Irish Whitewater Forum

Hi All,

A few friends and I will be staying in Lahinch in the second week of September and are hoping to mix some surfing with trying some rivers within driving distance. We are generally happy on grade 3-4 and wondered if anyone had any particular recommendations?

This will be our first trip to Ireland for some paddling so any advice very gratefully received,

Thanks,

Chris

There are not a whole load of rivers around there - depends what you meen by driving distance of course.

Ennistymon Falls are close by and good craic, short seris of drops.
Caher river is not too far either - not run it myself but video looks good - think there may be some issues with wire acrosss the river though so be aware.

If you are willing to drive for an hour plus the Clare Glensis one of the best grade 4s in the country. Video guide to the clare glensgives a good idea what it's about! (level in the video is low).

In the oppisite direction the Boluisceis a bit easier than the glens, but also a bit further away!

All these rivers will need recent rain to be runing!

If the surf isn't up consider Tuam (rain driven palyhole), Oranmore (Tidal playhole) or Curragower. (playwave that needs the right level of water from the Shannon and the right tide).

Ken,

Thanks very much for the reply. Are there any other classics that we should consider even if it means a bit more of a drive?

Chris

Clare Glens defiantly counts as a classic. After that look up Rivers in County Kerry, bit of a drive but lots of paddling to do there if there is rain. - http://www.irishwhitewater.com/river_gu ... hp?s=2&p=1

I'm not familer with most the rivers down there so can't give much advise. By reputation the Flesk and the Roughty seem to be the best (may be on the upper end of Grade 4 though as opposed to grade 3/4) Maybe someone who knows the area better could give better info?

If you get to kerry the following are the best in the area
Grade 3/4
Clydagh (big fun slide/drop combination)
Lower Roughty
Upper Caragh
Owenroe

Solid Grade 4 (with one or 2 easily portaged rapids a grade higher)
Flesk 4 (with 2x 4+ or 5 depending on level)
Roughty 4 (5)
Gaddagh 4+ or 5 depending on level but you need a huge amount of rain for this one

That's great - thanks very much for your help guys.