Wheres best to stay and paddle in Ireland over new years?

[joshprosh]

Hello.
Me and a couple of mates are keen on heading over to Ireland to paddle over newyears.
We have no knowledge of where to go, where to stay and what rivers to do.
Were looking for a bunkhouse or similar cheap accomodation and some good paddling (grade 3-4-5).
Any information on the classic regions people stay in when boating would be brilliant, also if anyone knows of some good bunkhouses that would be helpfull too.
My first thought is the wicklow national park, Is this the best place?
Many thanks
Josh

[jimkennedy]

Hi Josh,

Over New Years the best place to be is probably Kerry, specifically the village of Glenbeigh, if you are looking for a week-long party with added kayaking. It's a summer holiday kind of place, but every smelly studenty kayaker in the country usually debunks to there from about the Dec 27 for about a week. There's some surf spots nearby but if there's water in Ireland that week, you'll likely find it there. Check out the river guides on this website for the Munster region: http://www.irishwhitewater.com/river_gu ... hp?s=0&p=1.

As for accommodation, I don't really know - I haven't been there myself in a few years. Others here should point you in the right direction. The main problem is that there's no way of knowing ahead of time if there will be water at all, hence people's muted response here - nobody wants to tell you to come over, in case there's no rain. Keep an eye on the gauges page here too, particularly the Flesk and the Clare Glens.

Jim.

[joshprosh]

Thanks for the Info, were now heading to Killarney for new years as we couldnt find anywhere to stay in Glenbeigh.
What do most students do new years? Is it out in glenbeigh? If so will we get back to Kilarney ok and so forth.
So yea wed like to mabie meet up with some people who know more about whats happening than us, so if your club is there get in touch and hopefully we can meet up.
If theres no water what do people do?
Cheers
Josh

[jimkennedy]

On New Years night, everyone will be in the Ross Inn, Rossbeigh, about 2 km outside Glenbeigh itself. To get back to Killarney from there at some hour of the morning you are going to need a designated driver. I hope you have good rock-paper-scissors skills.

I'd suggest checking the Clare Glens for water on the way there (if you're coming from Dublin, it's on your way). Then go to Glenbeigh during the week and just introduce yourself around to find out what's going on. People are fairly approachable, and full of information; good information and bad information.

If there's no water, there's always surf, either right there, or Castlegregory, or Saint Finnian's Bay further off. There's always hillwalking or mountain biking to be done, and liquid refreshments.

The best people to hook up with for boating are, undoubtedly, UCDCC. All others are just hanging on their coat-tails.

Jim.

[muirs]

The best people to hook up with for boating are, undoubtedly, UCDCC. All others are just hanging on their coat-tails.

Always the comedian, eh Jim?!

Josh by basing yourselves in Killarney you're very central for rivers. Surf will be a bit further for you though, and you should be aware it's quite a trek out to Rossbeigh from there (recommend don't tell whatever poor sod you con into driving you out for New Years night!) Still well worth it though, party in the Ross Inn is normally epic.
Also, don't touch UCD's coat-tails, god only knows what you'd catch off them!

Muireann

[joshprosh]

Sounds good, cheers for all the info.
Might have to stay in Killarney for NY, see how it goes. Hopefully well see some of you around during the week. Well head to glenbeigh and party at some point too.
Lets hope for some water and bring on the good times.
Cheers
Josh