Top 10 Kayak Trips in Ireland

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 Phil, Dave, Eavan, and Jenny. You may reach Dalkey Island, see seals close to your kayak, and hear about local wildlife and history. Wetsuits, kayaks, paddles, and buoyancy aids are supplied.

“Susan and Jenny were great. Very friendly and explained everything very well. I would abosolutly go back if i am in Dublin again. Having never kayaked before, they looked after us very well and we felt safe the whole time.”

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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, change into a provided wetsuit, learn basic kayak skills, then paddle along the clear waters near Bundouglas Beach. Guides such as Danny, Clare, and Steve lead the session, sharing local wildlife and coastal history.

“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.)

Join Nevsail Watersports for a 90-minute kayaking or canoeing session from the Hunt Museum in central Limerick. Your guide keeps the group together, adds local history and team games, and helps you spot wildlife along the River Shannon. Jason is one guide praised for his clear local knowledge.

“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

Join City Kayaking Dublin for a 2.5-hour paddle from Bachelors Walk, between Ha’Penny and O’Connell bridges. You’ll learn basic kayaking skills, pass central Dublin landmarks, and pause beneath bridges for private performances. Guides including Max Cody and Emily have led trips, with musicians such as Cara Coyle and Mark Flynn.

“Great fun for all the family. No need to be experienced in kayaking.”

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5.Wexford: Hook Peninsula Sea Cave Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 27 reviews · from $96

You’ll paddle a double kayak around Baginbun Beach and Baginbun Head with a local English-speaking guide, entering sea caves and passing arches, cliffs, beaches, and wildlife. Guides such as Jody and Sam bring local stories to life, while wetsuits, safety gear, tuition, a snack, and hot chocolate 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 the River Nore in a double kayak or on a SUP with guides Roger, Ed, Dohe, or David. You will pass beneath Kilkenny Castle, reach Greens Bridge weir, hear local river stories, and possibly enjoy easy white water or an ice cream stop 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 sunset paddle beneath Errigal and Poison Glen. You’ll get safety instruction, a wetsuit and kayak if needed, stories of local history and mythology, and photos from the water. Choose a single or double sit-on-top kayak.

“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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8.7 Arches Kayak Tour

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

Paddle the Fanad coastline from Portsalon with a guide such as Naomi, entering sea caves and reaching the Seven Arches, a private beach, and a waterfall inside a cave. Kayak, paddle, wetsuit, and buoyancy aid are included. 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. You’ll receive a safety briefing, paddle along the Galway coast, and may reach Inishlacken island if conditions and ability allow. No previous kayaking experience is required.

“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

Paddle from Ross Castle across Killarney National Park with an experienced guide, using a double sit-on-top kayak and supplied wetsuit. You’ll receive a safety lesson, visit Innisfallen Island’s 6th-century abbey ruins, and return after about 2½ hours. Guides are named Mick or Mike in the tour details.

“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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