Valley of the Monks - Half or Full Day Canoe Hire
Half-day hire (3 hours): To Graignamanagh and back to Clashganny
Full-day hire (6 hours): To Graignamangh and finish in St Mullins (Taxi back not included)
This tour is perfect if you want to escape the crowds and set your own pace on a relaxing self-guided canoe adventure. This tour is named after Graiguenamanagh or in Irish is Gráig na Manach literally translates to the "valley (or village) of the monks". This name reflects the town's historical roots, which are centered around the founding of the Cistercian Duiske Abbey in 1204. Enjoy this experience of discovery 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. Consider checking out Peg Washington's Lane or the Duiske Abbey. Grab a coffee or a pint (00) in Mick Doyles 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.
Here are just some of the things you can expect to see:
Pretty lock-keepers cottage
Majestic mature wooded valleys
Old castle and ancient church
Abundant wildlife like Herons, Otters, Egrets, Kingfishers, Dippers, Ducks and their young and the occasional Swan
Interesting town, friendly pubs, unusual eateries and shops to restock
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.
Please make use of our handy guide on how to navigate the river while planning your adventure and white on your journey. Our MAP page is complete with distance guide and number of locks from point to point making planning easy for you. Trace your route, identify points of interest, and plan your picnic or camping stops using the information provided.
We also supply a barrel to protect your belongings.
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 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)
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. Please ensure you finish at the slip in St. Mullins .
If you have hired the equipment for a half day you will make the return journey back to Clashganny please note you are due back at either 12.30pm or 4.30pm.
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.
Please note most people stay completely dry on this tour so below is a guide, best to be prepared as this is an adventure:
- 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
- Canoe /Sit on top Kayak
- Paddle
- Buoyancy Jacket
- Helmet
- Barrel
- Optional Extra: River Barrow Guide Book €25
This is a self guided tour you will not have a guide with you on the water.
We do not provide a lift back to your car after the adventure please either do a car transfer or prebook a taxi if you are finishing in St Mullins. (Taxi not included)
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. (Note: Ziplock bags are not waterproof.)
It is a condition of hire that you will not consume alcohol while canoeing.
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 each lock. There is a low boardwalk at most locks to facilitate this. PLEASE never drag our canoes as 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 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 or get a taxi back. (Taxi not included) A delicious meal and homemade desserts are available in The Mullichain so make sure you arrive before closing time at 5pm.
- Go With The Flow River Adventures does not provide for solo travel. A minimum of two people are required per booking. This adventure is not suitable for a child under 12 years old to paddle a kayak as the duration of the trail is too long. They must opt to join an adult in a canoe. Children must be at least 7 years of age and comfortable in the water. Participants must be able to swim. It is unlikely the canoe will capsize on this tour but may still happen. This is an adventure.
- Our equipment has a maximum capacity of 130KG per person.
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.
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.
Please make use of our handy guide on how to navigate the river while planning your adventure and white on your journey. Our MAP page is complete with distance guide and number of locks from point to point making planning easy for you. Trace your route, identify points of interest, and plan your picnic or camping stops using the information provided.
Customers will receive a full refund or credit if cancellation is made 10days 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.