Here’s All You Need To Know:

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How safe is it?

    The River Barrow is a safe environment when approached with care and caution. Consider a guided adventure if you are particularly nervous. There is a lateral canal that runs parallel to the river which does not have any white water on it. This means all white water sections can be avoided, those who do not want the challenge of white water can take alternative flat water routes at those points.

  • Is there white water?

    Absolutely! White Water is also known as fast moving water, the water turns ‘white’ from the splashes and waves from movement. The River Barrow consists of a continuation of weirs and rapids. Weirs are man made dams built to back up the water so the river is deep enough and slow enough for larger boats to pass. Rapids are made from fast water moving downhill over rocks. But because of the lateral canal all White Water can be avoided by taking the navigation channel instead.

  • Can I bring a camera?

    Yes you can, providing it’s waterproof! However, there’s no need to bring one on a guided tour as we take pictures and will send them to you by Whatsapp after the adventure.

  • Is it suitable for families?

    Yes. Children should be seven years or older and able to swim / be comfortable in the water. They will be wearing buoyancy aids. Consider a guided tour or a shorter trip if bringing small children.

  • Will I end up in the same place where I started?

    On some of our tours we paddle on a mix of both the River Barrow and The Barrow Navigation. This allows us to complete a loop starting and finishing in the one location. This happens on most of our guided tours. On our Canoe Holidays or some other Canoe Hire options you will not finish in the same place you have started. In this instance you are required to manage your own transportation. You can either do a car transfer with other members of your group ensuring there is a car left at your finish point or alternatively you can book a taxi in advance. We will send you local taxi numbers in your booking confirmation email. There are a limited number of local link buses available in the area too.

  • Do I need insurance?

    We do not provide any form of insurance with our Canoe Hire services. 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.

  • Where do the adventures take place?

    Most of our adventures take place on the river Barrow in the Carlow / Kilkenny area in the South East of Ireland. Depending on the trip you book will depend on the exact location you will be starting in.

  • Do I need to book in advance?

    Yes. We highly recommend that you book in advance to ensure that you get the dates you want.