The Doonbeg River was famous for salmon and eel fishing. Now these are protected species and can no longer be fished. But if you stand long enough you will see the multitude of fish jumping to catch flies on a fine summer day. The river also provided people with fresh running water to wash their clothes in when taps in houses did not exist.

The currach by the side of the river is a traditional fishing boat used by local fishermen. These boats are the ancient Celtic “corachs”, or “Nivoges”, a kind of basket work covered with animal hides, the best design for a rocky coast, where the violence of the surf would dash a wooden boat to pieces.

Currachs nowadays are made from canvas and tar and are still used to fish in Doonbeg today. Every August Doonbeg holds a Regatta at the pier where teams compete in rowing currachs.