Fishing:
Annagh Vale near Ballythomas Hill is the ideal base from which to plan an angling holiday. Wild Brown Trout are plentiful in the rivers and lakes of the Wicklow Mountains, along with good seasonal runs of Sea Trout. For the sea angler, Bass, Smooth Hound, Tope, and Grey Mullet to specimen size can be targeted from the local coastline, along with a range of lesser species such as Codling, Flounder, and Mackerel.
Game Angling
The local Aughrim and Avonmore Rivers offer superb Wild Brown Trout fishing, and in their lower reaches the opportunity to catch Sea Trout in season (largest ever caught of 16.lbs on the fly near Arklow in Aug 2011 on Aughrim river). The rivers run off moor land, and in the middle sections flow through beautiful wooded valleys. Two local clubs, the Aughrim and Rathdrum Trout Anglers control the Brown Trout fishing, day tickets are available.
Brown trout average 6 – 8 oz, with fish reaching a pound+. They are free rising and on light tackle give great sport.
Hunting and Riding:
Annagh Vale is right at the heart of the hunting scene in Ireland. With many hunts on the doorstep including the foxhound hunts - the Wicklows, Shillelagh's, The Island and the Wexfords and further afield the Carlow Farmers, the Bree and the Bray's (harriers). Local stabling provided by experienced professional only 2 miles from the property - competitive rates - €100 pw full livery.
For those not looking to hunt there are miles of forest tracks and quiet roads to go hacking in with stunning scenery. There is also a local riding club with cross country course and Olympic size arena as well as the munny trail - a 600 acre estate only 20 min drive,
Walking:
Annagh and Ballythomas Hill are a walkers paradise, with close proximity to the Wicklow Way, it also has it's own less busy walks. Miles of forestry and beach walking, close to Croghan Mountain - a nesting place for birds of prey. Stunning scenery with lots of wildlife including deer and hare, this is not a busy area therefore you can go for miles in total solitude. Annagh hill is featured in our photographs and this is right behind the property, this has a great view from the top across Wicklow and Wexford counties. Article printed in the Irish Times about walks in the area. From pines to peaks - Sat Mar 06, 2010. © 2010 The Irish Times
The walk from Raheenleagh Wood to Croghans top offers great views, writes Brendan Bracken
After a long walk how about a relaxing treatment at the Atlantis Centre, located a mile from Annagh Vale.
Reiki, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Aroma Therapy Massage, Stress Management.
Facilities with in 5 miles.
3 miles - 3 acre lake for fly fishing - Brown Trout on a 'pay as you fish' rate. Equipment on site.
5 miles - Archery. http://www.ashwoodarchery.com/
Further away Gorey/Arklow/Aughrim/Tinhaley/Courtown
Town Parks and play areas, Swimming pools.
Gravity Extreme Adventure Park - Forest Park Leisure Centre, Coutown Harbour. Co.Wexford. http://www.gravityforestpark.ie/
Outdoor Fun Park 'Clara Lara' - Vale of Avoca, Rathdrum, Co.Wicklow. About 30mins drive. http://www.claralara.com/
Angling Park, Rednagh Road, Aughrim, lake is stocked with game fish . Bring your own fishing rods and bait or alternatively you can hire rods and purchase bait at the facility. (0402) 36552.
Children's Mini Farm - Kia Ora Mini Farm, Courteencurragh, Gorey, Co.Wexord. http://www.kiaoraminifarm.com/
Childrens Mini Farm - Tick Tock activity farm, Thomastown, Arklow, http://www.tick-tockactivityfarm.ie/
18 miles - Field Archery - http://www.castlearchers.ie/ at Wells House & Gardens, Ballyedmund, http://www.wellshouse.ie/
