Kinsale
If coming to Cork , visiting Kinsale – Ireland ’ s culinary capital – is a must . In terms of getting on the water , there is plenty to see . The dock beach is a great starting point , paddling around to James ’ Fort , up to the bridge , back down through the marina and into the town ( if the tide is in ), a look at some of the amazing waterfront properties brings you to Charles ’ Fort which is fantastic from the water – there are even a few small caves / tunnels under the fort . Jon at Kinsale Outdoor Education knows the place like the back of his hand and will be able to sort you out . Just East of Kinsale is Oysterhaven , where the guys at the Oysterhaven Activity Centre offer everything from SUP to Windsurfing and may be able to advise on a paddle out and around the Sovereign Islands , just outside the bay .
Courtmacsherry
Courtmacsherry is a sheltered harbour West of the Old Head of Kinsale . It is ideal for learning , flatwater exploring and even some SUP surfing – with some of the longest wave rides I have experienced locally . Gecko Adventures are an outdoor activity , adventure and training centre that offer kayak , windsurf and SUP rental and tuition .
Rosscarbery
Further West in Rosscarbery , The Lagoon Activity Centre offers a safe , familyfriendly location where you will be able to rent a kayak , take the kids pedal boating , or rent a SUP . There are plenty of beaches and open water options like The Warren Beach , Owenahincha and Long Strand – the latter two can get the raw Atlantic bringing in some sizeable waves .
Lough Hyne
Continuing West , Lough Hyne is Ireland ’ s first Marine Nature Reserve and is a unique sea-water lake . Just 1km long and 3 / 4km wide , the lake is connected to the ocean by a narrow tidal channel known as the rapids . Tidal flows from the Atlantic fill Lough Hyne twice a day , running over the rapids at up to 16km per hour . Jim Kennedy from Atlantic Sea Kayaking runs tours in late summer by night to witness the fantastic bioluminescence on the lake .
West Cork
Ireland ’ s most South-Westerly point is Mizen Head , and the nearest village is Crookhaven . I am biased to this area as we have spent our summers here as far back as I can remember . There is a sheltered harbour and sandy beach perfect for families , novices and exploring and I have seen seals and dolphins there . Muirti from Summer SUP Cork can supply boards and lessons here during the summer season and will even take the kids on a week-long camp . The little more adventurous can venture outside the harbour to discover cliffs , caves and coves .
Nearly all the way West , Bantry Bay and Glengarriff harbour have an abundance of wildlife to see , from Atlantic Grey Seals and Common Seals to a wide variety of birdlife , including Oyster Catchers , Curlews , Grey Herons , Egrets , and Cormorants . If you are lucky , you might even see Glengarriff ’ s White-Tailed Sea Eagle flying overhead . Glengarriff Bay is a tranquil sheltered inlet , and Glengarriff has several islands dotted in its bay , and a trip to and around Garnish Island is a must .
Expeditions Circumnavigation
The central island of Cork city can be navigated when the tides and dam release levels are in sync . You need enough water to get over the city ’ s eight weirs but not too much that you can ’ t get under its 31 bridges , thus circumnavigating the city – CORKUMNAVIGATION ! Check out the Corkumnavigation Facebook page , where trips are organised almost monthly .
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