If you’re looking for the best places to kayak in Ireland, then you’ve come to the right place. There are countless beautiful rivers in this country, but here are four of the best for the adventure-seeking kayaker. These rivers are the perfect choice for any level of experience, from beginners to experienced kayakers. They offer an unparalleled level of adventure and excitement. These rivers are also filled with history, and you’ll get to see how they came to be.
Lough Gill
The water around Lough Gill is one of Ireland’s most beautiful, making it one of the top places to kayak in the country. There are 20 islands in the area, with Innisfree being the only uninhabited one. Lough Derg, the second-largest lake in the Republic of Ireland, is another popular kayaking destination. The area offers often sunny weather and rugged coastline with sea arches and caves.
Lough Gill is home to several protected species of fish. Atlantic salmon, lamprey, and otter live in this body of water. Lough Gill is also a protected site under the EU Habitats Directive. It is also home to otters and wintering waterfowl.
Copper Coast
If you’re a kayaking enthusiast, the Copper Coast is a fantastic choice. This coastline is filled with dramatic sandstone rock formations and hidden coves, making it a challenging and attractive route to kayak. It also has plenty of scenic attractions and is a good place for a family outing.
The Copper Coast is a geopark that stretches for 25km between Tramore and Dungarvan. It’s named after the region’s once-thriving copper mining industry. The landscape is rich with geological diversity, which has led it to be designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. It’s also linked to ancient human history and social heritage.
This region is also home to the Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, which is a stunning area of environmental heritage. The reserve is home to more than 250 species of birds. It also holds 45 percent of the world’s population of the Greenland White-fronted goose. This is an ancient region of Ireland, and its best explored by kayak. A kayak tour will provide you with a unique experience, from tales of pirate adventures to a paddle around green headlands and sheltered coves.
Lough Derg
If you’re interested in kayaking in Ireland, there are a number of fantastic locations. The first is County Clare, which is on the west coast and home to the mighty Cliffs of Moher. The area is also home to countless sea caves and the newly developed Lough Derg Blueway, a 160km water trail with sections for every level of kayaker. You can also join a guided kayak excursion to get the full experience.
The lake itself is 40km long and varies in width from one kilometre to twelve kilometers at its widest point. It has 179 km of shoreline and borders the counties of Tipperary, Clare and Galway. The lake contains 30 islands. The lake is known in Irish as Loch Dearg and Deirgeirt, and its largest town is Nenagh in North Tipperary.
Lough Hyne
Lough Hyne is Ireland’s first marine nature reserve and is located just 5km south-west of Skibbereen. This idyllic lake is great for kayaking, hiking, and picnics. You can also explore the ruins of a cottage and take in the breathtaking views of Lough Hyne.
Lough Hyne is also one of the top places to kayak at night. The bioluminescent plankton in the water can be seen on your trip, making it a magical experience. This kayaking activity is conducted almost every night during the summer.
If you’re looking for the most beautiful kayaking in Ireland, then look no further than Lough Hyne. This saltwater lake is Ireland’s first marine reserve, and its plankton produces bioluminescence. Atlantic Sea Kayaking and Bantry Bay Boat Hire offer bioluminescent kayaking tours on Lough Hyne.
Inis Mór
One of the best places to kayak in Ireland is on the island of Inis Mór. You can paddle from two to three hours down the river, and you’ll find sections that range from grade 1 to grade 3. You’ll find complete solitude along the way, and there’s a fantastic display of wildlife.
The small island of Inis Mór is a great place for beginners. The island’s golden sand beach is inviting and the waters are crystal clear. You’ll need a personal floatation device and a contact method if you’re in the water.
The island is accessible by boat or DART from the city centre. From here, you can head out to the bullock Harbour, which is near Dalkey Island and Muglins. The island is home to a Napoleonic Martello Tower and a colony of playful seals.
River Blackwater
River Blackwater is a beautiful river that is perfect for kayaking. The river is slow-moving and ideal for beginners. The section between Blackwatertown and Maydown Bridge is Grade 2 and contains numerous overhanging branches. Paddlers can easily enjoy a multi-day trip on this river.
The river offers excellent scenery and good fishing. You can try your luck in catching salmon and brown trout. Moreover, this river is home to friendly communities and quiet. The river is also recognized as a Special Area of Conservation, which means that the river and its surroundings are protected. You can also enjoy many land-based activities while you’re in the area.
The River Blackwater is a major salmon river that rises in the mountains east of Killarney and flows east towards Lismore and Youghal. You can try fishing in the river during the fishing season, which begins on 1 February and ends on 30 September. It is flanked by the Knockmealdown Mountains and dotted with stately homes. While it can be challenging to paddle upstream, a little planning can help you enjoy this river at its best.
The River Barrow
The River Barrow is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing in Ireland. The 192km long river is suitable for both beginners and more advanced paddlers. Intermediate paddlers should try the Graiguenamanagh Loop section, which offers a challenging series of rapids.
The River Barrow is a scenic river that meanders through six counties. It’s considered to be one of the safest rivers in the country, making it ideal for water sports for all ages. The River Barrow has sheltered pools and is surrounded by spectacular scenery.
If you’re looking for an experience unlike any other, the River Barrow is one of the top places in Ireland for kayaking. This body of water is home to a variety of species, including conger eels, angler fish, and multi-coloured wrasse. There are also guided tours of the river that are a great way to get to know it better.
Umfin Island
The small, uninhabited island of Umfin lies off the Co. Donegal coast and is a popular kayaking destination. The island is just two and a half miles away from the mainland. Surrounded by the uninhabited Gola Island, which was abandoned in the 1960s, the island is a refuge for breeding seabirds. However, there is no regular ferry service, so kayakers must swim or paddle to reach the island.
The island is also known for its bioluminescent glow. This bioluminescence is the result of plankton, which light up the water. This makes the island one of the top places to kayak in Ireland.
Lower Bann
If you’re looking for a unique kayaking adventure, Lower Bann in Ireland may be the perfect choice. The 58 kilometre-long river flows from Lough Neagh to the sea in Antrim. The river has two sections, the Upper Bann and the Lower Bann. The Upper Bann section begins in the Mourne Mountains and flows down to Lough Neagh before merging with the Lower Bann. The Upper Bann is ideal for whitewater kayaking, but the lower Bann section offers a beautiful, idyllic river experience.
The Lower Bann offers fast-flowing sections as well as calmer stretches. It has five weirs and three sluice gates. These are graded as grade 3 features, but you can use navigation channels to get around them. The river is mostly grade one water between Toome and Hutchinson’s Quay.
Dalkey
Several kayak tours are available from Dalkey. The waters around the Dalkey Island are also popular for sailing and angling. The ridge of the Island contains a series of rocks, including Maiden Rock and Clare Rock, which are popular kayaking destinations. Kayakers prefer to travel anti-clockwise from the northern end of the Island.
Kayaking in Ireland is a great way to experience the beautiful scenery. You’ll have the opportunity to see seals and other sea life as you paddle along the coast. In addition, you’ll get to explore some sea caves and seabird habitats. A trip to Dalkey Island will also allow you to see the beautiful Dalkey Castle and sample the local food.
A scenic suburb of Dublin, Dalkey is the perfect location to kayak in Ireland. It’s only a half-hour’s drive from the city, and offers a stunning view of the coastline. Several kayak centers offer tours to Dalkey Island, an uninhabited island near the coast. The island is also home to seals and a herd of wild goats. In spring, you can also see a large number of gulls.
