10 Kayak Trips in Ireland Worth the Day

1.Dublin Bay Seal Kayaking Safari at Dalkey

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

Paddle from historic Bullock Harbour along the Dalkey coast with guides such as Philip, Eavan, Jenny, and Dave. You will receive a wetsuit, kayak, paddle, and buoyancy aid, then look for seals, seabirds, and possibly porpoises. Weather may change the route, and you must be able to swim and bring spare footwear.

“**********Please Read Before Booking************* You will need to wear a wetsuit and change into said wetsuit in front of all the other people on your tour and anyone else who is standing nearby. I did bring my own wetsuit and they allowed me to wear it. Your shoes will get wet! Your body will probably get wet! You will have to walk in the water to launch / land your kayak. They don't specifically say not to bring a camera (or phone), but there was some confusion about my camera and when I could / should use it. I didn't know I was breaking a rule by bringing a camera.…”

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2.Connemara Coastal kayaking

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

Meet at Connemara Sands Beach Hotel for a 2.5-hour guided paddle along the Connemara coast. Danny, Clare, Steve, and the team provide wetsuits, safety gear, and beginner instruction before leading you toward quiet beaches and wildlife-rich water. Choose a morning, afternoon, or evening outing.

“Steve took very good care of us! Happy to spot some plovers and herons. And Connemara Bay is so clean and beautiful. We were blessed with sun as well!”

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3.Kayaking & Canoeing in Limerick City

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

Meet Nevsail at the Hunt Museum for a 90-minute guided kayak or canoe trip on the River Shannon. Your guide leads you past Limerick views, points out wildlife and landmarks, and adds team games and local history. Jason has led sessions praised for clear guidance and a friendly approach. Expect wet clothing and moderate physical effort.

“Great day with Jason! Very knowledgeable! Our weather conditions were grand! The River Shannon was beautifull from the kayak!”

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4.Music Under the Bridges Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 65 reviews · from $67

Set off from the Liffey Boardwalk in a stable sit-on-top kayak, learn the basics with guides such as Max Cody or Emily, then paddle beneath Dublin’s bridges while local musicians perform from stage boats. The route passes O’Connell, Ha’Penny, Samuel Beckett, and other landmarks. Allow 2.5 hours and dress for the weather.

“Beautiful night. The musicians were magical and the acoustics under the bridges were awesome. Such a beautiful view of the city and the lit bridges from the river. Our host was friendly and kind. Wonderful activity that I highly recommend.”

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5.Wexford: Hook Peninsula Sea Cave Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 27 reviews · from $96

Paddle the Hook Peninsula from Baginbun Beach with an English-speaking guide, entering sea caves and passing cliffs, arches, coves, and golden beaches. Jody and Sam are among the guides praised for clear safety advice, local stories, and good humor. Double kayaks, wetsuits, safety gear, a snack, and a hot drink are included.

“The whole team were friendly, informative & fun. When on the water, they were watchful and took great care to station themselves in front of obstructions and sources of potential danger to keep the group. They were full of fun and energy as they shared fascinating facts and history of the area.”

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6.Kayak and SUP Tours Kilkenny

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

Paddle upstream from central Kilkenny in a double kayak or on a SUP with Riverbend Adventures. Guides including Roger, Ed, and David provide gear, local history, and patient instruction before the route passes Kilkenny Castle and reaches Greens Bridge weir. You may stay dry, try easy whitewater, and possibly stop for ice cream at Kitty’s Cabin.

“Roger and Ed took me out as a solo traveler and I had SUCH FUN with them! Other than being great gents: 1) not only do they know what they’re doing on the tour, they teach kayaking! Real pros. 2) they had all the equipment you would need - even gave me shoes that could get wet (you will have to get out of the kayak so you will get wet) 3) being on the water is peaceful and lovely. I am so glad I decided to do this, it was a total delight. Highly recommend for anyone.”

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7.Sunset Kayak Trip on Dunlewey Lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews

Meet Joe at Dunlewey Lake for a relaxed two-hour paddle beneath Errigal and Poison Glen. You will learn basic kayaking skills, use a sit-on-top single or double kayak, hear local stories and mythology, and receive photos from the trip. The session suits beginners, but it is weather dependent and does not supply footwear.

“Joe was absolutely fantastic! Very calm, great with direction and made us feel entirely safe. It was such a beautiful place and we highly recommmend doing this tour! It was one for the books!”

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8.7 Arches Kayak Tour

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

Paddle Donegal’s Fanad coastline with a professional guide on a four-hour tour for up to 10 people. Enter the Portsalon Caves, reach a private beach and cave waterfall, and walk among the Seven Arches. Kayaks, paddles, wetsuits, and buoyancy aids are supplied. Some kayaking experience is best.

“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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9.2.5 Hour Guided Sea Kayaking in Roundstone Bay

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

Meet guide Ciara at Gurteen Bay for a 2.5-hour sea kayaking trip across Roundstone Bay. After a safety briefing, you will paddle along the coast with views of Roundstone and the mountains. Stronger paddlers may reach Inishlacken island, where you might collect shells and try seaweed. No previous kayaking experience is needed.

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $96

Meet your guide at Ross Castle Car Park at 9:30 am for a 2½-hour kayak trip across Killarney National Park. After a safety lesson and wetsuit fitting, you paddle a double sit-on-top kayak to Innisfallen Island, where you can explore sixth-century abbey ruins and watch for wildlife. Guides named Mick and Mike are noted for patient instruction, steady pacing, and local stories.

“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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