2 Day Weekend/Mid Week Trip - Connemara
Try Sea Kayak Day - Connemara
Half Day Trip - Connemara
1 Day Island Hopping Trip - Connemara
Donegal Islands Weekend.
Sea kayak with us off Ireland's North West frontier. A treasure trove of beaches and deserted islands await discovery by sea kayak along this Atlantic wave
sculpted coastline.
Donegal - Weekend Trip
Discover Donegal - 1 Day Trip
Valentia - Puffin Island, Co. Kerry.
Supreme West Coast kayaking, spectacular cliff scenery, memorable wildlife encounters and early Christian monasteries:
3 Day Mid Week Trip - Kerry
Try Sea Kayak Day - Kerry
Try Sea Kayak Half Day - Kerry
1 Day Kingdom Kayak Trip - Kerry
2 Day Weekend/Mid Week Kayak Trips - Kerry
More Information
Read the Frequently Asked Questions for more information about where to meet the group and what to bring.
Connemara Islands Kayaking Adventure.
Into the West.
Have a look at some of our photos from previous Connemara trips
Shearwater Sea Kayaking will guide you on a ½, 1, 2, or 3 day expedition through the intricate coastal mosaic of Connemara. This “must do” Irish sea kayaking experience awaits you in a land of deserted islands, skerries, coral beaches and unique wildlife. Under the ever present backdrop of Na Beanna Beola (Twelve Bens), lie hidden some real jewels of beaches and archipelagos. Connemara translates literally as “close to the sea”. Native Irish place names like Oileán or Inis (Island) or Camas (small bay, cove), Cuan (bay), Cuas (creek or cove) abound in this Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area. The local people in their indigenous coastal craft developed a special relationship with the sea using the inlets, islands and bays to communicate and trade long before Alexander Nimmo's roads came into being.
Co. Galway.
Our base will be in Carna. After a day at sea, we will relax and enjoy home comforts in quality Bed and Breakfast accommodation and a wholesome meal in a local hostelry. There is a lifetime of experiences, exploration and interest in this land on the western edge of Europe. Join us this summer on a Connemara Islands Kayaking Adventure.
If you have your own equipment and/or do not wish to avail of the accomodation option, please send us an email and we will be happy to quote you a reduced price.
3 Day Mid Week Trip - Connemara
Kilkieran Bay, Mweenish, Lettermore and Gorumna
Co.Galway.
This includes:
- 3 full days at sea (10am-4.30pm approx) under the care of expert guides with top class instruction in style/technique and natural history guiding. Clients will be encouraged to practise their rescues and rolls and will be gently challenged if they wish.
- Hire of all the necessary equipment - sea kayak, paddles, buoyancy aid, shortjohn/longjohn wet suit, waterproof cag and spray deck.
- 3 nights quality Bed and Breakfast accommodation, 3 packed lunches and 3 dinners.
Proposed Schedule
| First Evening | Arrive Monday evening. Settle in to accommodation. Introduction talk and welcome dinner in a local hostelry (8.30pm approx.) |
| Day 1 |
St Macdara's and Mason IslandWe will land on the beach under the 12th century Church and experience the unique atmosphere of Oileán Mhic Dara. This is Galway hooker country and if luck is with us, we may encounter this traditional Connemara craft under sail heading out for the Aran Islands. To honour their patron saint, the hooker skippers dip their sails when passing the island. We continue our island hopping adventure and land on Oileán Máisean just in time for a well earned lunch. The inhabitants of this island had a strong tradition as builders and masons. Their legacy is everywhere. Join us to ramble and appreciate the attractive order of its built heritage, its beaches, machair and scenic views. |
| Day 2 |
Finish, Duck, Inishmuskery and BirmoreWe visit the sand swept island of Finís and sense the passage of time amidst it's evocative ruins. The islanders were famous for their music and were rumoured to have bartered and traded their skills with the people of Oileán Máisean. Relax and beach comb on one of it's many fine beaches before venturing further offshore to Oileán Lachan, Inis Múscraí and Bior Mór. All offer great sea kayaking with their wilder, more rugged and more oceanic character. |
| Day 3 |
Lettermore/ Gorumna Island GroupExplore this Gaeltacht area of charming islands, tidal flows, wildflower meadows and secret coral beaches. The distinctive WW2 watch tower on Ceann Gólam is a prominent landmark and useful navigation aid as we explore the narrow gaps and passages between this very varied group of islands. Each island from An tOileán Iatharach and Inis an Ghainimh to Inis Eirc and Fraochoileán Beag has it's own individual atmosphere and wildlife interest. The kayaking is as varied as the islands as we slip from bay to headland to narrow cuts and dodge Atlantic swells. All going to plan, our day should finish by 4.30pm. |
Weather conditions will be monitored continuously. Occasionally, we may have to alter the proposed schedule if wind speeds are unfavourable.
Bookings
Please select a trip below to book:
We're sorry - all of our 3 Day Mid Week - Connemara trips have already taken place. However, we're constantly organising new trips so keep an eye on the website as it is regularly updated.
Group discounts available. If you wish to bring along a group, contact us to discuss by email at info@shearwaterseakayaking.ie
2 Day Weekend/Mid Week Trip - Connemara
Kilkieran Bay and Mweenish Bay Islands
This includes:
- 2 full days at sea (10am - 4.30pm approx.) under the care of expert guides with top class instruction in style/technique and natural history guiding. Clients will be encouraged to practise their rescues and rolls and will be gently challenged if they wish.
- Hire of all the necessary equipment - sea kayak, paddles, buoyancy aid, shortjohn wet suit, waterproof cag and spray deck.
- 2 nights quality Bed and Breakfast accommodation, 2 packed lunches 2 dinners in one of the local hostelries.
Proposed Schedule (Subject to favourable weather conditions.)
| Previous Evening | Evening arrival. Settle in to accommodation. Introduction talk and welcome dinner in a local hostelry (8.30pm approx.) |
| Day 1 |
St Macdara's and Mason IslandWe will land on the beach under the 12th century Church and experience the unique atmosphere of Oileán Mhic Dara. This is Galway hooker country and if luck is with us, we should encounter this traditional Connemara craft under sail heading out for the Aran islands. To honour their patron saint, the hooker skippers dip their sails when passing the island. We continue our island hopping adventure and land on Oileán Maiseán just in time for a well earned lunch. The inhabitants of this island had a strong tradition as builders and masons. Their legacy is everywhere. Join us to ramble and appreciate the attractive order of its built heritage, its beaches, machair and scenic views. |
| Day 2 |
Duck, Inishmuskery and Birmore IslandsWe visit the sand swept island of Finís and sense the passage of time amidst it’s evocative ruins. The islanders were famous for their music and were rumoured to have bartered and traded their skills with the people of mason. Relax and beach comb on one of its many fine beaches before venturing further offshore to Oileán Lachan, Inis Múscraí and Bior Mór. All offer great sea kayaking with their wilder, rugged and more oceanic character. |
Weather conditions will be monitored continuously. Occasionally, we may have to alter the proposed schedule if wind speeds are unfavourable.
Bookings
Please select a trip below to book:
Sat 11th Aug 12 - Sun 12th Aug 12
Group discounts available. If you wish to bring along a group, contact us to discuss by email at info@shearwaterseakayaking.ie
Try Sea Kayak Day - Connemara
Suitable for those with no previous experience of kayaking.
Come and join us on a day trip along the spectacular south Connemara coast where we will explore hidden coves and beaches and enjoy the wildlife by sea kayak. The emphasis of these trips will be on exploration but we will teach you some of the basic strokes necessary before heading out from harbour.
Details
| Time | 10am - 4pm |
| Meeting Point | An Más near Carna (L743316) |
Bookings
Please select a trip below to book:
Wed 8th Aug 12
Try Sea Kayak Half Day Trip - Connemara
Suitable for those with no previous experience of kayaking.
Come and join us on a morning trip along the spectacular south Connemara coast where we will explore hidden coves and beaches and enjoy the wildlife by sea kayak. The emphasis of these trips will be on exploration but we will teach you some of the basic strokes necessary before heading out from harbour.
Details
| Time | 10am - 1pm |
| Meeting Point | An Más near Carna (L743316) |
Bookings
Please select a trip below to book:
We're sorry - all of our Try Sea Kayak Half Day Trip - Connemara trips have already taken place. However, we're constantly organising new trips so keep an eye on the website as it is regularly updated.
1 Day Island Hopping Trip - Connemara
Suitable for kayakers who have achieved a Level 2 standard or equivalent.
Come and join us on a day of exploration of the coral beaches and islands that dot the south Connemara coast. Experience the culture, the wildlife and the magical views of this unique coast.
Tar linn i measc na n-oileáin coiréalacha agus céibheanna Chonamara Theas ag baint suilt as an saoirse, an dúlra, an t-aer úr agus áileacht na timpeallachta nádúrtha, le caidheaic farraige.
Details
| Time | 10am - 4pm |
| Meeting Point | An Más near Carna (L743316) |
Bookings
Please select a trip below to book:
Thu 9th Aug 12
Sat 11th Aug 12