Welcome to Bay Lough Kayaking. If you would like to kayak around the famous corrie lake in the Knockmealdown Mountains, then you’ve come to the right place. Knockmealdown Active, the volunteer run community activities group, has kayaks for rent on Bay Lough lake on select dates from May to August.
— Booking for Summer dates will appear here when they are open —
We only announce dates on the Wednesday before, to allow for weather conditions. Kayaking is great fun for everyone involved, but less so when the weather is not co-operating. For that reason, we won’t announce dates until we’re sure that the weather forecast for the weekend is good.
Our next dates on Bay Lough Lake will be over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday, Sunday & Monday August 3rd, 4th & 5th.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions.
When are you open in 2024? Due to the limited number of volunteers, we won’t be open every weekend this summer. So far, we will operate on the following dates: May 25th & 26th, the June Bank Holiday weekend (June 1st, 2nd & 3rd), one weekend in July (weather dependent) and (hopefully) the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 3rd, 4th & 5th). Each one will become available to book when we are sure of the weather forecast for the weekend in question. Sign up for email updates (right hand side of the page, or underneath if you’re on a phone) and you’ll get an email when dates are announced.
What kind of kayaks are available? All the kayaks are the sit-on variety. There are single and double versions available.
Are they safe? Yes, very, this is why we use them. Sit-on kayaks are easy to manage and, worst case scenario, you just fall off and get back on again. You can’t get trapped in the Kayak, because you don’t get into it. It is different to a sit-in Kayak, which requires a good deal more experience.
Is it difficult to Kayak on Bay Lough? Not at all, that’s why we chose it. There are no currents, so when you stop paddling the boat stops. It is possible to take rests whenever you wish & just sit and appreciate the peace & tranquillity of the lake and its surrounds.
Do you need prior experience? No. The opposite. It is ideal for people with no experience because the lake is so calm and the craft are very easy to handle.
Do you need to be able to swim? No, in fact, being able to swim is no advantage. You’ll be fitted with a flotation jacket. Even if you fall off the kayak, which doesn’t happen very often, you’ll just bob around in the water until you climb back on, or the lake operative helps get you back on the kayak.
How many people fit on a kayak? One person on a single kayak and two people on a double. The two people can be two adults or an adult and a child (under 16).
Can children under 16 use kayaks on their own? Not unless they have an accompanying adult, i.e. an adult is with them on the water in another single or a double craft.
Do you need previous experience? No, sit on kayaks are relatively easy to operate. You’ll get a few minutes orientation on the lake from the operator, which is all it takes to get going.
Do I need to bring specific gear/clothing? No, we provide all the safety gear & paddles required, but you should bring a change of clothing, particularly a change of footwear. It is likely that your feet will get wet, so wear old runners or other footwear that can handle this. Occasionally people do fall off the Kayaks, or water gets onboard, which isn’t a problem, you’ll be wearing full buoyancy gear, but you’ll need to change afterwards.
What times does it operate? Kayaks can be rented on Saturdays and Sundays (as well as Bank Holiday Mondays) from 11am in the morning until 4pm in the afternoon in hour long sessions.
How do you take payment? Either online, via the Book link above, we recommend this as we can’t guarantee availability if you don’t book in advance. You can also book and pay at the lake using cash or credit/debit card at the lake (yes, it does work there). Note: Online bookings take precedence. If the kayaks are booked out in advance, we may not be able to provide you with a craft when you are there if you haven’t pre-booked.
Where is Bay Lough? This spectacular corrie lake is on the border of Tipperary and Waterford, just past the Vee when leaving Clogheen on the road to Cappoquin and Lismore. The lake car park is at the following Google Maps location – https://bit.ly/3MailHP. See the Location page for further information.
How long does it take to get to the lake from the car park? It is a 15 to 20 minute walk, depending on your fitness level. It is all downhill on the way to the lake, and obviously uphill on the return.
Can you take a dog on the Kayak? No, unfortunately we can’t get insurance for animals. You can bring dogs on a leash, if you wish, as long as there is somebody to look after them while you are on the lake, but they can’t go in the Kayak.
Catch up with us on Social Media:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/BayLoughKayaking , Instagram – www.instagram.com/BayLoughKayaking or TikTok – www.TikTok.com@BayLoughKayaking.
