Top 7 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 Philip, Eavan, Jenny, or Dave. You may reach Dalkey Island, see seals beside your kayak, spot seabirds, and hear local stories. Wetsuits, kayaks, paddles, and buoyancy aids are supplied. Bring swimwear, spare shoes, and a towel.

“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 your guide at Connemara Sands Beach Hotel, change into a wetsuit, learn basic kayak skills, then paddle along the clear waters near Bundouglas Beach. Danny, Clare, Steve, and the team explain local wildlife and coastal history. The 2.5-hour outing includes equipment, safety gear, and onsite changing rooms.

“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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3.Kayaking & Canoeing in Limerick City

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

Meet Nevsail Watersports at the Hunt Museum for a 90-minute guided kayak or canoe trip on the River Shannon. Your guide keeps the group together, adds team games and Limerick facts, and points out wildlife and landmarks. Jason has led at least one outing. Expect wet clothes, easy instruction, and a family-friendly pace.

“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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4.Music Under the Bridges Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 65 reviews · from $67Best value

Join City Kayaking Dublin for a 2.5-hour paddle from the Liffey Boardwalk, between Ha’Penny and O’Connell bridges. After a short lesson, you’ll glide through central Dublin in a stable sit-on-top kayak, stopping beneath bridges for live music from performers such as Cara Coyle and Mark Flynn. No previous kayaking experience is needed.

“was a lovely experience. everything was explained and guided really well and the music under the bridges was great!”

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5.Hook Peninsula Sea Cave Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 27 reviews · from $96

Paddle a double kayak along County Wexford’s Hook Peninsula with local guides Jody and Sam. You’ll receive a wetsuit, safety gear, tuition, a chocolate snack, and a hot drink while exploring sea caves, arches, beaches, and Baginbun Head. Expect a friendly, active three-hour trip with possible seal and seabird sightings.

“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.Sunset Kayak Trip on Dunlewey Lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews

Meet guide Joe at Dunlewey Lake for a two-hour sunset paddle in a sit-on-top kayak. You’ll receive a safety briefing, on-land instruction, and supplied gear before heading out beneath Errigal and Poison Glen. Expect local stories, mythology, geology, a small-group setting of up to eight, and photos sent after the trip.

“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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7.7 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 a private beach with a waterfall inside a cave. You’ll receive a kayak, paddle, wetsuit, and buoyancy aid. The four-hour tour moves at an easy pace, but some kayaking experience, moderate fitness, and calm weather are needed.

“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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