Blackwater Fly Fishing

Ghillie Cottage

For the Warmest of Welcomes by the Mightiest of Rivers

One of The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland, Ghillie Cottage is approved by the Irish Tourist Board and the Automobile Association. Formerly owned by William O'Neill, who was Ghillie to The Duke of Devonshire, Ghillie Cottage is set in 26 acres of a working Stud Farm in the beautiful Cork countryside, overlooking the Munster Blackwater River. Hosted by Joy Arnold-Lock, (twice capped for the England Ladies Fly Fishing Team), and Doug Lock, R.E.F.F.I.S. Spey Casting Instructor and Salmon Fly Fishing Guide.

Ghillie Cottage is situated on the southern valley road, 5 miles east of Fermoy and 5 miles west of Ballyduff. There is ample off road parking. The cottage was renovated and extended in 1990 and has three guest bedrooms. All of the rooms in the Cottage are named after Irish Salmon Flies from E.J. Malone's Book.
The "Doctors" Room on the ground floor has twin beds. The "Judges" Room, also with twin beds, is a first floor bedroom in the old part of the cottage, with a beautiful river view. The "Parsons" Room, is another first floor single bedroom, again overlooking the valley. Ghillie Cottage also has the "Paddy" - a utility room for equipment storage and fish freezing. Wet clothing can be dried in front of the AGA overnight. Wader hangers are provided for our Guests. 


Meals are served in the "Cork Beauty" Dining Room, where guests can dine amidst the ambience of country sports with fabulous views along the valley. Sunsets are often spectacular! The lounge, "The Commander" has an open fire, luxurious leather furniture and Doug's fly tying desk permanently at the ready!

Our aim is to create a home from home atmosphere for our guests, who often comment on the relaxed atmosphere here, as well as the beautiful setting, the peace, the food and the fishing!! As an independent Farmhouse Guesthouse, we are happy to offer B&B, Half or Full Board. Packed lunches are available when required. Joy, who attended Cookery Classes with Darina Allen at Ballymaloe, prepares meals in Traditional Irish, English and International cuisine and will happily cater for any special dietary needs.

Ghillie Cottage is the ideal base for discerning Fly Fishers and those who seek solace and old fashioned values.

Travel Details by car from :-

Airports       ~ Cork 45 minutes ~ Shannon 2 hours ~ Dublin  3½ hours

Ferry Ports  ~ Cork 50 minutes ~ Rosslare 2½ hours ~ Dublin (Dun Laoghaire) 3½ hours

Ghillie Cottage 

is one of
The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland

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