Go with the Flow River Adventures
Go with the Flow – River Adventures is a family run, adventure activity business established in 1996 by Charlie Horan. We offer affordable, guided canoe trails, canoe hire and canoe holidays on the beautiful Barrow river. No experience required – our adventures are available to complete beginners of all ages and abilities. We also sell canoes and kayaks.
Our Story
Imagine being interred in a pub every single weekend. Every Saturday and every Sunday. Not bad proposition really if you were keeping the counter steady with your friends and enjoying the craic and a few beers. However if your working every weekend, after 16 years it begins to wear. That’s where canoeing saved my head. We started with an informal club in the pub. Heading out on Sunday afternoons, discovering, exploring and checking out new routes.
View Our full storiesTeam
Charlie Horan
Owner & Founder
Rachel
Business Development Manager
Darren
Guide
Bloom
Head of MarketingTestimonials
What People Are Saying About Us!
Stag day out with the lads
We had an unforgettable stag party with Go With The Flow. Our group had a mix of kayaks and open canoes, which were perfect for our mix of abilities. Our guide Charlie and his friendly dog pal kept us entertained all morning with tonnes of interesting information about the history of the area and reassurance for those who were a bit nervous of the bumpier parts of the river!
Overall, it was a fantastic activity, filled with good fun and lots of laughs. I would definitely recommend Go With The Flow to anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable experience
James O'Hagan
A super day trip
We were a large group of family and friends and had a super day on the river with the guys. Floating down the rapids was the best part. We all definitely want to do it again, even make it a regular event. I couldn’t recommend it more highly. The guys were really accommodating too as some people were late and were in a hurry, but they made it work for all of us. We won’t forget it. Thanks so much.
Sybil E
Team building day
We were a group of three self-guided Australians and visited May 2024. We hired one canoe, which 2 of us paddled, and 1 kayak. The weather was great, with sun shine for the entire 4 hours. We were met promptly and the vessels are kept in good order. We were given a ‘barrel’ to store our phones and dry clothes etc. We were able to contact the organisers during the paddle when we needed. Make sure you understand the transport arrangements as it is left to you to get yourself to the launch spot and back to town from where you emerge after the paddle. Some locks require some strength to navigate and the route around them is not always easy to locate. It can depend on seasonal conditions. This paddle was a highlight of our trip. It really is gorgeous, safe and fun! The river signs will always steer you safely around any rapids if you choose not to take them on! Thank you for this family run local business!
Deb Carr
Stag gathering
Great day out, shook the cobwebs off!! Charlie and the lads were brilliant. They were so sound I thought they were actually part of the stag!! Def coming back here next chance I get. Lovely surroundings, good equipment and dead sound instructors. What more would ya want?
Conor H
Brilliant fun on the Barrow
There’s a first time for everything and we thoroughly enjoyed making a splash kayaking on the River Barrow, Co. Carlow with our new four legged friend Bloom (the doggo) 🐾
Big thanks to our kayak instructor Rachel and the team at Go With The Flow for an amazing experience! Super activity if you’re travelling on your own or in a group 💚
We recommend you bring at least a spare pair of shoes and extra clothes (you can get changed in the dressing rooms at the start).
BEST OF IRELAND
Stag Day out !!! Amazing Experience Canoeing
We went for a canoeing outing for my friends STAG had a great time on the river , an amazing trip with beautiful scenery and we were lucky to have amazing weather. All gear provided, facilities for changing and showering were superb.Charlie is a amazing instructor and made us feel confident even though we hadn’t tried canoeing before. The instructions provided were clear and easy to follow .
We had such a great time going down weirs in the canoe and getting to swim down the rapids and there wasn’t a dull moment.
We loved every second of it.
I would highly recommend Go With The Flow – River Adventures .
Thanks Charlie we had a fantastic day!!!
Abhayaiya
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Tips For Safer
Canoeing and
Kayaking
Canoeing and Kayaking on the River Barrow is a safe environment, however, procedures must still be followed as this is an adventure. Firstly we follow the law by wearing a buoyancy Jacket at ALL times on the river. Secondly, ‘less that three should never be’ this means a minimum of three people should be on your adventure. Never take on a challenge bigger that your capability and know your limits.
View all safety detailsFrequently Asked
Questions
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What can I expect when I get there?
Depending on the tour you have booked but usually we meet up by the river and after a brief introductory chat we get changed into our wetsuits. This is followed by a demonstration and safety talk and then for a further 15 minutes or so we will bring you through the basic strokes in an area of calm, sheltered, flat water. After that the real adventure begins.
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What do I need to bring with me?
Depending on the tour you are going on, the duration of our trip and the forecasted weather conditions below are some recommendations for packing:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Old Runners that will get wet (Not flip flops or crocs etc.)
- Water
- Snacks
- Suncream (Fingers crossed)
- Full change of clothing
- Light rain coat
- First aid kit
- Dry Bag
- Extra layers such as a warm hat and fleece if it’s cold. – Avoid Cotton
- Personal toiletries
- Wetsuit
- Throw rope
- Knife
- Waterproof phone case
- Whistle
- Camping equipment
- Repair Kit
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How long will the trip take?
Our trips vary from Half Day – 2.5 to 3 hours to Full Day – 5 to 6 hours or Multi Day Canoe Holidays.
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What happens if it’s raining?
We go out on the water even in the rain. You will more than likely be getting wet on your adventure anyways. You should consider bringing an extra layer or a waterproof or windproof jacket with you.
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Do I need a wetsuit?
No. We provide wetsuits for participants on our Guided White Water Adventures but if you do have your own feel free to use it. If you don’t want to wear a wetsuit you can wear suitable sporting clothing (avoid cotton) so a change of clothes is necessary, in this instance. You must be prepared for the fact that you may get wet.
