Framed by the River Shannon and the Irish Sea, Ireland’s Ancient East offers great water-based activities to complement its rich history.
A journey through Ireland’s Ancient East is a journey through 5,000 years of fascinating history and mythology set against the backdrop of spectacular landscapes, seascapes and riverine beauty.
Adding to the many great water-based activities on offer in the region are four new experiences that combine heritage, relaxation and fun.
Sign up for a Sea Safari
County Waterford is famous for its Viking heritage, with Waterford being the oldest city in Ireland, founded by the Vikings in 914. Now you can take a guided boat tour of the Waterford and Wexford coastline onboard the Sea Safari RIB ‘Vadrefjord’, which departs from the pretty seaside village of Dunmore East. On board you will be regaled with tales of Vikings and smugglers and you’ll see some of the marine life, including dolphins and seals, that live on this beautiful stretch of coastline.
Canoe on the Suir Blueway Tipperary
Flowing from the medieval town of Cahir past historic Clonmel and finishing at the flourishing market town of Carrick-on-Suir, the Suir Blur Waterway offers 53km of paddling trails and incorporates a white-knuckle whitewater canoe slalom. Canoeing and kayaking tours on the waterway are available with GoPaddle.ie and Pure Adventure so that beginners and more experienced canoeists alike can enjoy this gorgeous river.
Dabble with a paddle in Trim
The Boyne Blueway Trim is a beautiful stretch of the River Boyne which flows from the heritage town of Trim to Bective Mill. It’s a great place to get to grips with the art of kayaking, with 8km of gentle, slow-moving waters in which to practice your paddling. Beginning at historic Trim Castle, the largest, best-preserved and most impressive Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, you will pass the beautiful medieval Newtown Abbey, gliding eventually to a stop at Bective Mill where you should take time to explore the ruins of the twelfth-century Bective Abbey.
Cruise the Barrow and Suir
Journey between the ports of New Ross and Waterford city on a relaxing cruise aboard the Barrow Princess. The two-hour journey passes by stunning riverside scenery, including woodland, forest, salt marshes and built heritage sites. There’s lots to explore in both ports. In New Ross don’t miss the Dunbrody Famine Ship experience and the Kennedy Homestead, birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather. And in Waterford City, be sure to visit Reginald’s Tower, a Viking landmark, and the fascinating Medieval Museum.
