This might be slightly premature but I want to be sure I have ample time to get everything sorted out since this will likely be a rare occurrence.

My wife and I will be vacationing to part of Europe (Ireland and Italy) in late 2011/early 2012 (December - February) . We'll probably be visiting Galway while in Ireland and surrounding areas and I'd like to fish while there. Species is unimportant (Pike or Trout, probably).

Anyone have any other information regarding winter fishing in Ireland in general? My wife studied there for 4 months so we're sort of aware of winter weather conditions.

From what I understand there is no license required for anything other then seatrout and salmon. Also, it appears that seasons are open with bag limits changing depending on the months. I may be wrong, so feel free to correct me.

I'll also be looking at hiring a guide, most likely, so suggestions there are welcome and appreciated as well (if allowed on the site).