Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to announce the launch of the 47th Fermanagh Fishing Classic
6th February 2024
The Fermanagh Classic Fishing Festival, will take place from Monday 29 April to Friday 3 May. It is one of the most anticipated premier showcase events of the match coarse fishing season calendar. Organisers Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in partnership with DAERA Inland fisheries are delighted to announce Tackle Guru as a new event sponsor. Tackle Guru is one of the leading brands in the match fishing scene in the UK and Europe and we are very excited to have them onboard.
Speaking at the launch for the 2024 Fermanagh Classic Fishing Festival, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly said:
“The Classic Fishing Festival, now in its 47th year, is one of the Council’s longest established events in Fermanagh.
We heartily welcome the many anglers who make the annual journey to the Lakeland County.
Events such as the Classic are hugely important for the district as they are key economic drivers and provide an opportunity to showcase what the area has to offer.”
Matt Godfrey, Marketing and Media Coordinator with Tackle Guru said:
“I am really excited to get on board with what is an iconic event in the match fishing calendar and to be able to bring it some coverage and excitement on our channels as it unfolds too. Having never fished an Irish festival before I’m thrilled to be taking part in the 2024 Fermanagh Classic as my first ever! I’ve followed it for years, with the fishing looking fantastic alongside the festival experience that Fermanagh has to offer”.
The festival takes place for a week with participants from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, Germany, France and further afield taking part to fish The Classic on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with the option to fish King of the Erne on the Tuesday and Thursday, another longstanding festival managed by Erne Anglers, offering visiting anglers a full week fishing across the Erne System.
Festival organisers have listened to feedback from participants and have been working hard to implement measures to ensure the festival thrives in the future.
DAERA Inland Fisheries, one of the key delivery partners, have implemented a number of infrastructure works which will improve access and assistance throughout the festival.
Richard Turner from DAERA Inland Fisheries said:
“DAERA Inland Fisheries is delighted to have been able to undertake additional development works at key sites across the Erne system which enables locals and visitors alike to enjoy the benefits of angling. We are delighted to partner with FODC to deliver the prestigious Fermanagh Classic Fishing Festival which is a showcase event for the quality of angling in this area.”
New for 2024, is a hospitality programme which will see Enniskillen town centre pubs and eateries roll out the red carpet to welcome the anglers each night of the festival. Sponsored by Enniskillen BID, each venue will host live music and have offers for the anglers ensuring they receive the warmest welcome to the island town.
Proud to be sponsoring the hospitality programme, Noelle McAloon from Enniskillen BID said ‘Enniskillen benefits hugely from the fishing industry, from retail to hospitality and tourism businesses. We echo the vision of the council to make this event a real festival that participants and local businesses really enjoy and allows Enniskillen to showcase its finest offerings’.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, in partnership with DAERA Inland Fisheries and Tackle Guru, with support from Enniskillen BID will deliver the Fermanagh Classic Fishing Festival, and registration for this event is now open via the Council website.
Any enquiries can be sent via email to tourismdevelopment@fermanaghomagh.com or by telephone on 0300 303 1777.