The Athboy runs some twenty-two miles across Meath, through the town and on to join the Boyne above Trim. The banks are high — chest waders are not optional here — but the reward is a good head of wild brown trout to three-quarters of a pound, with the odd better fish over the pound to keep you honest. Mind the short season: it opens on 1 April and closes on 15 September. Trim, Athboy & District Angling Association controls the water below the town and runs it catch-and-release.

• Limestone