Good choice! Paddle boarding on the island of Ireland is really popular right now and there are wonderful places to give it a go. The counties of Carlow, Leitrim, Fermanagh and Cavan are excellent destinations to explore with quiet waterways and really beautiful lush green landscapes. But you can also paddleboard in our cities, too, which makes a nice change from walking the streets. And on the Wild Atlantic Way, there are plenty of quiet coves to explore!
First up, if you’re looking for peace and serenity, head to Lough Oughter in County Cavan and the extraordinary
Clough Oughter Castle. The castle sits on a gorgeous little island right in the centre of the lake, and is a real joy to paddle around as you soak up the surroundings on a fairytale-like SUP excursion. (Just pretend your buoyancy aid is a medieval frock, okay?) Fancy revving things up a bit?
Cavan Adventure Centre runs excellent SUP tours, packed with games and excitement. Yes, it’s likely you’re going to fall in, but that’s all part of the fun!
Ever tried island hopping in
Northern Ireland?
Strangford Lough in County Down is a paddle boarding haven with small islands, remarkable scenery and historic monuments dotted along the way. Tour the waterways with
Strangford Lough Activity Centre and try one of the centre’s memorable experiences such as the
Sunset SUP & BBQ event or
Sunrise SUP & Yoga. The
Fermanagh Lakelands are another slice of paradise in Northern Ireland. Enjoy a session with
Share Discovery Village as you explore the quiet spots of Upper Lough Erne as well as an island or two, such as Trannish Island- just one of the total 154 islands here!
The hidden gem of Caragh Lake in County Kerry might take the prize for the most peaceful SUP session on our list. This is one of many freshwater lakes in Kerry, and is surrounded by an impressive mountainous landscape, which makes a gorgeous backdrop for a paddle with
Cappanalea NCOET. You can even spot Carrantuohill, Ireland’s highest mountain, from the water so be sure to pack your camera (waterproof, of course).
While serenity is great, you can’t visit the west of Ireland without a dip in the wild Atlantic Ocean. Along the coast of Connemara is the white sandy beach of Mannin Bay, and
Real Adventures will bring you on a lovely seaside paddle in the crystal clear water here. It’s an unforgettable experience. Achill Island off the coast of County Mayo is another popular destination for watersports, known for its impressive sea cliffs and clean beaches. Join
Blackfield on Keel Beach to explore the mystery of Achill Island, paddling along ancient channels into the secret caves and coves of the island.
And just because you’re in the city centre doesn’t mean you can’t go for a quick dip in the water.
Surfdock brings the adventure to
Dublin city, offering everything from SUP lessons, racing and even SUP fitness courses in the Grand Canal Dock. If you can master yoga on a paddle board, you can do anything! A Dart journey away from the city centre is the lovely seaside town of Dún Laoghaire and the perfect destination to explore Dublin’s coastline. Find your feet on the board with a quick intro into SUP with
Big Style, a great SUP school in the area, before following the grand tour of the harbour to discover its beauty.
And in Derry-Londonderry, the
City Paddle Boards tour takes you on a two-hour SUP trip along the River Foyle, which flows through the historical city. There isn’t a viewpoint like it as you stand in the calm water, looking up at the gorgeous cityscape around you.
As always with any watersports, safety comes first so always go paddle boarding with a guide who knows the area and can make your adventure a safe one.
Do our Community members have any recommendations for more great SUP excursions in Ireland?