Donaghadee Pier
FreeOne of the best-known harbours on the County Down coast, with a solid stone pier giving easy access to deep water close in. Mackerel on feathers is the summer staple, with pollock taken on spinners or float-fished tackle, plus wrasse, dab, flounder and conger through the rest of the season. The harbour wall takes a real battering in a big southerly blow, which also happens to be when it fishes hardest for cod and whiting through the winter.
Access: Free shore access around the harbour and pier, no rod licence needed for sea fishing
Parking: Parking available around Donaghadee town centre and harbour front
Last updated: 17 September 2026
Species you can expect
| Species | Best season |
|---|---|
| Mackerel | Summer |
| Pollock | All |
| Wrasse | Summer |
| Dab | All |
| Flounder | All |
| Conger eel | All |
| Cod | Winter |
| Whiting | Winter |
Feathers are the standard tactic for mackerel, with spinning or float-fished tackle taking pollock. Worm and small fish baits cover the flatfish and dogfish, and larger baits fished hard on the bottom account for conger around the pier structure.
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