Kayaking Kilkenny: Paddle medieval ruins on the Nore

You choose the river: paddle flat water or run the rapids

Kayak the Nore River through central Kilkenny, passing Kilkenny Castle, St Canice's Cathedral, and the Smithwick's Brewery site on a guided paddle adapted to your ability. The tour runs about an hour, includes all safety gear and shoes, and lets you decide whether to stay dry or tackle white water over the weir. Guides paddle double kayaks with you if you want extra stability.

The experience

You paddle upstream through Kilkenny's medieval skyline, passing under Kilkenny Castle and up to Greens Bridge weir. The river itself is the landmark here: the Nore shaped the city's milling trade for centuries, and your guide shares that history as you move through the water. Visual highlights include The Tholsel, St Francis Abbey, and the old Smithwick's Brewery building, all framed from the river level where most visitors never see them.

The paddle is adapted to your energy and ability, which means the guide reads the group and adjusts. If white water interests you, the tour can include paddling over the weir and playing in the easy rapids on the way back downstream. If you'd rather stay dry, guides provide over-trousers and can paddle a double kayak with you for stability. You steer the experience. An ice cream stop at Kitty's Cabin on the return is also possible, depending on the group's pace.

All safety equipment, wetsuits, shoes and towels are included. Bring nothing but yourself and a willingness to get on the water. The tour runs about an hour and departs with a live English-speaking guide. Children from age 8 are welcome, and you'll need to be a comfortable swimmer and have at least moderate fitness.

What’s included

• All safety equipment, wetsuits, shoes, towels and an overjacket.
• dry bag and mobile phone cover.
• ice cream stop at Kitty's Cabin on the return (depending on pace).
• live English-speaking guide adapted to your ability.

Options for this experience

2 options

Stand-up paddle board tour of KilkennyGuide 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 8

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 the weir and rapids if you want the adrenaline of white water paddling. Stay on flat water if you prefer a gentler pace through the medieval city. Either way, the guide adjusts the route to your energy and comfort, and you can paddle a double kayak with the guide if you want extra stability.

Traveler reviews

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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.

What's the Nore River like to paddle in Kilkenny?

The Nore flows through the medieval city center, so you paddle past Kilkenny Castle, St Canice's Cathedral, The Tholsel and the old Smithwick's Brewery site. The water is flat on most of the route. The only white water is at Greens Bridge weir, which you can choose to run or portage around.

Can I paddle if I've never kayaked before?

Yes. The guide adapts the paddle to your ability and energy level, and if you want extra stability, a guide can paddle the double kayak with you. You'll need to be a comfortable swimmer and have moderate fitness, but no prior paddling experience is required.

Will I get soaked?

Not if you don't want to. Over-trousers keep your legs dry, and if you prefer to stay completely dry, you can skip the weir section. The tour includes wetsuits, shoes and towels if needed, and you leave with your own shoes dry.

How long does the kayaking take?

The paddle runs about an hour on the water, paddling upstream to Greens Bridge and back downstream. An ice cream stop at Kitty's Cabin on the return is possible depending on the group's pace.

What's included in the tour?

All safety equipment, wetsuits, shoes, towels and an overjacket are provided at no extra cost. You also get a dry bag and mobile phone cover. The guide handles the rest.