I love being on the water, what activities can I try when I visit Ireland?

With plenty of lakes and rivers, plus a beautiful coastline, Ireland is THE place to try out all kinds of water sports.

Along the Wild Atlantic Way you’ll find Bundoran in Donegal, also known as Ireland’s surf capital. Bundoran Surf Co. offers lessons for anyone, pro or newbie, on some of the island’s best waves. You can enjoy paddle boarding and kitesurfing, too, at Blackfield Surf School on Achill Island, County Mayo. For some expert tips, head to Antrim for a session taught by Irish National Champion and Irish Team Surfer, Martin Kelly, at Portrush Surf School because you might as well learn from the best!



Sailing courses at the Strangford Lough Yacht Club in County Down take you along the peaceful inlands waters of Strangford Lough. Cobh Harbour in Cork is the world’s second largest natural harbour. So it’s no surprise that sailing has been popular here for hundreds of years. SailCork keeps this tradition alive with plenty of fun courses to check out. 

Just outside Dublin, you can take to the waters and enjoy sailing courses along the coastal town of Dun Laoghaire and along Dublin Bay. Or if you’re looking for something more leisurely, explore the natural beauty of Dublin’s coast by kayak with Kayaking.ie based in Dalkey; a village not too far from the city centre. We recommend the sunset kayaking tour for a particularly wonderful experience!



Grab a canoe to follow the Barrow River between Kilkenny and Carlow. GowiththeFlow.ie offers everything from day tours of the river, to 3 day trips with camping experiences for friends and families. Lough Erne in Fermanagh is one of Northern Ireland’s best locations where water-lovers can relish the charming sights from the comfort of a kayak or canoe.

So pack a wetsuit and an adventurous attitude for your next trip to Ireland! What water sport tickles your fancy?

Thank you for those brilliant suggestions for getting out into the water Jesse!

I have a few more ideas for those adrenaline seeking adventurers who like to explore down underneath the water.  Aquaholics operate out of Portstewart and Ballycastle.  They are a PADI five star registered dive centre and can provide all levels of dive courses and experiences.  https://www.aquaholics.co.uk/

Freedive NI offers courses to introduce you to the sport of freediving and operates out of Portrush.  They also offer snorkeling and surf survival sessions.
https://www.freedivenorthernireland.com/

There are a couple of Coasteering teams that will take you out to explore the rugged shoreline here.  With them you get the chance to scramble over boulders, plunge into the ocean from various heights off the rocks and swim into sea caves and hidden coves round our beautiful coastline.  https://www.causewaycoasteering.com/    https://www.coasteeringni.co.uk/

The Causeway Coast and Glens beckons for your next adventure!
Anne