For many, angling is the lifeblood of Co Mayo and the River Moy is its heart. A one stop shop of a very different kind is Michael and PJ Tiernan's 'Angling Advice Centre' and Fresh Fish Shop, an extraordinary place with a century and a half's experience of providing everything that could possibly be needed by anglers hoping to bag one of the noble river's wild Atlantic salmon or sea trout.
For those who are not lucky enough to land their own fish, or just want to take the easy route, Tiernan Brothers have a fresh fish counter where top quality wild Atlantic seafood is on display. Most of the white fish is sourced off the West Coast of Ireland, from Killybegs to the north and Union Hall to the south.
While the offering is seasonal and weather dependent, you can generally find traditional favourites like cod, monkfish, hake, haddock, plaice and lemon sole on display - and the more adventurous cook will often find fresh swordfish, tuna, sea bream, sea bass and scallops too.
Their salmon is of the highest quality, of course - and, while wild salmon is not always available, the renowned Clare Island Organic Salmon farmed in the deep and strongly tidal waters of Clew Bay is an excellent alternative.
The Tiernan brothers sell tackle and bait, offer a ghillie service - and even arrange angling holidays; steeped in history but very much of the present, they also have two websites which, between them, cover pretty much everything anyone could ever need to know about fishing the Moy, and have an online shop. Once bagged, successful anglers can drop their River Moy Wild Salmon at the shop and avail of their bespoke smoking service. A real taste of Mayo...
