Pic - The River Barrow
Ireland is a beautiful country with much to explore within its wild depths. There are many ways to explore the untouched wilderness of Ireland from road trips to day hikes, but we believe the best way to view the glorious countryside in this part of the world is to take to its waterways. Exploring the Irish landscape from its extensive inland waterways gives you a different perspective on the land around you and unlocks a world of new adventures. Whether you are the thrill-seeker looking for some epic whitewater to tackle or the laid-back paddler that is searching for a tranquil river trip, Ireland has something for you.
So, how do you track down the perfect kayaking rivers for you and your skill level? Of course, it can be difficult to find the right river and heading out on to a new water without enough information beforehand can be dangerous. Luckily for you, in this article, we have 5 of the best kayaking rivers in Ireland for you to explore. We have rated them by location, difficulty, and route length, so you can be sure you are putting paddle to water in the right place in the safest way. There is something for every type of kayaker to enjoy on this list today, and the ideas don’t stop here. Be sure to stay up to date with our blog for more kayak and canoe tips, tricks, and routes for both fresh and saltwater.
1. The Lough Derg Blueway
Difficulty: Medium (intermediate to advanced)
Location: The River Barrow Flows through Kilkenny, Waterford, Carlow, and Wexford and can be accessed at many intervals throughout its length
Route Length: The River Barrow stretches for 192 kilometres (120 miles)
Overview:
The River Barrow is a historic waterway that has been used for centuries by the Monks, the Vikings, and the High Kings of Ireland. There are plenty of stretches to explore from slow-flowing wide areas, narrow whitewater rapids, to fast-flowing weirs. There is something for everyone along this stretch and there are certainly a few areas that are suited to the beginner; however, we have labelled the Barrow’s difficulty as a medium. We have done this because the most attractive features of this river are its stunning rapids and bubbling weir pools.
The most popular section of this river and the stretch that we are featuring today is the Graiguenamanagh Loop that winds through the rapids and weirs of the Wooded Barrow Valley. This section of the Barrow is sought after by thrill-seekers and water-lovers that want to take their kayaks to a place that will test their abilities. Although this route will test your abilities and skill on your kayak, it shouldn’t take you out of your comfort zone too much which makes it perfect for intermediate paddlers that want the thrills without the fear!
Overall, the Barrow is a diverse river that stretches a whopping 192km through four counties full of fresh Irish greenery and stunning countryside. The river is suitable for beginners and advanced kayakers depending on the trail undertaken, however, the intermediate to advanced paddler will get the most out of this river. If you are looking for heaps of fun tackling fast-flowing rapids and weirs without stepping too far out of your comfort zone, then the Graiguenamanagh Loop on the River Barrow is the place for you.
2. The River Barrow, Co Kilkenny
Difficulty: Medium (intermediate to advanced)
Location: The River Barrow Flows through Kilkenny, Waterford, Carlow, and Wexford and can be accessed at many intervals throughout its length
Route Length: The River Barrow stretches for 192 kilometres (120 miles)
Overview:
The River Barrow is a historic waterway that has been used for centuries by the Monks, the Vikings, and the High Kings of Ireland. There are plenty of stretches to explore from slow-flowing wide areas, narrow whitewater rapids, to fast-flowing weirs. There is something for everyone along this stretch and there are certainly a few areas that are suited to the beginner; however, we have labelled the Barrow’s difficulty as a medium. We have done this because the most attractive features of this river are its stunning rapids and bubbling weir pools.
The most popular section of this river and the stretch that we are featuring today is the Graiguenamanagh Loop that winds through the rapids and weirs of the Wooded Barrow Valley. This section of the Barrow is sought after by thrill-seekers and water-lovers that want to take their kayaks to a place that will test their abilities. Although this route will test your abilities and skill on your kayak, it shouldn’t take you out of your comfort zone too much which makes it perfect for intermediate paddlers that want the thrills without the fear!
Overall, the Barrow is a diverse river that stretches a whopping 192km through four counties full of fresh Irish greenery and stunning countryside. The river is suitable for beginners and advanced kayakers depending on the trail undertaken, however, the intermediate to advanced paddler will get the most out of this river. If you are looking for heaps of fun tackling fast-flowing rapids and weirs without stepping too far out of your comfort zone, then the Graiguenamanagh Loop on the River Barrow is the place for you.
3. River Backwater, Co Tyrone
Difficulty: Easy – Medium (beginner to Intermediate)
Location: Ravella Bridge near the border town of Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone
Route Length: The River Blackwater stretches for 169 kilometres (105 miles)
Overview:
The Blackwater River runs through both Northern and Southern Ireland. Most of the river is slow-flowing and stretches a grand total of 169km (105 miles) with a usable section of 80km (50 miles). You can head out on this river for a relaxing day on the water and it is possible to paddle both up and downstream on most sections due to the soft flow of the river. You can also head out for a multiday trip to cover the paddle-able 80km stretch. This is a tranquil river that holds plenty of wildlife and photography opportunities.
The best place to launch from on the River Blackwater is a place called Ravella Bridge near the border town of Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone. From here, you can choose to head out for a day or tackle the entire length of the trail. Most of the river is extremely slow-flowing and as a whole, this is a river for the beginner or day kayaker that wants some relaxing paddle time in some stunning scenery.
There are some rapids along this route and although they are not the most exciting in the country, they are far from boring! The rapids are great for breaking up a slow-paced long-distance journey with some excitement, but you will need to keep your wits about you and ensure you have the heart and the skill to tackle them. Overall, this is one of the easier kayaking rivers in Ireland and most of it is suitable for the beginner, however, there are some stretches that will test your whitewater abilities so make sure you assess the water and your skills before heading out.
4. The Lower Caragh, the Reeks Region
Difficulty: Medium – Difficult (intermediate to advanced)
Location: Caragh Bridge, Co Kerry
Route Length: The Lower Caragh Rapids run for 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) which takes 1 – 3 hours to complete
Overview:
The Reeks Region in the South of Ireland is famous for its outstanding water quality and excellent kayaking conditions. The whitewater within this region ranges from grade 2 all the way to grade 5, meaning there is something for almost every skill level in this area. The Lower Caragh sits in this region and holds some intense rapids that offer the kayaker adrenaline-fueled fun from start to finish. The whitewater that the Lower Caragh holds is classed as grade 2. This water trail stretches over 4km (2.5 miles) and takes 1 – 3 hours to complete depending on the water conditions.
If you are planning on tackling this stretch of river, then be sure to get some advice from local kayakers and ensure that you are not out of your depth when skills are concerned. You should also stay up to date with local restrictions as although most areas have open access, seasonal restrictions due to weather and terrain conditions will prevent you from reaching the water.
Overall, the Lower Caragh is a medium to difficult stretch of water for the whitewater kayaker that is searching for some fast water in the south of Ireland. This river has a reputation of being one of the best rivers in the area for whitewater rafting and kayaking with rapids featuring straightforward and more complex lines. You could easily spend a day in this area tackling the rapids that this water body boasts.
5. The River Liffey: “River of Life”
Difficulty: Easy – Medium (beginner to intermediate)
Location: The River Liffey flows through Wicklow, Kildare, and Dublin. It can be accessed openly along most of its banks
Route Length: The River Liffey flows for 125 kilometres (78 miles)
Overview:
The River Liffey is a historic river that is swamped with myths and legends. It is known as “The River of Life” and cuts straight through the centre of Dublin, slicing the city into two sections: north and south. The Liffey is arguably one of the best kayaking rivers in Ireland for long-distance paddling adventures. The most famous trip is the 60km (37 miles) trip from Kildare to Dublin. On this trip, you will encounter diverse stretches of river and terrain, with water changing from wide and slow to narrow and fast in the blink of an eye.
There are a few sets of rapids on the Liffey with the best situated just before Dublin, but rather than travelling just for these, they make a great addition to a day paddle or long-distance kayaking trip. Although the river and its rapids are far from fast and violent, looks can be deceiving and this river will definitely keep you on your toes. The crazy flows and eddies on the Liffey will see your kayak darting left, right, up, and down, so although things look calm at the surface a great deal of care and attention are needed to tame this river.
Overall, the River Liffey is the best kayaking river in Ireland for the person that wants to take an epic trip through a diverse and changing landscape. You will encounter plenty of wildlife on the trip from Kildare to Dublin as well as bustling city streets and banksides. If you want to relax on a slow river in the Irish countryside, tackle raging rapids, and moor your kayak up in the city centre for a spot of lunch, then this outstanding river is the place to be!
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