Ireland is the perfect destination to enjoy water sports but always make sure everyone is safe
It doesn’t matter if the sun is not splitting the stones, summer is always a time for water sports.
The sea temperature can reach over 15°C during July and August. I know this doesn’t compare favourably to the Mediterranean where the water during the summer is like a warm bath, but it is still almost double the 8°C people endured during their Christmas swim (dip!)
Being an island nation, with lots of lakes, we were born to spend our summers in water, from a paddling pool and a hose fight in the garden to the more adventurous activities now available.
There are more and more providers offering everything from water parks and sea kayaking to stand-up paddle boarding and boat hire. There are also loads of fantastic beaches all around the coast as well as inland waterways that are perfect for a family day out.
However, it is important to always be alert and practise basic water safety.
Local councils provide lifeguards at many places throughout the summer, so check with the Irish Water Safety website to find places where they are on duty.
Here are five simple tips to stay safe near the water this summer.
- Children love the water, but teach them how to be safe.
- Swim within your depth, stay within your depth
- Always swim where a lifeguard is on duty.
- Always wear a lifejacket when on or near the water
- Alcohol is a factor in 1/3 of drownings. Don't mix it with water activities.
YourDaysOut has over 100 water activities in Ireland listed on the site.
Use Search Near Me to find something near your location and check out some of our favourites below.
Also, check out our 32-page Summer Guide 2019 - with lots of tips to help you plan the perfect summer!
Read now, share, download or print out and read later.
Guided tours on River Liffey that starts above Lucan weir and you follow the river through the beautiful Strawberry Beds, flowing downriver, navigating four weirs, and checking out the stunning wildlife, and discovering some intriguing history on the way.
Inish Adventures provides over 25 water and land activities in Moville, Co. Donegal, including sea kayaking, canoeing, sup, gorge walking, river rafting and archery. They offer reasonable family tasters on beautiful Lough Foyle; just bring a towel and swimwear.
The popular water park on Lough Ree is back. Every year they add new sections to the inflatable island with its own jungle, towers, trampolines, slides, water-based obstacle courses and even a castle. Other activities are available too, but do check before you travel as adverse weather can close the park for the day.
Based in a new centre in Clogherhead they offer a choice of water based activities including canoeing, kayaking, SUP boarding, and land based activities including zorbing, climbing, orienteering, archery, archery tag, team building. A fun summer day out!
Explore the beautiful water of Dublin bay with scenic adventures like no other including Scuba Diving, Standup Paddle Boarding and Sit-On-Top Sea Kayaks.
One of the most visited attraction, this is an indoor fun waterpark in Dublin with loads of wild waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, a pirate ship for the littles ones and Flow Rider surf machine.
Beautiful family park opens every day but some activities dependent on weather. Zip across the lake, fish for trout, race the paddleboats and mini Jeeps, visit the pet farm and bring a picnic for a fun day out.
Carlingford Adventure Centre, Louth
Carlingford Adventure Centre offer an extensive range of exciting outdoor adventure activities ideal for tiring the kids out for a day (or week), a family adventure holiday in Ireland, a Summer Camp or just to try something new.
Splash Valley Aqua Park, Wicklow
Ireland's newest and largest Aquaglide Aqua Park with over 30 obstacles - swings, balance beams, slides, domes, towers and more. Brand new toilets, showers, changing rooms and restaurant that overlooks the aqua park lake.
Foylehov Activity Centre, Derry
The only hovercrafting centre in Northern Ireland as well as other exciting activities like Buggies, Footgolf, Target Archery, Laser Tag / Laser Combat and Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting. A perfect family day out for all ages.
Avon Ri Resort & Adventure Centre, Wicklow
Avon Rí has a wide range of leisure activities to enjoy including kayaking on Blessington Lakes enjoying the views of the stunning Wicklow mountains from a different perspective.
