Over the coming months as the weather gets better, we will be launching our new blog series detailing our favourite places to visit in Ireland. Our blog posts will include places to stay, eat and of course our favourite places to kayak.
This week we will be kicking off with our very own beautiful County Waterford.
Where to Kayak:
Ballyduff to Lismore
Starting in the beautiful Ballyduff, this route brings you on a leisurely two hour trip towards Lismore along the River Blackwater, where you will approach Lismore Town under the breath-taking Lismore Castle which dates back to 1170 and boasts incredible views and beautiful public gardens.
Ardmore
Starting in the village of Ardmore, you can paddle down past Ardmore Head to the Samson Crane Shipwreck which ran aground in 1987 bound for Malta. You will pass the seal caves, and on to Ram Head. On this route you can paddle in and out of several caves and mini valleys along the southern coast. This is a fabulous way to pass and hour or two and Ardmore village is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
Stradbally Cove
Entering the water at Stradbally Cove, this route takes in the stunning caves of the famous Copper Coast. You will be treated to views of marine life such seals, and geographical wonders such as sea stacks, arches, caves, tunnels, blow holes and caverns. It is a pure thrill to paddle in and out of these caves and experience the amazing cliffs from the water.
Things to do (when you want a break from the kayak):
Waterford Greenway – Ireland’s longest greenway
Bishop’s Palace and the Medieval Museum
Copper Coast - UNESCO Global Geopark
Lismore Castle
Ardmore Village
Clonea Strand/Dunmore East
Goat Island a sheltered cove 5km west of Ardmore.
Suir Valley Railway
Where to stay:
If you want to splurge:
If you want to spend:
If you want to save:
If you want somewhere quirky and different:
Nire Valley Glamping Eco Camping
Ardmore Glamping Pods
Where to eat:
· Cookhouse 360, Dungarvan
· The Moorings, Dungarvan
· The Local, Dungarvan
· Spinnaker Bar & Restaurant, Dunmore East
· Strand Inn, Dunmore East
· Shipmates Restaurant, Ardmore
· Whitehorses, Ardmore
· Foley's on the Mall, Lismore
· The Bakers Table, Lismore
· Clancy’s Bar and Restaurant, Tallow
What to bring:
Our 9ft Kayak is perfect for sea kayaking and this package includes the kayak, paddle, seat buoyancy aid and dry bag. This is the most popular package available from MCG kayaks and has everything you need to get you out on the water.
Doggie life jacket - Bring your pet in confidence and make sure they're safe on the water.
Wetsuit - if you would like to go for a swim during your trip, a wetsuit is essential.
Dry robe - to keep you nice and warm when you get off the water
Phone case, this phone case will keep your phone try so that you can grab that all important snap while out on the water.
We hope you found this post helpful, and if there's anything else you would like us to include in our next post let us know @MCGKayaks on Instagram and Facebook!