Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Moonlight Kayaking on River Roe
County Londonderry

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Boating, Canoeing & Kayaking

Northern Ireland is part of an island on the very western edge of Europe. Which grants us both an awesome, ocean-formed coastline and a climate which gifts us the myriad rivers, streams and lakes. Everywhere you go in search of water-born fun and excitement, you’ll discover marinas, boat yards, canoe and kayak hire specialists who are only too ready and willing to help you make the most of it all.

Where better to start than along Northern Ireland’s most famous coast: the Causeway Coast.

Coastal Connections Kayak & Walking Tour is based in Ballycastle Harbour, and each tour begins with a 1-hour guided kayak trail around beautiful Ballycastle Bay. Back on dry land you’ll enjoy a short walking tour of the town as you step back in time to the area’s rich heritage of myths and legends.

Also in Ballycastle is Sea Haven Waterbikes. These part-bikes, part-catamarans are the easy-going option if you’ve not quite got your sea legs into gear. They’re perfect for a gentle upright paddle around the bay and you don’t even have to get into wet suits or swimming costumes – just pull on the supplied buoyancy aids and away you cycle.

Aquaholics diving and boating centre in Portstewart is the place to start a safari with a difference on one of a fleet of specialised tour boats which will whisk you out to sea in no time. Minutes after casting off from Portstewart or Ballycastle, you’ll see the world-famous Causeway Coast from a completely different angle: Giant’s Causeway from the sea, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge from below, and Dunluce Castle with the hills behind it.

Surf’s up in Portrush

There’s no better place for surfing than Portrush, the capital of Northern Ireland’s surfing community and where many surfers come and few ever leave. No surprise given that it’s home to two of the best surf beaches in Ireland: East and West Strand beach.

Among the many surf schools in the area is Troggs, based at the North Coast Watersports Centre and ranked one of the top three surf schools in Great Britain and Ireland, as well as having one of the best surf stores.. Troggs offer lessons in both board surfing and stand-up paddle-boarding with the aim of providing a fun, informative and safe introduction to the world of surfing.

Bobbing along in Belfast

Bryson Lagan Sports is the place if a visit to Belfast gives you a yen for a bit of a paddle in a kayak on the River Lagan. A kayak trip here will bring you around the harbour and the Lagan quays, giving you a unique water-borne perspective on how the city has changed since the days when the Titanic itself was launched here.

Dipping and diving in County Down

The Causeway Coast might hog the limelight with some of its world-famous sights, but don’t let County Down deceive you because there’s just as much excitement to be had along the Irish Sea.

Strangford Lough is the largest sea inlet in Britain or Ireland, covering 58 square miles, and it’s dotted with more than 70 islands and countless coves, harbours, quays and piers. All this makes it ideal boating and kayaking territory for both novices and the saltiest of sea dogs alike.

Strangford Lough Activity Centre bring the best of water sports to you. From kayaking out to the islands for a sunset BBQ to speed boat trips across the open lough and sunrise stand-up paddle boarding, this is how the most amazing holiday memories are made.

If you’re an experienced canoeist then Strangford Lough really offer miles of water to enjoy with Clearsky Adventure Centre. Navigating the world-famous tidal race at Portaferry is just the start of the challenge. There is almost too much to discover and take in, from diving dolphins and porpoises to the pod of orcas that are occasional visitors here.

And located right in the heart of the Mournes, is Life Adventure Centre specialising in all things outdoor recreation. Join them on a guided canoe or kayak tour on Castlewellan Lake with one of their experienced and passionate guides or take the reins (paddles) yourself and navigate the Lake Trail on a self-guided visit to create your own giant adventure.

From saltwater to freshwater - in Fermanagh

Even away from the coast, you’re never far from an opportunity to take to the water here. There’s the mighty Bann and Foyle rivers, and Lough Neagh is not only the largest freshwater lake in Britain and Ireland, but it’s also the spot from which the Isle of Man was torn and thrown by the legendary giant Finn McCool when he was having a bad day - or so they say!

But there are no bad days to be had in County Fermanagh because when it comes to water-based activities it’s all here.

The county is dominated by Lough Erne, the Lower lough is to the north, and the Upper lough is to the south. Both are connected by the River Erne and right in the middle is the town of Enniskillen. The best way to explore the whole system of river, lakes and the Shannon-Erne canal is by hiring a cabin cruiser. Carrick Craft in Bellanaleck and Aghinver Boat Hire in Irvinestown are just two boat hire operators on the system. Cruise the lakes and visit historic islands such as Devenish Island, White Island and Boa Island, all of which have archaeological sites to explore. Erne Water Taxi's chauffeur driven boats allow you to explore the history of Lough Erne from the comfort of a covered 8- seater with Barry the local guide.

The lakes are perfect for kayaking and canoeing and there are numerous places to hire from, including Castle Archdale Marina near Irvinestown. There are countless backwaters and bays to explore here, with plenty of places to pull up and enjoy a picnic or a lakeside meal in one of the many pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels that are dotted along the banks shores.

You could paddle your life away here – that’s Northern Ireland for you!

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Number of results: 29

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Canoe and Cake

Killinchy

Address

52A Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

Telephone
+44 (0) 7749 011 283

Type

Type:

Food Tour

A wellness experience and combines two experiences in one.

More Info
Donaghadee Sailing Club

Donaghadee

Address

20 Shore Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0DG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9188 4270

office@donaghadeesc.co.uk

Type

Type:

Cruising

Training in dinghy sailing & safety boat handling. Donaghadee Sailing Club is situated in Shore Street overlooking the harbour

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
59 reviews
Hydrobikes at Enniskillen Castle

Enniskillen

Address

Stuarts Car Park, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7JY

Telephone
+44 28 686 21156

info@castlearchdaleboathire.com

Price
Price £23.00 to £27.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

This unique water experience is set in the water below the magnificent Enniskillen Castle and can be done in the day or at nighttime, providing a completely unique perspective of the town.

Price
Price £23.00 to £27.00 Activity

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
32 reviews
Following Seas

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus Marina, 3 Quayside, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7852151378

info@followingseas.co.uk

Type

Type:

Adventure Watersports

Depart Carrickfergus & enjoy sailing a modern, luxury yacht; be as active or leisurely as you want. Harness wind power to get close to nature, discover hidden talents, work as a team or choose to just relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Strangford Lough Yacht Club

Newtownards

Address

Strangford Lough Yacht Club, Whiterock, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 6QA

Telephone
+44028 9754 1883

office@slyc.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sailing

Junior dinghy sailing courses
Adult sailing courses
Power boat courses

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Ballycastle Marina

Ballycastle

Address

14 Bayview Road, Portnagree House Harbour & Marina Visitor Centre, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 8525

ballycastle.marina@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

The superb 74 berth Blue Flag marina is situated within the inner basin of Ballycastle Harbour and provides visiting vessels with sheltered pontoon berthing for vessels up to 20 metres. Blue Flag Award Winner.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
East Coast Adventure Centre

Rostrevor

Address

Rostrevor Mountain Lodge & East Coast Glamping, 34 Lower Knockbarragh Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3DP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4173 8516

jennifer@eastcoastadventure.com

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

East Coast Adventure Centre - Newry & Mourne Mountain area. Water sports, Cycling, Hiking, School Activities - Family Fun - Glamping - a perfect location outside Rostrevor Village and 5 mins from Warrenpoint

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Newry Ship Canal

Newry

Address

Omeath Road, c/o Visitor Services & Attractions, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0)330 137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Sailing

Fish in historic surroundings along the British Isles' first ever ship canal. The Canal opened for traffic in 1742 and only ceased operation in 1976. Business may be dead but the waters are alive. The fishable section, which runs for 3.5 miles.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
96 reviews
Carrickfergus Marina

Carrickfergus

Address

3 Quayside, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 6666

Marina.reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

Carrickfergus' world class 300 berth marina, with excellent private and public amenities, conference facilities, and local information point. Home to many local boats and choice destination for many foreign visitors, all welcomed by friendly staff.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Crom Estate Boat Hire

Newtownbutler

Address

Crom Estate, Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, BT92 8AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6773 8118

crom@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Petrol engine boat hire, rowing boat hire, Canadian canoe hire.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Newcastle Yacht Club

Newcastle

Address

12 South Promenade, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0EY

Telephone
+44 (0) 7745 093 545

nycltd@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Adventure Sports

Newcastle Yacht Club is a family oriented Sailing Club and Training Centre situated in a scenic bay at the foot of the Mourne mountains. With Dinghy racing twice a week in Summer we also accommodate Cruisers, windsurfers, kayaking and motor boating.

More Info
Portaferry Marina

Newtownards

Address

Lifeboat Station, The Strand, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 1PF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7703 209 780

info@portaferrymarina.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sailing

Portaferry Marina is situated on the east shore of The Narrows, the gateway to Strangford Lough, a marine nature reserve of unparalleled beauty, it is a good starting point on which to explore the Lough, and on-shore activities.

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Strangford Lough Activity Centre

Killinchy

Address

40 Whiterock Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6PT

Telephone
+44 (0) 7909 721 898

strangfordloughactivitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Strangford Lough Activity Centre offer a variety of land and water activities throughout Northern Ireland. Whatever your adventure, we’ll help you realise it. We are run by a team of qualified experienced instructors & guides.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
59 reviews
Castle Archdale Marina Boat Hire & Water Sports

Irvinestown

Address

Castle Archdale Marina, Lisnarick, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, BT94 1NB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6862 1156

info@castlearchdaleboathire.com

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Castle Archdale Boat Hire & Water Sports is located at Castle Archdale Marina, which nestles in the heart of Fermanagh’s tourist area and within the grounds of the ever popular Castle Archdale Country Park. We offer a wide range of activities to…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bangor Marina

Bangor

Address

Bregenz House, 5 Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9145 3297

bangor@boatfolk.co.uk

Type

Type:

Adventure Sports

Bangor Marina is located right in the heart of Bangor city centre close to all major road, rail and air transport networks. The Marina lies at the mouth of Belfast Lough offering exceptional access to world class yacht racing waters.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Blue Green Yonder

Enniskillen

Address

Water Activity Zone, Regal Pass, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7BL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 66480001

info@bluegreenyonder.com

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Blue Green Yonder provides the adventurous spirit access to the outdoors of Fermanagh providing a range of activities from our Enniskillen base, including Canoe, Kayak and Stand-Up Paddle Board hire. We lead guided paddle tours around the Island…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
33 reviews
Ballyronan Marina

Magherafelt

Address

135a Shore Road, Ballyronan, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, BT45 6JG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7941 8399

parks@midulstercouncil.org

Type

Type:

Marinas

Situated on the picturesque western shores of Lough Neagh, this award winning marina is ideal for the water sports enthusiast. There are walks around the marina as well as picnic areas and a park for children.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
North Coast Sailing

Ballycastle

Address

Portnagree House, 14 Bayview Road, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, BT54 6BT

tony@northcoastsailing.co.uk

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

North Coast Sailing offers skippered sailing charters from Northern Ireland's north coast, exploring surrounding waters, taking in some of the best islands and scenery the world has to offer. Your skipper is Tony Dunlop who is an MCA qualified .

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ultimate SUP NI

Donaghadee

Address

114 Killaughey Road, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7717 777 995

ultimatesupni@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Canoeing

Ultimate SUP NI provides efoiling lessons and experiences along side its very popular Paddle Boarding (SUP) school.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Kinnego Marina

Craigavon

Address

Kinnego Marina, Annaloist Road, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT66 6NJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 7573

kinnego.marina@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Orienteering

Situated on Lough Neagh beside the Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Kinnego Marina is the largest marina on the Lough. There is a range of associated amenities on site and instruction on watersports and water safety.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking