Kayak and SUP Tours Kilkenny

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

We are life time paddlers, sharing our passion, incorporating fun, learning and awareness of river and its surrounds .

Our customers get personal attention and feel very safe and love our tours which are adapted to peoples energy and ability.

You will paddle double kayaks up and back down through Kilkenny and see historical buildings which dominate the the City skyline.

The tour can include white water paddling over a weir, playing in the rapids if that is of interest.

If you prefer to stay dry, that's your choice of course and we do provide over-trousers to keep you pretty dry.

If you prefer, one of our guides can paddle the double kayak with you for extra stability to ensure that we maximise your enjoyment and safety.

Visual highlights include Kilkenny Castle, The Tholsel, St Francis Abbey, the old home of Smithwick's Brewery and St Canice's Cathedral.

Hear about the importance of the Nore to Kilkenny and its milling history for centuries.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Guests must be able to swim

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Towels - our many international travellers do not have towels so we can provide at no extra cost

Mobile phone cover

Wetsuits, shoes and towels if required at no extra cost

All safety equipment, dry legs/salopettes or wetsuits, shoes, towels and an overjacket

Shoes - so your leave with your own shoes dry

Dry bag

What To Expect

Paddle upstream in double kayaks or Stand Up Paddle Boards, taking in the stunning views of medieval Kilkenny, passing under Kilkenny Castle and up to the Greens Bridge weir. Enjoy a unique sensory experience and learn some of Kilkenny's river history. We can keep you dry but if you like some excitement we will take you over the weir and do some easy white water paddling before heading downstream. An ice cream stop on the way back at Kitty's Cabin is also possible!

Options

SUP Stand Up board hire superv

Supervised SUP paddling

Kayak tours Kilkenny

SUP board tour of Kilkenny

Duration: 1 hour

Reviews

5.00

20 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Kayak through Kilkenny
Carrie M,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great activity in heart of Kilkenny, my first time in a kayak - absolutely would recommend this. It was our second day in Ireland and was nice to have a physical nature-based activity. Our guide Roger was excellent and had great tips on the whole country for us!
Best way to see Kilkenny!...
Zoe B,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Best way to see Kilkenny! Great for all levels of experience and not a difficult route. Roger set us up with clothes and shoes that we could get wet and swim in. Ed and Dohe were so kind and enthusiastic about taking us out on the water. Ed knew so much about the town and history in general and was able to answer any question we threw at him. We were able to go for a little swim in the lake before we circled back which was lovely. Seeing the bridges and landmarks like the castle from the water was beautiful. When we finished Ed gave us great recommendations for places to eat in town and must sees. A great group of people who were very welcoming and warm. Would absolutely come back!
Colorado couple
Mike H,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful time with Roger and the crew. They were very helpful with the trip and sharing a bit of history of the area. They were also very patient with me as I tended to be in the river as much as I was in the kayak! A change of clothes would be good to bring along, especially if you are as clumsy as me!!
Yoga and SUP
MarthaKP2025,
Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Highly recommend Yoga and Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) with Riverbend adventures. A thoroughly relaxing yoga session to begin with, Outdoors under Willow Trees bristling in the wind on the banks of the river nore, listening to birdsong. Very tranquil 30 min session before getting ready for our SUP. SUP session along the River Nore in Kilkenny City, paddling beneath the castle and under historic bridges. You get to enjoy the magic of Kilkenny City from a different angle. For those who were brave enough you can try your Yoga positions on the paddleboard but fear not, if you don’t want to fall in there is no pressure. Roger and Stephen are extremely welcoming and will put you at ease from the moment you arrive. Whether you are a water sport enthusiast or someone with no experience, this is an adventure not to be missed
A great time had by all!
Lindsey B,
Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our kayak trip was amazing! Roger was easy to contact and provided easy directions for arriving. Our guides David and Stephan were the best! They were patient and helped us navigate our kayaks on the river and provided a little history lesson on our adventure. Roger provided showers & towels for after as well as tea, coffee, juice, biscuits, and roasted marshmallows (which my girls loved). We will definitely book again!
Kilkenny by River
oneillliam,
Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a great way to experience the lovely city of Kilkenny. Roger and Ed couldn't have been more charming and helpful. Myself and My Wife had only done Kayaking once before so had very little exprience but none was nessessary as the guys did all the hard work. The guys gave us the ecential instruction and then we are on the river and Kayaking was done at the pace we are happy with. A very enjoyable morning was spent on the river with trusted experianced guides. I will be recommending this to all my friends.
A must do activity for people of all skills.
cbob21,
Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
As someone who enjoys an outdoor adventure, Roger was a great instructor who was patient and knowledgeable. This lovely gem of a river experience is one that I would come back for again. I would highly recommend this tour for any skill level. Equipment was provided for, and even a gracious cream was also offered. Hot showers were available at the put-in/take out. I would personally recommend this tour to anyone. As someone who takes groups on trips throughout the world, this is a place I would come again whether with a group or by myself.
Book this one!
Jennifer G,
Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
5✨✨✨✨✨ So much fun! Roger and Kevin were excellent guides. We loved the time we spent on the river. We were treated to a quick stop for ice cream in town. This was a hit with my 11 year old. Enjoyed the chats and seeing the city from a truly unique perspective. We were provided clean shirts, leggings , over trousers and tennis shoes to stay dry. That was a big surprise and huge perk! Warm showers and towels and the end to wash off the river water. Couldn’t ask for more. Thank you for the wonderful afternoon.
Kilkenny Kayaking Pros!
Melissa H,
Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Roger and Ed took me out as a solo traveler and I had SUCH FUN with them! Other than being great gents: 1) not only do they know what they’re doing on the tour, they teach kayaking! Real pros. 2) they had all the equipment you would need - even gave me shoes that could get wet (you will have to get out of the kayak so you will get wet) 3) being on the water is peaceful and lovely. I am so glad I decided to do this, it was a total delight. Highly recommend for anyone.
Family trip
K9626ZFkimberlym,
Jun 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great trip! Guides were fantastic and had everything we need for a wonderful trip. Easy no matter your skill sets with photos provided.