Waterways Ireland has released a guide to summer waterways experiences:
- Barge along the Royal Canal from Maynooth to Kilcock, Co. Kildare: Enjoy a barge trip on the Royal Canal with Jenny Wren, of Royal Canal Boat Trips offering stunning scenery and options for lunch at local cafes, followed by a walk or bike ride back through the Greenway.
- Baysports Waterpark on the River Shannon, Hodson Bay, Co. Roscommon: Experience Ireland’s largest inflatable waterpark on the River Shannon, rent kayaks, or take a Viking boat tour from Athlone Castle to Clonmacnoise to view monastic ruins. Double kayak rental: €35 per hour. https://www.baysports.ie/ Viking boat tour for 2 adults and up to 5 children: €100 https://www.vikingtoursireland.ie/public-sailings/sailing-times/
- Barrow Way, Vicarstown, Co. Laois: Cycle along the Barrow Way from Vicarstown to Athy, with stops along the canal and lunch at Kildare Village, followed by a visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare Town. Bike hire cost: €25 for 4 hours per adult, €10 for the day per child https://www.barrowwaybikes.ie/
- Freedom on the Water at the Barrow, Barrow Quay, Athy, Co. Kildare: Embark on boat tours through the lock on the Barrow with Athy Boat Tours, enjoy lunch in Athy, and explore the Kildare Maze and other nearby activities. €70 per 1 hour tour for six people. https://athyboattours.com/
- Zipit Through Lough Key, Co. Roscommon: Experience ziplining through Lough Key Forest Park with Zipit, offering prices ranging from €25-42 per person. Enjoy a lakefront lunch at Lough Key Visitor Centre and take a guided canoe tour of the lake and Drumman’s Canal for a complete Lough Key experience. https://loughkey.ie/admission-prices/
- Mountain Biking in Portumna Forest: Rent bikes from Dick’s Bike Hire in Portumna Forest at costs from €10-35 for child, mountain, or e-bikes. Explore the mountain bike trails through woodlands and along the lake shores, followed by visits to local cafés and eateries and a tour of Portumna Workhouse for €12 per adult. https://dicksbikehire.ie/bike-hire/family-bike-hire-irelands-hidden-heartlands/
- Paddling in Limerick: UL Sport Centre: Enjoy kayaking sessions at UL Sport Centre for €36 for a 2-hour session. https://ulsport.ie/ulac/kayaking/ Derg Isle (info@dergisle.com or 087 1254365): Rent a single kayak for €35 at Derg Isle, with family or group packages combining land and water activities available. After paddling, have a gourmet pub lunch at Nuala’s in Tuamgraney and visit Wilde’s Irish Chocolates for a tour and tastings.
