The project was awarded €39,000 in funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland under the EU Just Transition fund.
| Project Overview | Location | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Watershed Fly Fishing | Mainstream Fly Fishing | €39,000 |
This project will help to enhance the visitor experience and drive tourism in the Offaly area.
Founding and Operations
Watershed Fly Fishing is a nature-based tourism business founded and operated by Johannes Bulfin, a local experienced angling expert. Johannes, a qualified aquatic biologist, brings a deep respect for the natural environment and decades of hands-on expertise to the project.
- Custom-built, modern fishing boat
- Guided immersive, low-impact fly-fishing experiences for pike, trout, and perch
- Year-round options tailored to weather, water conditions, and visitor interest
- All essential fly-fishing equipment provided
- Hand-tied custom flies available
Watershed Fly Fishing aligns closely with the goals of the EU Just Transition Fund — to create a greener, more inclusive tourism economy in Ireland’s Midlands. This initiative demonstrates how rural enterprises can thrive while protecting and celebrating the unique biodiversity and heritage of the region.
Fishing Options
Watershed Fly Fishing offers three main fishing options:
- Walk-and-wade guided trips for trout on scenic rivers like the Little Brosna and Camcor
- Pike and perch fly fishing on the River Shannon, Lough Derg, and Lough Ree
- All-year guided trips based on weather and water conditions
Whether it’s drifting silently across the Shannon in search of big pike, stalking wild brown trout in mountain-fed tributaries, or casting a line for specimen perch, Watershed Fly Fishing is committed to offering year-round options tailored to weather, water conditions, and visitor interest.
Benefits and Goals
Watershed Fly Fishing aligns closely with the goals of the EU Just Transition Fund — to create a greener, more inclusive tourism economy in Ireland’s Midlands.
“This funding creates a fantastic opportunity to develop my business,” says Johannes Bulfin. “it allows me to offer immersive, safe, all-year-round experiences for visitors, and to share what I’ve learned over a lifetime of exploring these rivers and lakes.”
The project will help to enhance the visitor experience and drive tourism in the Offaly area, supporting the transition of the Midlands to a carbon neutral destination.
Key Highlights
• Watershed Fly Fishing offers guided fly-fishing experiences for pike, trout, and perch in Ireland’s Midlands. • The custom-built boat allows for year-round fishing in the region. • The project aligns with the EU Just Transition Fund’s goals of creating a greener, more inclusive tourism economy. • All essential fly-fishing equipment is provided, and hand-tied custom flies are available.
