Pick up a paddle on the Royal Canal
Wetsuits at the ready? Leave dry-land and explore the canal from the water.
Brimming with stunning scenery and waters that offer a whole new perspective on the city, there are plenty of ways to make a splash on the Royal Canal. What's more, a number of watersports operators along the canal are giving the waterway's built heritage a new lease of life, as well as providing tonnes of adrenaline-fuelled fun.
Cabra Kayak Club (part of community-based project Cabra for Youth) runs weekly training sessions, open days and family events to encourage people of all ages to discover paddlesports! Located at lock six's renovated lock-keeper's cottage (one of the Royal Canal's 47 such cottages), learn to kayak with these guys and you'll be a paddle pro in no time.
Cabra Kayak Club, lock six, Cabra, Dublin 7
On the waterway's Ashtown banks, the Royal Canal Kayak Club are experts in the unique sport of canoe polo. Exactly as it sounds – water polo played in canoes – if fast-paced, high-octane fun is your thing, then dive in. Based at lock eight on the Royal Canal, the sport is suitable for ages 15+ and is ideal for anyone who likes their watersports with a competitive edge.
Royal Canal Kayak Club, lock eight, Royal Canal Avenue, Ashtown, Dublin 7
Find more ways to explore Dublin Canals, check out our Highlights section.