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Watersports in Ireland by Thomas Hollowell and Katie Kelly Bell

With a seaboard nearly 5,000km (3,000-miles) long, not to mention an abundance of loughs and river systems, Ireland is a natural pick for watersport enthusiasts. Watersports in Ireland include, but are not limited to, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, diving, surfing, windsurfing, kite boarding, and sailing.

Near Dublin, the Surfdock Centre (01 668 3945, www.surfdock.ie) sells gear and has a watersports school where they teach surfing and windsurfing. Their highly qualified and relaxed style of coaching is great for both beginner and intermediate aqua athletes. Courses run from June until September. Located in the Grand Canal Dockyard, their shop is open all year long, Monday–Friday, 10 A.M.–6 P.M.; until 5 P.M. on Saturday.

True to its namesake, County Waterford is a happening splish-splash spot. And, the best point to catch some sun (and wind) is Dunmore East. Composed of wonderful inlets and coves coaxing investigation, the best beach venues near Waterford Town are Counsellor's Cove and Ladies Cove. The Dunmore East Adventure Centre (see “Adventure Centers” above) has excellent sailing, sea kayaking, and windsurfing packages.

Water-Lover's Paradise: Counties Cork and Kerry

Boasting one of Europe's best cruising grounds, blue-flag beaches, a multitude of watersports, sheer cliffs, and hundreds of bays and coves, Counties Cork and Kerry are Ireland's watersports meccas. Beach lovers should head to the littorals of Mizen Head's Barleyclove Beach and Inchydoney Beach on Clonakilty Bay, while a visit to Galley Head, Sherkin Island, and Streek Head offer enticing remoteness. The windy, yet strangely calm waters of Kinsale are a sailor's dream, while the views from Bray Head are a painter's reverie.

Various companies operating from Kinsale include:

  • Oysterhaven Centre (021 477 0738, www.oysterhaven.com) offers windsurfing courses and adventure sailing on their 21-meter (70-foot) schooner.

  • The Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre (021 477 2896, www.kinsaleoutdoors.com) is well respected for its sailing courses and cruises.

  • Sail Ireland Charters (www.sailireland.com/sichome.htm) offers luxury yacht charters.

  • Shearwater Cruises (023 49 610) and Sovereign Sailing (021 477 4145, www.sovereignsailing.com) are great for small groups interested in half-and full-day cruises.

  • Sea kayaking operators include Sea Kayaking West Cork (086 309 8654, www.seakayakingwestcork.com), which leads guided trips in the cloistered Bantry Bay, and the attentive team at Atlantic Sea Kayaking (028 21 058, www.atlanticseakayaking.com), offering trips throughout Ireland.

    • For team building, kayaking, and canoeing, among other adventures on hand, Nathan Kingerlee Outdoor Training (086 860 4563, www.outdoorsireland.com) in Killorglin, County Kerry, is revered for its quality and flexible approach with affordable rates. Check the blog for specials, rates, and dates.

    Scuba diving enthusiasts should contact Aquaventures (028 20 511, www.aquaventures.ie), which also runs whale-watching trips. The Baltimore Diving Centre (028 20 300, www.baltimorediving.com) is a specialist in the area. The handy Tempo Web (www.tempoweb.com/diveireland/centres.htm) resource is helpful to locate diving spots all over the Republic.

    Surfing in Ireland

    Shubees, newbies, and pros alike can find bodacious barrels along Ireland's vast shores. Ireland's best surfing spots are in Sligo and Donegal with their year-round surf spots at Easky, Strandhill, and Bundorvan. Notwithstanding, Tramore Beach in County Waterford and Rosslare Strand in County Wexford claim stellar sets and decent windsurfing. Wind-and kite-surfing aficionados, however, should head to Achill Island in County Mayo and Portnablagh in the northwest.

    Contact the West Cork Surf School (086 869 5396, www.westcorksurfing.com), located on the Blue Flag beach of Inchydoney, near Clonakilty, for fairly priced lessons. In Donegal, Bundoran and Rossnowlagh boast the best surfing in Ireland. Contact the Bundoran Surf School (071 984 1968, www.bundoransurfco.com). The ambitious should head to the Turf and Surf Lodge (071 984 1091, www.turfnsurf.ie), which has rooms with ample amenities. Closer to Dublin, contact the Tramore Bay Surf School (051 391 297, www.surftbay.com), which caters to all levels and ages.

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