Water Activities

Whether you like to have fun on, in or under the water, Ireland is the perfect playground for you. Those who thrive on high-energy fun will love surfing, waterskiing and white-water rafting. If you're into more mellow watery pursuits, snorkeling or dolphin watching might be more your cup of tea. And if you're one of those people that just have to dive right in, plumbing the depths with a scuba tank on your back might be perfect for you. There are loads more options too. All you have to do is make up your mind and go make a splash!



Sea Kayaking and River Paddling

Whether it's lazy river excursions in Canadian canoes, voyaging on the big blue in a sea kayak, or bouncing down a white-water river, Ireland has options galore if you get your kicks travelling by paddle power. You'll need an instructor to get started – but even learning is great fun.



Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Ireland is a diving and snorkeling paradise boasting great visibility, numerous mysterious wrecks and nutrient-rich water teeming with sea life. Lots of dive schools provide access to the myriad of sites and many offer inexpensive introductory 'try dives' to get you started.



Waterskiing and Wakeboarding

Ireland's sheltered bays, lakes and waterways are havens of calm. These might not seem like destinations for adrenalin high but the flat-water environs of the coast, the Shannon and our lakes are perfect for trying the high-octane sports of waterskiing and wakeboarding.



Whale and Dolphin Watching

Ireland is one of the best places in Europe to go whale and dolphin watching. A total of 24 species have been sighted in our waters, including minke, fin and humpback whales, as well as Risso's and bottlenose dolphins. On rare occasions white beaked dolphins, and even pilot and killer whales, also make appearances.