Kayaking

Ireland, may not traditionally have been seen as a big kayaking destination. But there are certainly fun surprises in store. Especially if you fancy some off shore paddling. We have also given you the names of of some well established companies.

Owengar River, Bantry. Length 3KM. Grade 4 – 5.

This is a tight and steep hidden gem!! At the get in you have a stepped waterfall with a fast rooster, followed immediately by a 10 footer boof!! From here its tight and fast down to the main feature, a 28 footer with a tricky move on low/ medium flow at the top. Click here for more details. http://www.irishwhitewater.com/river_guide/river.php?id=269

Coomhola River, Bantry. Length 4KM. Grade 3 – 4.

Good class 3 play water with a couple of trickier rapids. Click here for more details. http://www.irishwhitewater.com/river_guide/river.php?id=301

The River Lee, Cork City.Grade 1 – 3.

The Lee fields section of the Lee (City suburbs) is the most paddled section of the river; used by freestyle, polo, long-distance and beginner paddlers. Phoenix canoe club are based on this stretch and both UCC and CIT (local college clubs) hold sessions here regularly. Click here for more details. http://www.irishwhitewater.com/river_guide/river.php?id=324

Lough Hyne, Skibbereen.

Europe’s first Marine Nature Reserve and the only inland saltwater lake in Europe.  Moonlight Adventure is one of the popular and unusual excursions in this area. Beginning at dusk you  paddle into the darkness, whether there is a full moon or a star filled sky overhead. Each trip has its own special magic. Combine this with the phosphorescence lighting up the ocean as it glitters like millions of aquatic stars and you have a truly remarkable experience. www.atlanticseakayaking.com

Kayaking Adventure Companies.

The following links will bring you to some great sites that provide great tours and information for kayaking in Cork.

Outdoor Education Centres www.oec.ie

H2O Seakayaking www.h2oseakayaking.com

Atlantic Sea Kayaking www.atlanticseakayaking.com

Irish White Water www.irishwhitewater.com