The Kilkenny Trail: Goresbridge to Graiguenamanagh

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Operator: Go With The Flow River Adventures
Duration: 2 h 30 m
Area: Carlow County

About this tour

Kilkenny Canoe Trail: Goresbridge to Graignamanagh

Duration

On average this trip takes approximately 5 hours. The canoe is available to you for 7 hours.

About

The canoe trail between Goresbridge and Graiguenamanagh is probably the most beautiful, fun and interesting waterway anywhere to be found in Ireland. Starting in Goresbridge village at the 17th century 9 arch bridge this hidden waterway slowly winds its way south through lush countryside. You will find tall pine woodland bordering the river at points along the way, at other times the native oaks prevail. Once a navigation channel used by Guinness to deliver Ireland’s favourite tipple – now a quiet backwater occasionally navigated by a motorboat. Experience the start of the Barrow gorge but stick to the intimate parallel lateral canals that intersect along the way to avoid the whitewater rapids which will be of interest to the more experienced paddler.

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The waterway is kept at a navigable level by a series of 10 stunningly beautiful cascading weirs all of which can be shot by the brave or avoided by cautious. At each weir, a parallel canal takes travellers around the rough water and continues with the smooth. There are charming old lock cottages at each canal lock – excellent places to stop off and enjoy a picnic or a wild swim or a spot of fishing.

On arrival in monastic Graignamanagh indulge yourself in one of the many riverside cafes or for something stronger enjoy a pint of locally crafted ale, stout or blonde beers or a shot of locally distilled whiskey. You should have time for homemade soup, a sandwich or lunch if you worked up a better appetite along the way. Take time to check out the local craft outlets – Duiske Crystal, local weavers, Artisan food producers and of also visit some of the historic sites – the restored Duiske Abbey and the lovely quayside lined with boats of all description.

If your staying or passing through Graiguenamanagh and have some free time check out the new sauna in town – The Hot Box Sauna. Prebooking online essential.

Taxi back to Goresbridge available all day but prior booking is recommended.

Continue on your journey further down river to the Monastic stronghold of St Mullins. Here you will be welcomed at the wonderfully cosy riverside cafe called the Mullachain. Relax at one of their picnic tables overlooking the estuary or dine inside by the warm wood burning stove. The homemade cakes, salads and pizzas are nothing short of “”to die for””. The little piece of waterside heaven and been delighting day time diners and picnicers for decades. Not to be missed !

Please select one ticket per person attending. Selection per person indicates a canoe or kayak seat. Canoes have two seats per boat, kayaks have one seat per boat.

If you would like to arrive an hour early the Goodly Barrow is located on the other side of the river from the meeting point in Goresbridge. This is a gorgeous Cafe and Museum full of fantastic stories and delicious meals. A great option to fuel up for your epic adventure.

PLEASE NOTE: Very Important

We do not provide any form of insurance with our canoe hire service. We therefore highly recommend that you take out a travel or holiday insurance policy that will cover canoeing activity up to level / grade 3 water. It is also recommended that if you are bringing along electronic items that you have them insured and that you have provide waterproof storage for each.

It is a condition of hire that you will not attempt to shoot or go down any weirs while still in the canoe. This activity is dangerous and could very easily lead to injury or loss or damage to property.

It is a condition of hire that you will not consume alcohol while canoeing.

There is a flat-water navigation channel running the entire length of the waterway which avoids all weirs and rapids.

There will be some heavy lifting to get the canoes around the locks.

Buoyancy jackets are provided for each individual and by law you are required to wear them at all times while canoeing. Helmets can also be provided.

A taxi can be ordered from the cafe and will whisk you back to Goresbridge as soon as you are ready.

Go With The Flow River Adventures does not provide for solo travel. A minimum of two people are required per booking. This adventure is not suitable for a child under 12 years old to paddle a kayak as the duration of the trail is too long. They must opt to join an adult in a canoe.

Meeting point

Go With The Flow River Adventures, The Lock House, Clashganny, Borris, Co Carlow