The gentlest way to see the Blackwater
Guided kayak trips from my own launch on the river. The water here is wide and slow — if you've never held a paddle in your life, you'll be grand.
From €40
per person, 2-hour trip
All equipment supplied
boats, paddles, buoyancy aids
Ages 4 up
families very welcome
2–20 people
groups and school trips
A wide, slow river. That's the whole point.
This stretch of the Blackwater barely notices you're there. It's wide, unhurried, and about as far from white-water adventure as paddling gets — which is exactly why it works for complete beginners, nervous first-timers, and everyone in between.
You'll drift beneath the old stone bridge, past wooded banks and under the walls of Lismore Castle, with 35 years of local knowledge in the bow ahead of you telling you where to look.
35
years on this river
Private
launch on my own land
2 hrs
to 4-5 hours and overnights
I'm Denis. This is my patch of river.
I've spent 35 years getting to know this stretch of the Blackwater — where it's calm, where the herons nest, and which bend gives you the best first look at the castle. I run trips from my own launch on the river, so there's no faff getting started.
Most people who paddle with me have never held a paddle before. That's the point. Bring the kids, bring your parents, bring a busload of students — I'll get everyone on the water and having a good time inside five minutes.
Read Denis's story →Days on the water
See the full gallery →
Stay the night, if you fancy it
By arrangement, groups can camp overnight on the riverbank with a campfire under the stars. Ask when you enquire and I'll see what I can do.
Between Lismore and Cappoquin
We're set up on our own stretch of riverbank in West Waterford, an easy stop for anyone visiting Lismore. Give a call before you travel and I'll talk you through exactly where to find us.
Give me a ring and we'll find a tide
There's no online booking here — the river's tidal, so availability depends on conditions on the day. Call or email and we'll sort a time that works.
Prices are indicative. All trips depend on weather, water and tides.