel on the county's top rock mark through the May to August inshore peak.
Read guide →Species · 8 min read
Tope Fishing in Ireland: Shore Guide
How to target tope from Irish beaches: the right marks, baits, tackle and timing for one of the most powerful and sought-after shore species on the Irish coast.
Read guide →Beginners · 6 min read
Shore Fishing Safety in Ireland: Rock, Beach and Night Sessions
Essential safety knowledge for Irish shore anglers: rock mark awareness, wave safety, night fishing preparation and what to do if things go wrong.
Read guide →On the ground
Baits
Methods
Access
Approach via the lighthouse road from Wicklow Head; not far from the car. SAI threads note access is 'not too far from the car' but the descent to the rocks themselves is hazardous. Only attempt in calm dry weather; never alone.
Parking
At/near Wicklow Head Lighthouse.
Where to top up
Wicklow town tackle shops, short drive north.
Tackle
Amazon UK affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
13ft rock rod (heavy)
Extra backbone for rough ground and tide pressure.
Limpet sinker set
Holds bottom when current hits rocky ledges.
Rock ledger rig pack
Short, tough traces for snags and kelp edges.
Crab fishing lure
Crab lure for wrasse and bass around rock and kelp marks.
Check today's plan for tides, conditions, and gear.