Spills & Thrills - Guided White Water Experience
Approximatly two and a half hours long
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.
Our Guided White Water Spills and Thrills Adventure is based on the uniquely beautiful River Barrow in Ireland Ancient East. This tour starts and finishes in Clashganny which is based just outside the charming village of Borris in Co. Carlow. This fully guided adventure is definitely our most popular tour as you get the opportuinity to shoot the weirs and ride the rapids with an experienced guide. This is an activity that provides fun for all the family. Our events operate in a safe environment. 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 also allows this tour to be a loop trail meaning we start and finish in the same place.
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.
There are toilets and changing facilities available onsite. These facilities are for public use and are property of Waterways Ireland.
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.
You will need to set aside up to 3 hours – this includes:
Meet & Greet in the car park in Clashganny outside Borris Co. Carlow. Meet your guides and other members of the group joining the adventure.
Get geared up in the public changing facilities on site. Everybody will be provided with the required gear including wetsuits, buoyancy jackets and helmets, you can wear your own suitable clothes if you wish.
Safety chat and demonstration – how to hold the paddle, what strokes to use and how to navigate your boat.
10 minutes warm up in the Old Harbor – We start off in an area of flat calm water to learn the basic strokes, build your confidence and then off we go.
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 also have a few fun challenges to try and watch others give a go.
There are old lock keepers cottages, scenic waterfalls, and old castle and eel weirs and of course breathtaking views. We will tell you some stories and history of the river along our adventure.
We then transfer back onto the Barrow Navigation using the lock and head back up the river to where we started.
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.
Once back to Clashganny and changed into dry clothes we will send you the pictures we got to your WhatsApp through the phone number you used to book.
Consider staying in the area for a bite to eat or to check out other fun activities. Check out our VISIT AREA GUIDE.
- 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
- Wetsuit
- Buoyancy Jacket
- Helmet
- Single Sit on Top Kayak / Double Canoe
- Paddle
- Experienced Guide
- Complimentary Digital Photo Album
Please meet your guide at the red shipping container in the car park.
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. These facilities are for public use and are property of Waterways Ireland.
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 be able to swim and comfortable in the water. This is an adventure. There is a possibility you may capsize and end up in the water.
Participants must be able to swim.
Our equipment has a maximum capacity of 130KG.
Customers will receive a full refund or credit if cancellation is made 10 days or more prior to the event. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.