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Valley Of The Monks

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This tour is perfect if you want to escape the crowds and set your own pace on a relaxing self-guided canoe adventure. Enjoy the experience for a few hours or a full day. Paddling down the Barrow river offers a freedom rarely encountered in the mad rush of our busy lives. Move at your leisure, dipping your paddle into calm waters and soaking in the serenity of the surroundings. Unlike a guided tour, you control the itinerary. Drift along, enjoying the peace and quiet. Grab a coffee in Graiguenamanagh before either continuing back to Clashganny or if you’ve booked a full day you will keep paddling down to St. Mullins. This self-guided flat water canoe trip is perfect for those who prefer independence and a chance to discover the beauty of the water at their own pace.

No experience necessary.

What to Expect

On arrival at Clashganny we will give you your equipment at The Red Shipping Container.

We will explain all you will need to know about navigation your adventure and answer any questions you may have. Once you have put on a buoyancy jacket and helmet and secured your belongings into a barrel your ready to hit the river.

The adventure starts in a quiet river harbor where you will get to practice your skills and learn the basics of turning the canoe.

As you continue down the river you will stick to the navigation that is always on the left. (The right is where the white water is such as weirs and rapids)

Along your journey you can expect to see pretty lock-keepers cottages, majestic mature wooded valleys and abundant wildlife like Herons, Otters, Egrets, Kingfishers, Dippers, Ducks and their young and the occasional swan.

Down the canal you will arrive at a lock. Here you must get out of your boat and carry (Don’t Drag!) your boat around it and get back in.

On arrival in Graiguenamanagh you can tie your boat up before the bridge to the left of the river. Hop out of the canoe and over the bridge for a wander around or a coffee. Make sure you bring all valuables with you.

If you are hiring for a full day you can then continue your journey down to St. Mullins again always keeping to the left of the river and carrying the boat around the next 4 locks you will encounter.

If you have hired the equipment for a half day you will make the return journey back to Clashganny.

Come along and immerse yourself in this inspiring nature corridor. Forget about work, relax, chill out and allow the rhythm of your paddle to meditate your mind.

If there is one adventure that is a must do on this beautiful island the Barrow trail is for sure the most rewarding.
What We Provides
- Canoe
- Paddle
- Buoyancy Jacket
- Helmet
- Barrels
- Optional Extra: River Barrow Guide Book €25
What to Bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Old Runners that will get wet (Not flip flops or crocs etc.)
- Water
- Snack
- Sunscreen (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 one but this is not necessary
- Optional extras: Waterproof phone case if you own one
Important Information

Insurance We do not provide any form of insurance with our canoe hire service. We therefore highly recommend that you take out a travel or holiday insurance policy that will cover canoeing activity up to level / grade 2 water. It is also recommended that if you are bringing along electronic items that you have them insured and that you have provided waterproof storage for each.

It is a condition of hire that you will not attempt to shoot or go down any weirs while still in the canoe. This activity is dangerous and could very easily lead to injury or loss or damage to property.

There is a flat-water navigation channel running the entire length of the waterway which avoids all weirs and rapids.

Heavy Lifting Please note you will have to lift the canoes out of the water when you get to BallyKeenan Lock. There is a low boardwalk at both ends to facilitate this. PLEASE never drag our canoes are they are easily damaged. Additional lifting required if you are heading to St Mullins. (5 Locks)

Buoyancy jackets are provided for each individual and by law you are required to wear them at all times while canoeing. Helmets can also be provided.

Canoes can be picked up from Graignamanagh should you decide to walk back. Canoes will be picked up from St Mullins if you choose to finish there. However you may be asked to secure them until we can get there or leave them in the storage paddock.

Anyone finishing in St Mullins will either do a car transfer with other members of your group or get a taxi back. (Taxi not included)

Participants must be able to swim. It is unlikely the canoe will capsize on this tour but may still happen. This is an adventure.

There is some parking available but please arrive early to get parking. This is a public area where vehicles are parked at owners’ risk.

There are toilets and changing facilities available onsite where the canoeing adventure begins. These facilities are for public use and are property of Waterways Ireland.

Children must be at least 7 years of age and comfortable in the water.

Dogs are welcome on this tour, however, only small dogs are recommended. We do not provide any additional equipment or supplies for dogs. Please bring your own buoyancy jacket for them.

Our equipment has a maximum capacity of 130KG per person.

Trip Details

Age:	7+
Duration:	3 hrs to 6 hrs
Price:	Adult From €35 Child From €25
Available:	April to October
Distance:	7.5km
Location:	Start at The Red Shipping Container, Clashganny, Co. Carlow View Map For Full Day Hire Finish at The Slip, St. Mullins, Co. Carlow View Map

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Get a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

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

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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.
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
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.
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.
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.