Houses » Pontoon Bridge Hotel
The Pontoon Bridge Hotel is a superb 3 Star Hotel offering ideal Hotel Accommodation for anglers and fishermen - located on the narrow peninsula between Lough Conn and Lough Cullin in the heart of Co Mayo, Ireland, it offers excellent salmon and wild brown trout fishing on both Loughs and also on the River Moy.
The Pontoon Bridge Hotel is a modern but traditional 58 bedroom Hotel, surrounded by breathtaking views. The hotel is set right on the water's edge between Lough Conn and Lough Cullin and is surrounded by sandy beaches, woodland and the majestic Nephin Mountain. Pontoon Bridge Hotel has been a haven for anglers since 1890 and has a proud tradition of being one of Ireland's premier angling venues.
There are two Restaurants to choose from – Twin Lakes Restaurant (pictured opposite) which serves A La Carte and a 5 course gourmet dinner each evening, and the more casual dining Terrace Restaurant. Both restaurants have wonderful views of Lough Conn, as do most of the well-appointed bedrooms and suites.
During the summer season, there is nightly entertainment in the bar with traditional Irish music and jazz sessions a speciality. For the non-fishing partner, the hotel runs Cookery and Landscape Painting classes. Please enquire as to availability. The hotel has a panoramic leisure deck with sauna and hot tub, mini gym, beauty and therapy treatment rooms.
The Hotel is an ideal central base for touring the undiscovered regions of North Mayo and for day trips to Connemara, Achill and the cities of Galway and Sligo. There are at least 6 quality 18-hole golf courses within a 30-minute drive of the hotel while horse riding, archery and a host of other activities can be arranged locally. Knock Airport is only 25 minutes drive from the hotel and has direct scheduled flights from Dublin and a number of UK cities.
The Hotel has featured on the BBC's Holiday programme and ITV's "Wish You Were Here…" French & German spoken.
The Fishing
Pontoon Bridge Hotel, which has been catering for anglers for well over 100 years, is an ideal base to access some of the best salmon and wild brown trout fishing in Ireland. The River Moy, one of the most prolific salmon rivers in western Europe is less than a ten-minute drive from the hotel and fishing can be arranged on all fisheries – both private and association waters. It is necessary to book the private fisheries in advance including the world famous Ridge Pool.
Loughs Conn and Cullin are renowned for their wild brown trout and salmon and the hotel has its own private harbour with a fleet of boats and team of experienced ghillies. In addition to the lakes, some excellent river fishing is available on the Castlebar, Deel and Gwestion Rivers for wild brown trout. Salmon and sea trout fishing can be arranged on Loughs Beltra, Fumace, Carramore and the Moy Estuary.
A large rod room, drying room and freezing facilities are available at the hotel as well as a small tackle shop with a large selection of salmon and trout flies, baits and lures. Spinning rods, fly rods, wet gear, waders and wellingtons are available for hire on a daily basis.
The Hotel has a dedicated School of Fly Fishing, which was established in 1987. Courses are run on a 1,2 and 4-day basis and can be tailored to suit the experienced or novice angler.