Irelands Top 10 Paddleboarding Routes

Difficulty level; Easy to Difficult

Duration: Varies

Paddleboarding is a great way to explore the stunning coastlines and waterways of Ireland. From peaceful lakes to rugged coastlines, there are plenty of paddle board routes to choose from. Here are ten of the best paddle board routes in Ireland, each with its own unique beauty and charm.

  1. Killarney Lakes, County Kerry The Killarney Lakes offer some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland. Paddle boarders can explore the three lakes – Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and Upper Lake – each with their own distinct character. The calm waters of the lakes make for a peaceful and scenic paddleboarding experience.
  2. The Skelligs, County Kerry The Skelligs are a pair of rugged islands off the coast of County Kerry. Paddle boarders can explore the coastline around the islands, with opportunities to spot puffins, dolphins and other wildlife. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility for viewing the underwater world.
  3. The River Boyne, County Meath The River Boyne is a peaceful and scenic river that winds its way through the Boyne Valley in County Meath. Paddle boarders can enjoy the tranquil waters and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The river is also steeped in history, with ancient monuments and ruins along its banks.
  4. Clew Bay, County Mayo Clew Bay is a large bay on the west coast of Ireland, with over 365 islands to explore. Paddle boarders can navigate between the islands and explore the rugged coastline. The bay is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seals, dolphins and seabirds.
  5. The River Shannon, County Clare The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland, stretching over 360 kilometers. Paddle boarders can explore the river and its many tributaries, with opportunities to see historic castles and ancient ruins along the way. The river also provides excellent fishing opportunities for those who are interested.
  6. Derrynane Bay, County Kerry Derrynane Bay is a stunning bay on the Ring of Kerry, with crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches. Paddle boarders can explore the bay and the nearby coastline, with opportunities to spot dolphins and other marine life.
  7. Lough Derg, County Clare Lough Derg is a large lake on the River Shannon, with a diverse range of landscapes to explore. Paddle boarders can navigate the lake and its many islands, with opportunities to see historic monastic sites and ancient ruins. The lake is also popular for fishing and watersports.
  8. Galway Bay, County Galway Galway Bay is a large bay on the west coast of Ireland, with stunning views of the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. Paddle boarders can explore the bay and the nearby coastline, with opportunities to see dolphins and other marine life.
  9. The River Nore, County Kilkenny The River Nore is a scenic river that winds its way through the heart of County Kilkenny. Paddle boarders can explore the river and its many weirs and rapids, with opportunities to see historic castles and ancient ruins along the way.
  10. Lough Erne, County Fermanagh Lough Erne is a large lake in County Fermanagh, with over 150 islands to explore. Paddle boarders can navigate the lake and its many islands, with opportunities to see historic monastic sites and ancient ruins. The lake is also popular for fishing and watersports.

These are just a few of the many paddle board routes in Ireland. With its stunning coastlines, tranquil lakes and scenic rivers, Ireland is a paradise for paddle boarders of all levels.