See & Do

Kayaking and Canoeing

Lough Derg Water Sports

Lough Derg Water Sports is an independently and ethically run business. Our core focus is safe and fun learning, introducing our customers to the realms of paddlesport and outdoor adventure!

Currently, Lough Derg Water Sports aims to provide a service that allows everyone to enjoy the splendour of Lough Derg, southern Ireland’s largest lake on the mighty river Shannon.

Abiding by Canoeing Ireland standards, all our work is carried out in a safe and fun manner with the enjoyment of our customers as our main objective!

Lough Derg Canoe and Kayak Trail – Portumna Bluway

Grab a paddle and explore Lough Derg by canoe!

Lough Derg by Canoe is a 66.6 mile loop trail located near Portumna, Galway, Ireland. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options.

The Shannon Region is an ideal destination for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts with the River Shannon and its magnificent Lough Derg Lake providing two fantastic canoeing trails; a 10km trail from O'Briensbridge to Limerick City and a 93km trail stretching all the way from Portumna in County Galway to the twin towns of Killaloe/Ballina on the Clare/Tipperary border.

This longer trail can also be divided into a number of shorter routes which are ideal for novice paddlers. The River Shannon and Lough Derg are areas rich in history and heritage. Lough Derg's shores have been settled since prehistoric times and its channel has been part of one of Ireland's oldest routes.

The Shannon system is unequalled in Europe for the quality of its birdlife and Lough Derg shares in this distinction, having permanent residents and summer or winter visitors in its relatively undisturbed habitats. The coot, moorhen, grebe, duck, heron, gull, kingfisher, cormorant, bunting and of course the mute swans are among the permanent Shannon birds. In terms of the summer visitors warblers, swifts, swallows and house martins remain widespread. The Shannon Region canoe trails offer you adventure, a good workout, an insight into Irish heritage as well as a unique view of the wilderness.