You don’t have to fly, but heading west will definitely put you closer to the real tuna action. Places like Kilkee, Loop Head, or even around Cork can be reached by car in a few hours and are well worth the trip. The best thing you can do is hop onto FishingGuide.ie — they’ll help match you with a skipper based on where you’re staying and what kind of experience you’re after. I drove down from Dublin to Kilrush for a weekend trip — quick overnight, early launch, and boom — we had two bluefins on the line before lunchtime. The west coast is where the big lads roam, and the local captains know their waters like the back of their hand. It’s a mission, but totally worth it.
