Paddle/Cruise/Fishing Archives - Visit Longford https://visitlongford.ie/activity-category/paddle-cruise-fishing/ Explore scenic lakes, heritage sites, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable Irish escapes. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:48:32 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://visitlongford.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cropped-Favicon-Nvy-Wht@3x-32x32.webp Paddle/Cruise/Fishing Archives - Visit Longford https://visitlongford.ie/activity-category/paddle-cruise-fishing/ 32 32 Ballybrannigan Canal Stores https://visitlongford.ie/activity/ballybrannigan-canal-stores/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:36:27 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=16899 Ballybrannigan Canal Stores Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Ireland’s only operational canal storehouse, revitalised as a unique canal‑side hub at Ballybrannigan Harbour Ireland’s only operational canal storehouse, revitalised […]

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A green sign reads "Cuain an Baile Uí Bhranagáin" and "Ballybrannigan Harbour" with "Greenway" and a wave icon, placed in a grassy rural area under blue sky.
A calm canal runs between grassy banks with a small road and boat on the left. Flowerbeds and green shrubs line the water, and a few houses and trees are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
A grassy path runs beside a narrow canal with clear water. Stone buildings and trees are visible in the background to the left and right under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A canal boat moves past an old stone building heavily covered in green ivy, with cloudy skies above and a few cars parked along the narrow road beside the water.

Ballybrannigan Canal Stores

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Ireland’s only operational canal storehouse, revitalised as a unique canal‑side hub at Ballybrannigan Harbour

Ireland’s only operational canal storehouse, revitalised as a unique canal‑side hub at Ballybrannigan Harbour, providing secure storage and operational support for outdoor recreation and tourism providers while supporting heritage, sustainable enterprise, and new visitor experiences.

What You Can Do

  • Explore a key location on the National Famine Way
  • Experience Ireland’s canal heritage
  • Enjoy the tranquillity of the Royal Canal Greenway

Good To Know

  • Canal storehouse dating from c.1815, originally built to support trade along the Royal Canal.
  • The location of this building, which is sited at the closest point at which the Royal Canal passes the town of Ballymahon and Center Parks

 

Contact Details

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More Info

Step off the beaten track and discover one of the Royal Canal’s hidden gems. Ballybrannigan Harbour combines stunning canal scenery, rich history, and outdoor recreation in a peaceful rural setting at the heart of County Longford. Visitors can: Explore a key location on the National Famine Way, following the journey of those who travelled the canal in search of a better future. Experience Ireland’s canal heritage through the historic Ballybrannigan Canal Stores, dating from c.1815. Enjoy the tranquillity of the Royal Canal Greenway, ideal for walking, cycling, boating, angling, and nature watching. Visit nearby attractions including Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, Abbeyshrule, its historic aqueduct, and Center Parcs Longford Forest. Discover a unique rural landscape largely unchanged over generations, offering an authentic and unspoilt Irish experience. Ballybrannigan Harbour is where history, nature, and adventure meet—an ideal place to pause, explore, and connect with the story of Ireland’s waterways.

Frequently asked questions

 1. What is Ballybrannigan Harbour?

Ballybrannigan Harbour is a historic harbour on the Royal Canal and an important location along the National Famine Way. It is home to the Ballybrannigan Canal Stores, a former canal warehouse dating from c.1815, and offers visitors a unique combination of heritage, nature, and outdoor recreation.

2. What outdoor activities can I enjoy at Ballybrannigan Harbour?

Ballybrannigan Harbour is an ideal base for walking, cycling, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, angling, wildlife watching, and photography. The harbour sits directly on the Royal Canal Greenway, providing easy access to one of Ireland’s most scenic recreational corridors.

3. Why is Ballybrannigan Harbour historically significant?

The harbour played an important role in the operation of the Royal Canal. The nearby Ticket House was where passengers purchased canal passage, while the Canal Stores were used to store grain and supplies transported by water. The harbour is also a key location on the National Famine Way, representing an important chapter in Ireland’s history.

4. What attractions are located near Ballybrannigan Harbour?

The harbour is conveniently located close to several major attractions, including the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, Abbeyshrule and its historic aqueduct, Center Parcs Longford Forest, and the National Famine Way. This makes it an excellent stop for visitors exploring the wider region.

5. Why should I visit Ballybrannigan Harbour?

Ballybrannigan Harbour offers a peaceful canal-side setting where visitors can experience Ireland’s rich waterways heritage, explore the Royal Canal Greenway, enjoy outdoor activities, and discover an authentic rural landscape largely unchanged for generations.

6. What makes Ballybrannigan Harbour unique?

Ballybrannigan Harbour sits on one of the most beautiful and unspoilt stretches of the Royal Canal, offering a unique destination for boaters, walkers, and cyclists. Home to Ireland’s only operational canal storehouse, it combines rich heritage, outdoor recreation, and authentic canal‑side experiences in a truly distinctive setting.

Accessibility
  • Fully accessible / universally accessible for a wide range of visitors, including people with mobility, sensory, cognitive and hidden disabilities.
  • Step-free access to main entrance and key visitor areas, Accessible parking spaces, Wheelchair-accessible routes throughout the premises, Seating/rest areas available, Assistance dogs welcome, Hearing assistance systems (e.g. induction loop)

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]]> Inny Kayakers https://visitlongford.ie/activity/inny-kayakers/ Wed, 20 May 2026 09:44:41 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=8116 Inny Kayakers Perfect kayaking adventures for beginners on the River Inny. Inny Kayakers is an outdoor adventure kayaking club in County Longford, offering guided river experiences and training along the […]

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A group of six people in colourful kayaks paddle on a calm river, surrounded by green grass and bushes under a blue sky with scattered clouds. All are wearing helmets and life jackets.
Several people in helmets and life jackets kayak on a river with foamy water under a cloudy sky, surrounded by trees and grassy banks.
A group of people in wetsuits and helmets stand outdoors holding paddles, some posing energetically beside a blue kayak. One person holds a sign that says "#Canoeing." The sky is clear and sunny.
A person wearing a white helmet and green jacket is kayaking in rough water, tilting their red kayak whilst holding a paddle. Other kayakers are seen in the background, navigating the rapids.
A group of people in colourful kayaks are gathered near the riverbank by a set of steps, with a bridge, grassy areas, and buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Five children wearing wetsuits and life jackets sit on a grassy slope with two kayaks beside them, appearing to take a break and talk together outdoors on a sunny day.
A person wearing a yellow helmet and life vest kayaks through rough, white-water rapids. In the background, other kayakers in colourful kayaks paddle on the river.
Two people kayaking in a river; the person in front is tipping their orange and yellow kayak sideways whilst paddling, and the person behind is smiling, both wearing helmets and life jackets. Lush green grass and rocks in the background.

Inny Kayakers

Perfect kayaking adventures for beginners on the River Inny.

Inny Kayakers is an outdoor adventure kayaking club in County Longford, offering guided river experiences and training along the scenic River Inny.

Why Visit

  • Safe, supervised water activities
  • Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers
  • Great way to explore Longford’s waterways

Good To Know

  • Based along the River Inny, County Longford
  • Activities vary seasonally and by group booking

Inny Kayakers offers a fun, active way to experience Longford’s natural landscape — combining adventure, learning, and the beauty of the River Inny.

Contact Details

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What You Can Do
  • Guided kayaking tours on the River Inny
  • Beginner-friendly paddling sessions
  • Skills training and coaching for all levels
  • Group outings and club events
  • Seasonal outdoor adventure experiences

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]]> Inventure Water Sports https://visitlongford.ie/activity/inventure-water-sports/ Wed, 20 May 2026 09:39:45 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=8092 Inventure Water Sports Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Guided kayaking tours across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Inventure Water Sports is an outdoor adventure provider in County Longford, offering guided […]

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Several people wearing lifejackets and helmets paddle colourful kayaks on a calm lake under a clear blue sky, with green trees and distant buildings visible along the shore.
Several people wearing helmets and life jackets paddle colourful kayaks on a calm lake, with trees and grassy hills visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
A group of people wearing helmets and life jackets paddle colourful kayaks on a calm river near a leafy, tree-lined bank.
A group of children and an adult, all wearing helmets and life jackets, pose together in shallow water near a stone wall, some standing and some sitting on paddleboards, smiling and making peace signs.

Inventure Water Sports

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Guided kayaking tours across Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.

Inventure Water Sports is an outdoor adventure provider in County Longford, offering guided kayaking and water-based experiences across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

 

Why Visit

  • Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers
  • Scenic routes including Lough Ree and River Inny
  • Fun group activities and team-building experiences

Good To Know

  • Based in Longford, exploring surrounding waterways
  • Activities run seasonally and depend on conditions

Inventure Water Sports offers a fun, active way to experience Longford’s lakes and rivers — combining adventure, teamwork, and the natural beauty of the Hidden Heartlands.

Contact Details

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What You Can Do
  • Guided kayaking tours on lakes and rivers
  • Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) experiences
  • Sit-on-top kayak adventures
  • River Inny guided trips (gentle waters & small rapids)
  • Team raft-building activities

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]]> Alan’s Yippee Kayaking https://visitlongford.ie/activity/alans-yippee-kayaking/ Wed, 20 May 2026 09:35:48 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=8052 Alan’s Yippee Kayaking Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Supervised leisurely kayaking trips and exciting night tours. Alan’s Yippee Kayaking is a fun, guided kayaking experience in County Longford, offering […]

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Five people in colourful kayaks, wearing life jackets and holding paddles, smile on a calm body of water. One person wears a yellow helmet. Green leaves float nearby.
Four people in kayaks, wearing life jackets, raise their paddles together to form an X over calm water, with trees and boats visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Seven people in kayaks form a star shape on dark water at night, each kayak outlined with colourful LED lights and red lights on their heads.
A group of people in colourful kayaks paddle down a calm river lined with grass and trees under a blue sky.
Colourful kayaks lined up along the edge of a calm canal, with a paved path and greenery on one side, and a stone bridge visible in the distance under a blue sky.
A group of people kayaking at night in a narrow canal, their kayaks decorated with colourful LED lights, surrounded by lily pads and grassy banks, with streetlights illuminating the path nearby.

Alan's Yippee Kayaking

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Supervised leisurely kayaking trips and exciting night tours.

Alan’s Yippee Kayaking is a fun, guided kayaking experience in County Longford, offering relaxed trips and unique night-time paddles across the Royal Canal.

What You Can Do

  • Supervised leisure kayaking trips
  • Group bookings and private outings
  • Night-time paddles on the Royal Canal
  • Guided day trips on The Shannon in Lanesboro

Good To Know

  • Locations include Ballymahon and Abbeyshrule
  • Advance booking recommended
  • Updates available via Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok
  • Limited accessibility, with significant restrictions for some visitors.

Alan’s Yippee Kayaking offers a relaxed and memorable way to explore Longford’s waterways — combining safety, scenery, and a touch of adventure on every trip.

 

Contact Details

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Why Visit
  • Safe, fully guided experiences for all levels
  • Ideal for families, friends, and visitors
  • Unique evening and night kayaking adventures
  • Explore Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands by water
  • Friendly, local instruction and support
  •  We have a built up an excellent collection of good reviews from customers
Frequently asked questions

1.Do you need experience?

Experience not required for trips on the Canal. Experience and confidence on water required for Lanesboro. We give full instructions before our sessions.

2.Is equipment provided?

Yes, we provide kayaks, bouyancy aids, paddles and head-torches.

How long are the sessions?

Between 1 and 1.5 hours.

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]]> Shannon River https://visitlongford.ie/activity/shannon-river/ Wed, 20 May 2026 09:14:06 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=8003 Shannon River Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Discover Scenic Boat Trips and Outdoor Adventures on Shannon River, Longford. The mighty River Shannon borders Longford on its western side […]

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Aerial view of a river with a stone bridge, surrounded by green fields, houses, and trees, with a marina and a large industrial building visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Shannon River

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Discover Scenic Boat Trips and Outdoor Adventures on Shannon River, Longford.

The mighty River Shannon borders Longford on its western side and offers fantastic opportunities for on and off water experiences.

Whether its angling, cruising, guided tours of its historic islands or sauna experiences overlooking the beautiful Lough Ree, a Shannon experience is a must-do for any visitor.

Why Visit

  • One of Irelands most scenic waterways
  • Famous for its fishing , particularly pike fishing
  • Tours of its Islands available from Lanesboro/Ballyleague

Good to Know

  • The Shannon is Ireland’s longest river
  • Lanesboro hosts the Gael Force river swim every year (May)
  • The Lough Ree Gin Distillery is in Lanesboro

The River Shannon runs down the spine of Ireland, central to much of Ireland’s Mythology and an important habitat for fish and wildlife. It offers the opportunity to see and experience the real beauty of Ireland from its very heart.

Contact Details

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What You Can Do
  • Boating and cruising along calm waterways
  • Fishing and angling in rich river habitats
  • Wildlife spotting and nature watching
  • Lakeside walks and riverside trails
  • Relaxed sightseeing and photography

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]]> Lough Ree Access For All https://visitlongford.ie/activity/lough-ree-access-for-all/ Wed, 20 May 2026 09:05:16 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=7954 Lough Ree Access For All Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Accessible boating tours on beautiful Lough Ree for all. Lough Ree Boat Trips (Access for All) is an […]

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Two people wearing life jackets and jackets laugh together whilst standing on a boat on a calm lake, with green trees and blue sky in the background.
A small motorboat with a red roof floats on a calm river surrounded by tall grass, reeds, and green vegetation, with lily pads scattered on the water's surface.

Lough Ree Access For All

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Accessible boating tours on beautiful Lough Ree for all.

Lough Ree Boat Trips (Access for All) is an inclusive boating experience on Lough Ree, offering accessible water-based adventures for all visitors, including wheelchair users.

Why Visit

  • One of Ireland’s most inclusive boating experiences
  • Scenic tours across Lough Ree’s islands and shoreline
  • Suitable for visitors from across Ireland and abroad

Good To Know

  • Based on Lough Ree, serving Longford & surrounding counties
  • Daily sailings available (weather dependent)
  • More information: loughreeboattrips.com

Lough Ree Boat Trips offers a unique and fully accessible way to enjoy Ireland’s waterways — combining scenic beauty, inclusion, and memorable on-water experiences.

Contact Details

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What You Can Experience
  • Accessible boat tours on Lough Ree
  • Sightseeing cruises to Quaker Island & Barley Harbour
  • Fishing and angling trips
  • Nature and wildlife viewing
  • Guided group excursions
Accessibility Features
  • Fully accessible boarding via bow ramp
  • Space for up to 3 wheelchair users at once
  • Roll-on/roll-off access without assistance required
  • Purpose-designed accessible passenger vessel
  • Suitable for all weather conditions

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