Hundreds try out kayaking in scenic surroundings of Tipperary's Bay Lough

Members of Ardfinnan Peil na mBan taking part in a kayaking session at Bay Lough

Bay Lough Kayaking has experienced a super start with an average of 150 kayakers taking to the lake each weekend so far this summer. 

This new initiative is being run by the voluntary Knockmealdown Active Committee, also responsible for organising the St Declan’s Way five-day walking event in March and April and the Knock Me Down Adventure Race on August 26.

Bay Lough is a well-known mountain lake in the Knockmealdown Mountains, near The Vee between Clogheen and Lismore. Importantly it has no tidal conditions and is safely accessed without any need to walk through water.

The access route to the lake from Bay Lough carpark was significantly improved earlier this year through Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme funding from South Tipperary Development Company, with the project managed and matched funded by Knockmealdown Active.

It is the first year that the kayaking experience has been run and has been possible only with the kind permission of the landowners.

With an average of 150 kayakers taking to the waters each weekend, the experience is proving hugely popular with young families, teenagers, adults and groups.

Bay Lough is an ideal environment to either try kayaking for the first time or to test those more experienced who want to paddle at speed.

The lake features in the Knock ME Down Adventure Race, being run on August 26.

This race is now almost booked out at www.KnockMeDown.ie. A large number of the race participants have been on the lake practising for the event.

Numerous sports groups have come to Bay Lough kayaking as part of their team building programmes and Knockmealdown Active encourages any groups who would like to try out this watersport to get in touch at info@bayloughkayaking.ie. Group rates are available.

While the event is run by Knockmealdown Active Committee, there are also experienced instructors involved who guide the kayakers through the techniques to follow, while also closely observing their progress as they paddle through the lake.

Several Macra and GAA clubs have visited in recent weeks, along with local politicians, sports people and families, all keen to experience the calm waters of Bay Lough for themselves.

No experience is necessary and there is no need to be able to swim. Knockmealdown Active provides all the gear and instruction required to get you on the lake and loving the experience within minutes of your arrival.

If you are keen to try the experience, then don’t delay. It’s a great healthy way to entertain the kids during the school holidays.

Kayak slots can be booked online at www.bayloughkayaking.ie. You can follow the group on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @BayLoughKayaking.