Graiguenamanagh Guided Whitewater Splash & Dash
Our Graiguenamanagh White Water Splash and Dash Adventure is based on the uniquely beautiful River Barrow in Ireland Ancient East. This tour starts and finishes in Graiguenamanagh which is located 30 minutes drive outside Kilkenny City. This tour is recommended if you have already joined our Guided White Water Spills and Thrills tour that operates from Clashganny. This is an activity that provides fun for all the family. The tour comprises of spills, thrills, nature, history, folklore and tales. We explore both the canal and natural river including the locks, weirs and rapids. The perfect combination of relaxing flat water and adrenaline filled white water.
This trail is one of Ireland’s most popular river canoeing destinations. Travel through the 250 year old lock system designed by Leonardo Da Vinci used by the Guinness Barges for transporting goods. Watch the kingfishers and herons dive into the water for their lunch. Hear the tapping of the woodpecker in the lush forest. Smell the fresh air and wild garlic grow along our riverbanks. Taste the blackberries and wild plums planted by the lock keepers. Feel the splash of the water as you ride the weirs and rapids. This is much more than just a canoeing trip, this is a wild epic adventure.
This adventure allows you to discover Ireland from a new perspective. Wander off the track and allow us to safely show you what the River Barrow has to offer. A fully immersive experience that will ensure a digital detox for the duration. An activity you don’t want to miss out on.
This adventure is with Single Sit-on-top Kayaks with some double Canadian Canoes available for one adult and one child under 10 years old to share.
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What to Expect
Arrive in Graiguenamanagh. Meet your guides and other members of the group joining the adventure.
Get geared up in the changing facilities on site. Everybody will be provided with the required gear including wetsuits, buoyancy jackets and helmets but you can wear your own suitable clothes if you wish.
Safety chat before we begin the journey including a demonstration of how to hold the paddle, what strokes to use and how to navigate your boat.
On our adventure you can experience rising up through a lock system typically found on a canal which gives us access to the river.
On the trail there are weirs and rapids so expect a few spills and thrills but nothing scary.
We continue into another lock to regain the height we dropped down on the whitewater.
We will tell you some stories and history of the river along our adventure.
Our journey back is along a peaceful canal where you can soak in all the sights and sounds of nature at your own pace.
Our tour is a loop where we experience both the natural river and the canal systems.
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What We Provide
- Wetsuit
- Buoyancy Jacket
- Helmet
- Single Sit on Top Kayak
- Paddle
- Experienced Guide
- Complimentary Digital Photo Album
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What to Bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Old Runners that will get wet (Not flip flops or crocs etc.)
- Water
- Snack
- Suncream(Fingers crossed)
- Full change of clothing
- Light rain coat
- Extra layers such as a warm hat and fleece if it’s cold. – Avoid Cotton
- Personal toiletries
- Wetsuit if you have your own if not we will provide one
- Optional extras: Waterproof phone case if you own one
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Important Information
This is a public area where vehicles are parked at owners’ risk. There are lots of free parking options available just a short walk away. Please allow extra time on arrival to get parking and arrive at our meeting point for the time slot you have booked your adventure.
Graiguenamanagh Boat Club
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GjjyKrMZosNrFaNe7Turf Market Carpark
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rvs241bwbYasBXeNAStreet Parking in the town
There are toilets and changing facilities available onsite these are not our facilities.
This is an adventure. There is a possibility you may capsize and end up in the water.
Children must be at least 7 years of age and comfortable in the water.
Participants must be able to swim.
Our equipment has a maximum capacity of 130KG.
Testimonials
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
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have A Question?
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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.