WICKLOW COAST
Brittas Bay south is one of the open beaches anglers quote when they mean Wicklow surf fishing. Bass along the wave line, smoothhound on spring nights, and ray species in the catch record make it a serious mark, not a family paddle beach only. Access is via the south beach car park; arrive early when conditions are good because space is limited. The beach can look inviting in calm weather yet fish poorly if you ignore tide phase: local pattern favours falling tide and some water movement. Brittas is exposed to southerly and south-easterly wind; do not set up a long camp session if swell is building. It pairs well with a Greystones pier backup the same day if the surf wins. Fish it when you want space and surf, not when you want an easy first session.
1 mark · Wicklow coast
Mackerel
June is the most consistent month for shore mackerel. Tactics and timing.
MARKS
Every mark in the Brittas Bay area — browse the guides, then open today's plan for ranked session picks.
ACCESS
Parking
Brittas Bay South car park, pay and display in season.
Public transport
No direct public transport. Bus from Dublin to Wicklow town then taxi.
By road
N11 to Brittas Bay exit.
Access note: Open surf beach: exit before swell pushes you off the shingle.
FAQ
Brittas Bay (South End) is a well-known local mark: Premier Wicklow bass beach. Specimen bass in storm conditions; smoothhound and rays in summer. Open the plan page for ranked picks against today's conditions.
No state licence is required for sea angling in Ireland. The state rod licence covers salmon and sea trout only. If you plan to target sea trout from the shore, a state licence is required.
Spring smoothhound nights; autumn bass; ray species in warmer months.
FROM THE SHORE
SpeciesBass fishing on the Wicklow coast in 2026: marks, baits, lures and tides as fish move inshore from late May through the summer season.
8 MIN · BASS
TacticsEverything you need to know about peeler crab: how to find it, identify it, prepare it and use it to catch bass, smoothhound and more from Irish beaches.
6 MIN · PEELER CRAB
SpeciesSmoothhound arrive off Wicklow from late May 2026. Peeler crab, rigs, marks and evening tides for Ireland's top summer shore shark.
6 MIN · SMOOTHHOUND
Check today's plan for marks, tides, and conditions on the Wicklow coast.
