Throughout the year Paddle Northern Ireland supported by volunteers run Open Recreational Paddles. Paddles are suitable for all abilities from beginners to experienced paddlers and are open to members and non-members of Paddle Northern Ireland. These social paddles offer perfect opportunities to get to know other paddlers making them ideal for individuals but also lots of fun for the whole family.
A great way to enjoy the outdoors, you get to view the landscape from a water-level perspective and see a wonderful variety of wildlife you wouldn’t normally experience.
Paddling is a great activity to improve your health and wellbeing, any time on the water is time well spent.
If you have a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), Sit on Top, Canoe or Kayak then you just have to book by clicking on the links below.
If you don’t have a boat, Paddle Northern Ireland have open canoes and kayaks available to hire, there is an option on the booking form to add equipment.
Things you need to know
- The majority of the trips will start and finish from the same location to avoid any shuttling or car sharing
- Paddle Northern Ireland do not provide toilet facilities at these paddles, however there are usually facilities nearby at shopping centres or other public venues
- Paddle Costs
- Paddle Northern Ireland Members – Free
- Non Members - £10
- Equipment Hire (Includes boat, paddles & PFD)
- Paddle Northern Ireland Members – £10
- Non Members - £15
- If you plan to take part in more than one recreation paddle you can join Paddle Northern Ireland as a Recreational Membership for just £18 per year or Family Membership, requires one Full membership at £45 per year plus £5 for each additional family member. This is more economical, as recreational paddles are free to all members and the cost of boat hire is at a reduced price.
See below details of 2024 Recreational Paddles, click to book or contact the Paddle Northern Ireland Team for further information:
email: admin@paddleni.org.uk
telephone: 07526 691171
-
Saturday 25th May - Lower Bann
Book HereMeet
10am Saturday 25th May at Portglenone Marina Car Park
Paddle Plan
Stretching from Lough Neagh to the Atlantic Ocean, this Canoe Trail provides a unique way to experience the beautiful River Bann. Passing through constantly changing scenery, the trail offers both tranquil waters and some faster flowing sections. The river is also steeped in history dating back to Mesolithic times.
Starting at Portglenone we will paddle upstream towards Newferry, stopping for lunch at Portglenone Forest.
Booking
To book on the paddle click on the link below
Who can Paddle?
Paddles are suitable for all abilities from beginners to experienced paddlers and are open to members and non-members of Paddle Northern Ireland.
-
Saturday 22nd June 2024 - River Bann, Cusher & Newry Canal
Book HereMeet
9.30am Saturday 22nd June 2024 at Portadown Boat Club on the River Bann*
Paddle Plan
The paddle will start at 10.00am and end at around 3.00pm back at the car park. The Bann River, Newry Canal and Cusher River provides a picturesque watercourse known for its tranquil beauty it offers a sheltered environment for paddlers and is perfect for beginners. The trip will paddle up the Bann and Newry Canal, then cross over into the Cusher and paddle down the Cusher, back into the Bann.
The paddle will be relaxed, with a few breaks and a pleasant lunch stop in the middle, so please bring a lunch along with you.
Who can Paddle?
Paddles are suitable for all abilities from beginners to experienced paddlers and are open to members and non-members of Paddle Northern Ireland.
*Please note all paddles are subject to weather conditions.
-
Saturday 17th August 2024 - River Roe
Book HereMeet
9.30am Saturday 17th August 2024 at Swans Bridge car park on the River Roe*
Paddle Plan
The paddle will start at 10.00am and end at around 3.00pm back at the car park. Discover the beauty of this scenic river as it flows north from Glenshane in the Sperrin Mountains heading towards the breathtaking Lough Foyle with its stunning views of the majestic Binevenagh Mountain Range. The river flows through the settlements of Dungiven, Burnfoot, Limavady and Myroe.
The paddle will be relaxed, with a few breaks and a pleasant lunch stop in the middle, so please bring a lunch along with you.
Who can Paddle?
Paddles are suitable for all abilities from beginners to experienced paddlers and are open to members and non-members of Paddle Northern Ireland.
*Please note all paddles are subject to weather conditions.
-
Saturday 14th September 2024 - River Quoile
Book HereMeet
9.30am Saturday 14th September 2024 at the car park below the bridge on the Quoile*
Paddle Plan
The paddle will start at 10.00am and end at around 3.00pm back at the car park. The Quoile begins its life as the Ballynahinch River, which is small and not ideal for paddling, it then becomes the Annacloy River, excellent for white water paddling from Mason’s Bridge to Kilmore, from Kilmore to Annacloy it is mostly flat water with a few weirs. The River is generally known as the Quoile runs from Annacloy down through Downpatrick to the Barrage where it flows into Strangford Lough. This section of the river is completely flat, from Jane’s Shore it is a beautiful paddle up past Inch Abbey with the river surrounded by woodland with an abundance of waterfowl and swans.
The paddle will be relaxed, with a few breaks and a pleasant lunch stop in the middle, so please bring a lunch along with you.
Who can Paddle?
Paddles are suitable for all abilities from beginners to experienced paddlers and are open to members and non-members of Paddle Northern Ireland.
*Please note all paddles are subject to weather conditions.
-
October 2024 - Date & Venue TBC
-
Friday 27th December 2024 - Annual Turkey & Pudding Paddle, Blackwater
Book HereMeet
9.30am Friday 27th December 2024 at Access Point 2, Blackwatertown*
Paddle Plan
The paddle will start at 10.00am and end at around 3.00pm back at the car park. The Blackwater is an ideal venue providing a trail of 20km for canoeing enthusiasts of any ability. The river lazily meanders through the beautiful countryside of counties Armagh and Tyrone, flowing gently into Lough Neagh. Approximately halfway down the trail, situated on the banks of the river, you will find the Argory – one of the National Trust’s beautifully kept properties – the grounds and house of which are well worth a visit.
The River Blackwater, dividing counties Tyrone and Armagh, has been travelled for thousands of years as a highway. Early Celtic settlers, Viking raiders and English invaders all used it to their advantage. In the early 18th century plans were made to construct the first modern inland waterway system in Ireland. The Blackwater with the Upper Bann, was incorporated into the scheme and the two planned artificial channels became the Newry Canal and the Coalisland Canal (known at the time as the Tyrone Navigation).
The paddle will be relaxed, with a few breaks and a pleasant lunch stop in the middle, so please bring a lunch along with you.
Who can Paddle?
Paddles are suitable for all abilities from beginners to experienced paddlers and are open to members and non-members of Paddle Northern Ireland.
*Please note all paddles are subject to weather conditions.