Kayaking Kilkenny: Paddle medieval riverside landmarks

You paddle past medieval buildings that have stood for centuries, not just read about them from a distance.

Kayak the Nore River through Kilkenny city center for 90 minutes in double kayaks, passing Kilkenny Castle, The Tholsel, St Francis Abbey and St Canice's Cathedral while learning the river's milling history. The route adapts to your comfort: stay dry with provided over-trousers, or take the optional white water run over the weir and through the rapids. A guide paddles with you if you want extra stability, and all safety gear, wetsuits and shoes are included.

The experience

The paddle starts upstream in double kayaks, moving at a pace that suits your energy and ability. You'll pass under Kilkenny Castle and up toward the Greens Bridge weir, taking in the medieval skyline that defines the city. The guide shares the Nore's importance to Kilkenny's centuries of milling history as you move through the water, grounding the landmarks you see in the river's actual role in the city's past.

The route splits based on what appeals to you. If you want to stay dry, the guide brings over-trousers and keeps the paddle smooth and steady. If you're drawn to the water itself, you can take the optional white water run over the weir and play in the easy rapids before heading downstream. An ice cream stop at Kitty's Cabin on the way back is also possible. A guide can paddle the double kayak with you for extra stability if that makes the experience more enjoyable, or you can paddle with a partner.

All safety equipment, wetsuits, shoes and towels are provided at no extra cost, along with a dry bag and mobile phone cover. The 90-minute outing leaves you with your own shoes dry and a sense of the river that most visitors to Kilkenny never get.

What’s included

• Double kayak.
• all safety equipment.
• wetsuits, shoes and towels at no extra cost.
• dry bag.
• mobile phone cover.
• over-trousers to keep you dry.
• guide in English.
• ice cream stop option on the return.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour of Kilkenny by SUP boardGuide in English · Available from 1 May 2027Lasts 1 hour

Kayak tours KilkennyGuide in English · Available from 1 May 2027

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Riverbend Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to move through Kilkenny's history under your own power rather than watching it pass by, and you're comfortable with the option to paddle white water or stay dry depending on your mood that day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I kayak if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The guide adapts the route to your energy and ability, and you paddle a stable double kayak. A guide can paddle alongside you for extra stability if you want it, and all safety equipment is included. You do need to be able to swim and have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

What's the white water paddling like?

It's easy rapids over the Greens Bridge weir, not a technical run. It's optional: you can skip it entirely and stay dry, or you can try it if you want some excitement. The guide decides what's safe on the day and adapts to your comfort.

What happens if I get wet?

The guide provides over-trousers to keep you dry, and towels, wetsuits and shoes are included at no extra cost. You leave with your own shoes dry, and a dry bag keeps your phone and valuables safe.

Which buildings will I see from the water?

Kilkenny Castle, The Tholsel, St Francis Abbey, St Canice's Cathedral and the old home of Smithwick's Brewery dominate the skyline as you paddle. The guide explains their connection to the river and the city's milling history.

Is there a stop during the paddle?

An ice cream stop at Kitty's Cabin on the way back is possible if you want it. The paddle itself is 90 minutes of paddling through the city center.

Do I need to bring anything?

No. All safety equipment, wetsuits, shoes, towels, a dry bag and a mobile phone cover are provided. Public transportation options are available near the meeting point.