Q. Hi have jus moved to Sallins and was wondering if I can take a dingy out on the Grand Canal and would I need some kind of licence of it, Thanks.

A. In cases like this Waterways Ireland would not require a permit to be taken out but would request that the owner sign the standard indemnity (a section on the permit application form). In the event of an incident at least we have contact details and an indemnity has been signed.
Areas(s) : General Grand Canal Navigation Cruising Canoeing Powerboat Sports

Q. where can I rent an open canoe in order to paddle the shannon - erne waterway. thanks

A. If you contact the Irish Canoe Union, Tel: 00353 (0)1 6251105; email: office@canoe.ie; web: http://www.canoe.ie or The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland email: office@cani.org.uk; web: http://www.cani.org.uk/. They may be able to advise you.
Areas(s) : Activities Canoeing

Q. Do you know where can I hire a kayak in the Dublin area? A kayak to hire for few hours or half day alone or with other people Please Thanks for your time!

A. If you contact the Irish Canoe Union, Tel: 00353 (0)1 6251105; email: office@canoe.ie; web: http://www.canoe.ie they may be able to help.
Areas(s) : Activities Royal Canal Grand Canal Canoeing

Q. Hello there Can I ask what access a tourist with an open canoe has to waterways in Ireland. Thanks Nick Liddle

A. If you contact the Irish Canoe Union, Tel: 00353 (0)1 6251105; email: office@canoe.ie; web: http://www.canoe.ie or The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland email: office@cani.org.uk; web: http://www.cani.org.uk/. They may be able to advise you.
Areas(s) : Activities Canoeing

Q. I plan to kayak from Athlone to Killaloe. Is this reasonably flat water? How much current is there? Where can I hire a kayak so I can start my trip near Athlone and take out near Killaloe or Limerick? How many days (12 miles per day) would it take for this trip?

A. Lough Derg can be very rough and by canoe should only be crossed in calm conditions. At this time of year, the current is fast and levels are rising. The Distance for this trip is about 80 km. You should check out the Conoeing Ireland website www.canoe.ie for more information or contact them on +353 (0)1 6251105.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Shannon Navigation Canoeing

Q. Hello we want to go canoeing in Northern Ireland. Can you tell me where I find someone from whom we could hire canoes. Thank you

A. If you go to http://www.landwaterair.co.uk/dsp_SearchResults.cfm/ACTIVITIES_KEY/20/Canoeing.htm you will find lots of information on and contacts for canoeing in Northern Ireland including the following: The Ark Activity Centre, Castle Island, Enniskillen. Tel no +44 (0)6632 4250, Email: info@arkoutdoor.com; Share Holiday Village, Smith’s Strand, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh. Tel no +44 (0)28 6772 2122, Email: celia@sharevillage.org Web: www.sharevillage.org; Canoe Trails, Countryside Access and Activities Network, The Stableyard, Barnett’s Demesne, Belfast BT9 5PB. Tel no +44 (0)28 9030 3930, Email: info@countrysiderecreation.com Web: www.countrysiderecreation.com; and Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, Western Region, John O Neill, Roscor, Belleek, Co Fermanagh. Tel no +44 (0)79 68623384.
Areas(s) : General Activities Lower Bann Navigation Erne System Canoeing

Q. Do I need an annual permit to put a 14" "indian" canoe (no engine) on the Barrow at Graiguenamanagh from time to time e.g. very occasional use only put on the water and taken off immediately afterwards? Also in respect of the Barrow what is the position in relation to a 16" aluminium boat with 6 h.p. engine used for angling? Do I need a permit to put it on from day-to-day (not necessarily moored overnight or for any length of time)? Does either craft require to be registered or to display registration details while in use? Thank you.

A. With regards to the 14" "indian" canoe (no engine), if the canoe is to be used on the navigation we would request that the owner sign an indemnity clause. This is appended to the permit application. While we would not require a permit for the canoe the indemnity will cover any incidents that may occur. With regards to the 16" aluminium boat with 6 h.p. engine, used for angling, a special “anglers permit” is available from Jim Butler, Lock Keepter at St. Mullins. This will cost €19 for the year and will cover all lock passages for the angling boat. With regards to displaying registration details on either of the above, there is no vessel registration on the Barrow Navigation system. As it is not planned to leave either vessel in the water for extended periods there is no requirement to display “registration” or “permit details” but the angler should carry a copy of such permit in the event he is passing through locks where he may not be known.
Areas(s) : General Activities Barrow Navigation Navigation Canoeing

Q. i would like to take groups of kids expedition canoeing on grand canal in kildare. how can i get hold of a lock key? thanks dave

A. Lock keys are available in Waterways Ireland's offices in Tullamore and Ashtown Gate (Dublin) and also in Shannon Harbour. However Waterways Ireland does not encourage canoes to pass through locks. We request that you disembark and walk over locks for safety reasons (turbulence in locks and the requirement to avoid water ingress into canoes). Also, while it is not required that a permit be issued (fees paid) we would request that an application for a permit be completed for purposes of indemnity. The organizer should also have adequate insurance for both personnel on the expedition and third party liability. Bye-Law 38 (q) requires our permission prior to any organized event.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Grand Canal Canoeing