The Kilkenny Trail - One Day Hire - Goresbridge to Graiguenamanagh
On average this trip takes approximately 5 hours. The canoe is available to you for 7 hours.
The canoe trail between Goresbridge and Graiguenamanagh is probably the most beautiful, fun and interesting waterway anywhere to be found in Ireland. Starting in Goresbridge village at the 17th century 9 arch bridge this hidden waterway slowly winds its way south through lush countryside. You will find tall pine woodland bordering the river at points along the way, at other times the native oaks prevail. A section of this is through the Borris Estate after Borris lock and is particularly beautiful and relaxing listening to the birds chat. Once a navigation channel used by Guinness to deliver Ireland's favourite tipple - now a quiet backwater occasionally navigated by a motorboat. Experience the start of the Barrow gorge but stick to the intimate parallel lateral canals that intersect along the way to avoid the whitewater rapids.
The waterway is kept at a navigable level by a series of cascading weirs, at each weir, a parallel canal takes travelers around the rough water and continues with the smooth. There are charming old lock cottages at each canal lock - excellent places to stop off and enjoy a picnic or a wild swim. This tour is suitable for beginners but recommended for people seeking adventure.
You will meet a member of the Go With The Flow River Adventures team by the slip at the river in Goressbridge. Perhaps by this stage you have completed your car transfer or if you would like to arrive early the Goodly Barrow is located on the other side of the river from the meeting point in Goresbridge. This is a gorgeous Cafe and Museum full of fantastic stories and delicious meals. A great option to fuel up for your epic adventure. We will give you your gear and guidance on your adventure answering any questions you may have. Once you have all your safety gear on and belongings stored away in barrels you are ready to begin your adventure.
On your journey moving down river you will meet the following landmarks and locks:
- Lower Ballyellen lock
- Ballytiglea lock
- Ballytiglea Bridge
- Borris lock
- Ballingrane lock
- Clashganna lock - toilets here
- Ballykeenan lock (Double lock)
On arrival in monastic Graignamanagh before the bridge you will leave leave your canoe at the first set of steps on the right HERE. You have probably worked up an appetite along the way, have some food in the waterside or a local take away. Check out the local craft outlet - Duiske Glass or visit some of the historic sites - the restored Duiske Abbey and the lovely quayside lined with boats of all description.
If you're staying or passing through Graiguenamanagh and have some free time check out the sauna in town - The Hot Box Sauna. Prebooking online is essential.
We recommend you do a car transfer if you will be travelling with two cars or more if not you could prebook a taxi back to Goresbridge.
Please select one ticket per person attending. Selection per person indicates a canoe or kayak seat. Canoes have two seats per boat, kayaks have one seat per boat.
You will be finishing your adventure in Graiguenamanagh at the steps down to the river HERE.
- Spare warm suitable clothes
- Light rain jacket
- Food and water
Things to consider bringing:
- Throw rope
- Knife
- Mobile phone and waterproof case
- Whistle
- All camping equipment
- First aid kit
- Repair Kit which should include duct tape and multi tool (at a minimum)
- Dry Bag or other method of keeping electronic equipment dry
- Canoe / Sit on top Kayak
- Paddle
- Buoyancy Jacket
- Helmet
- Barrel
- Optional Extra: River Barrow Guide Book €25
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.
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.
You can meet Go With The Flow River Adventures at the slip in Goresbridge
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.
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.
Please select one ticket per person attending. Selection per person indicates a canoe or kayak seat. Canoes have two seats per boat, kayaks have one seat per boat.
Taxi back to Goresbridge available all day but prior booking is recommended.(Not Included) Otherwise you could do a car transfer with other members of your group leaving a car at the finish point before setting off on your adventure.
Canoes will be picked up from Graiguenamanagh after finishing there. However, you may be asked to secure them until we can get there or leave them in storage.
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 possible the canoe may capsize on this tour. 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.
Our equipment has a maximum capacity of 130KG per person.
On average this trip takes approximately 5 hours. The canoe is available to you for 7 hours.
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 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.
Camping is a great addition to your adventure there are two options you can do, firstly wild camping is possible along the river bank for example there is lots of space in Clashganny for camping with public toilets open during the day. If you would like to include paid camping at an official camp site this is available in Graiguenamanagh. South of the bridge to the right of the river as you look down stream is the Barrow Valley Activities Hub (The Hub). They have fantastic facilities such as toilets, showers, campers kitchen and often live music. There is a fire pit for use of campers on a first come first serve basis and firewood available to purchase in the campers shop onsite. They are also right in the town close to all the local amenities like shops, cafes and pubs. To stay here you must book in please select one camping ticket per person per night. There is a specific area where you are allowed to pitch your tent so please check in with reception on arrival. Please note the reception area will close at 5pm. There is extremely limited parking here but it is possible to arrive ahead of your adventure (the morning of) to pitch your tent so you don't need to bring all your camping equipment on the trail with you. Always remember to leave no trace when outdoors. This also means no fires to be lit and no rubbish left behind. Please leave the area how you found it.
