Category Canoes & Kayaks

Ireland · CANOES & KAYAKS

The 10 Best Kayaking & Canoe Trips in Ireland, Compared

10 reviewed

Of the 10 kayaking & canoe trips on this site, these 10 are the ones to book. Costs, durations and the practical bits are all here, so you can choose in five minutes and get back to the rest of the trip.

Dublin Bay Seal Kayaking Safari at Dalkey

Dublin Bay Seal Kayaking Safari at Dalkey - The seal encounters: close viewing without the wildlife drama

1.Dublin Bay Seal Kayaking Safari at Dalkey

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 380 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $143Our pick

Kayak Dublin Bay from Bullock Harbour, paddle the Dalkey coast for seals and birds, and get UNESCO biosphere views with wetsuit gear included.

“Great tour. Very much fun! We did this with a group of friends and it was a blast! Very much recommended”

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Connemara Coastal kayaking

Connemara Coastal kayaking - The paddle plan: from Bundouglas Beach along the coast

2.Connemara Coastal kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $93

Guided Connemara coastal kayaking from Clifden, with wetsuits and safety gear, wildlife spotting, and stunning paddling along Bundouglas Beach.

“We forgot a towel and it was raining. The wetsuits kept you comfortable but a towel at the end would have been nice. The kayak itself was very enjoyable. Danny did a great job explaining everything before we started and stayed with the group without having to the reins too tight. Would highly recommend recommend.”

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Kayaking & Canoeing in Limerick City

Kayaking & Canoeing in Limerick City - Group Size, Timing, and Staying Comfortable for 1.5 Hours

3.Kayaking & Canoeing in Limerick City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 128 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Kayak or canoe the River Shannon in Limerick with Nevsail, plus games and local facts. Wildlife spotting from the water, 1.5 hours.

“We had a fun experience doing this. The one note I would give is that you sit in the water in the kayaks so your pants and butt get very wet and we didn't prepare properly for that. Guides were very nice!”

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Wexford: Hook Peninsula Sea Cave Kayaking Experience

Wexford: Hook Peninsula Sea Cave Kayaking Experience - What you get included: wetsuit, safety gear, tuition, and hot chocolate

5.Wexford: Hook Peninsula Sea Cave Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 27 reviews · from $96

Guided sea cave kayaking on Hook Peninsula near Wexford, with wetsuit, safety gear, wildlife sightings, and hot chocolate snack.

“My friend and I had a great time while kayaking! The guides were super friendly and we learnt a lot about some spots we were kayaking at. We also got to see a seal and in the middle of the tour we had hot chocolate and sweets. My friend and I went for a swim in the water. Can definitely recommend this activity!”

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Kayak and SUP Tours Kilkenny

Kayak and SUP Tours Kilkenny - Double Kayaks or SUP Boards: How the Coaching Really Helps

6.Kayak and SUP Tours Kilkenny

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $66Best value

Paddle under Kilkenny Castle and up to Greens Bridge weir in a small group, with kayak or SUP options and optional whitewater.

“Great activity in heart of Kilkenny, my first time in a kayak - absolutely would recommend this. It was our second day in Ireland and was nice to have a physical nature-based activity. Our guide Roger was excellent and had great tips on the whole country for us!”

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Donegal: Sunset Kayak Trip on Dunlewey Lake

Donegal: Sunset Kayak Trip on Dunlewey Lake - Gear up at the meeting point near Gweedore (2QWQ+Q6)

7.Donegal: Sunset Kayak Trip on Dunlewey Lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews

Paddle Dunlewey Lake at sunset in Donegal Gaeltacht waters with top gear, clear guidance from Joe, and Errigal and Poison Glen views.

“We had so much fun! Joe was great!! Really sweet & so fun to know, great photographer too! I mistakenly booked the wrong date & he was super nice about it, & still took us out on our intended date - it was so nice, super appreciated! Donegal is gorgeous - great excursion for a weekend trip! And the views headed to & from the lake / around Mt. Errigal are unbelievable! Highly recommended! Thanks Joe!!”

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7 Arches Kayak Tour

7 Arches Kayak Tour - Portsalon caves and hidden coves, up close

8.7 Arches Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $108

Paddle Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way to the Seven Arches, Portsalon caves, and a private waterfall beach with pro guidance.

“This was the highlight of our time in Ireland and Naomi, our guide, was outstanding! We saw sights that are only available from the sea. We entered caves, walked the 7 arches of unexpected wonder the whole time being guided and informed by Naomi. They also provided wet suits and all the gear we needed. What an experience. I highly recommend this excursion to anyone who really wants to experience the cliffs and wonders of Ireland!”

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Kayak to Innisfallen island. Killarney. Guided. 2½ hours.

Kayak to Innisfallen island. Killarney. Guided. 2½ hours. - The Paddle to Innisfallen Island: Views, Pace, and Wildlife Time

9.Kayak to Innisfallen island. Killarney. Guided. 2½ hours.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $96

Guided kayak in Killarney National Park to Innisfallen Island and its abbey ruins, starting near Ross Castle, with wetsuit gear included.

“Mick was on time, had all the supplies we needed and was patient with us to get the fit right on the wetsuits. He gave us a brief lesson on kayaking. Once in the water he stayed close to us and gave encouragement and suggestions. He kept us at a nice, relaxing pace. He told stories and the history of what we were seeing. I would definitely recommend.”

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2.5 Hour Guided Sea Kayaking in Roundstone Bay

2.5 Hour Guided Sea Kayaking in Roundstone Bay - Roundstone Bay Paddling: Views, Rhythm, and Why the Route Feels Worth It

10.2.5 Hour Guided Sea Kayaking in Roundstone Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

2.5-hour guided sea kayaking in Roundstone Bay, Galway, on the Wild Atlantic Way, with a local guide and an optional Inishlacken island paddle.

“It’s was a great experience. Our tour guide Ciara was very professional and shared loads of local knowledge with us.”

Check availability →Our full write-up