An Amazing Kayak Trip on Glengarriff Bay Ireland

If you want to explore some of the nooks and crannies of Ireland then how about a kayak tour?

While I’d been in a kayak a few times, it had been several years — actually a lot of years!

But it was something I wanted to do again.

And I thought kayaking in Ireland on this last trip I made would be a great time to try paddling again.

It turned out to be a fabulous decision.

My choice of outfitters: Outdoors Ireland

I found Outdoors Ireland the way anyone finds anything today — the internet.

This company came up for kayak tours in Killarney National Park and Glengarriff Bay.

And after reading the rave reviews I knew this was the choice for my tour on the water.

I’d also add that at €60 for a 3 hour tour, the price is very reasonable.

Kayaking around Garnish Island (to the left). What a gorgeous day in a stunning part of Ireland!

Killarney National Park or Glengarriff Bay

I originally wanted to kayak on the lakes in Killarney National Park.

But Nathan Kingerlee, the enthusiastic owner of Outdoors Ireland, suggested I might also like to kayak on Glengarriff Bay.

I laughed as I read his email as he was suggesting I kayak 2 days in a row.

At 52 I wasn’t sure I would survive one kayak journey let alone 2.

I told him this and asked him his thoughts on the 2 different destinations he offers for his kayak trips.

He steered me toward Glengarriff saying it would be beautiful.

And while I was unsure of my choice — mostly because I love Killarney National Park and wanted to explore it more — it ended up being a wonderful decision, mostly because I felt I experienced a piece of Ireland that I hadn’t before.

A curious seal in Glengarriff Bay. Love!

Do you need experience in a kayak?

Absolutely not.

One of the best things about Nathan’s approach is that he teaches you as you go along.

He makes you feel very comfortable and offers up tips if you are doing something wrong.

But he does so in a very considerate and almost soft way.

As you feel more relaxed in the kayak he’ll make suggestions such as, “If you push on the peddles inside the kayak as you paddle it will help you go faster.”

He gently eases you into it and adds more as he thinks you can handle it.

I found Nathan to be an excellent teacher who makes you feel safe, confident and at ease.

And every bit of equipment you need is provided: kayak, paddle, dry suit.

All you do is wear a swimsuit and comfortable shoes and bring a hat (if it gets cold), sunscreen and water.

My guide, Nathan, as we paddle around Glengarriff Bay on a beautiful day.

The Glengarriff Bay experience

I had no idea that this bay was home to so much wildlife, history and stories of legend and folklore.

Glengarriff Bay is a small part of the larger Bantry Bay, but this area is very unique due to its own microclimate.

As a result there’s an interesting array of flora and fauna.

For my tour it was just me, Nathan and a female school friend of his so we were a small group.

We were fortunate to have lovely weather with a mix of sunshine and clouds, little wind and decent temperatures for late April.

The bay was almost like glass at times.

The views of the shoreline and off to the mountains are stunning.

Some spectacular views of the mountains near Glengarriff Bay.

This is the island we stopped at and I could see that it would be a good place to hide for the smugglers!

Garnish Island sits in the bay. It’s a popular destination that you can boat to from Glengarriff.

But there are other islands and lots of coves that Nathan said had been popular for smugglers to hide in.

The bird life is spectacular here with oyster catchers, cormorants and herons.

And at the right time of year you can see whales and dolphins.

I didn’t get to see those, unfortunately.

What I did see though were lots of seals — which I love!

They are curious and did get close enough for me to get some images.

These cute animals pop their heads up high, checking you out as you paddle around.

And if you hear a splash behind you it’s probably “one of the boys” — as Nathan calls them — swimming around.

The seals were the highlight for me.

A seal eyeing me as I kayak on Glengarriff Bay. I loved seeing all the seals!

This was the big guy hanging out on a rock as we paddled by. He did go into the water with a very large splash!

A seal popping up to check me out in Glengarriff Bay. They were the highlight of the kayak tour with Outdoors Ireland.

The stories

Nathan is a fabulous guide as he tells you about the natural world but also weaves in stories from history — stories of smugglers, legends of witches and the history of this little part of Ireland.

Since he grew up just up the road in Kenmare, he knows the area well.

And you can see how much he loves being on the water and how much he loves his home.

We actually pulled up to an island and had some oysters — which he had collected along the way. He cooked these with some wild garlic. Quite tasty!

He pointed out different birds and the coastline of the Sheeps Head Peninsula off in the distance.

My guide, Nathan, who I would use again in a heartbeat.

The oysters Nathan collected steaming in the pan. It smelled like the sea!

More reasons to love Outdoors Ireland

I actually booked some travel clients with Outdoors Ireland.

This couple — in their early 40’s — took a tour on Killarney Lakes in late May of this year, 2018.

Mark, one of Nathan’s assistant, was their guide.

This is what they had to say:

“A great experience. Good weather. Glassy, uncrowded lake on the day we were there. We are not kayakers but still felt comfortable very quickly. Mark with Outdoors Ireland was fantastic and had us feeling like professionals right away.”

Glengarriff Bay as I begin my kayak tour. Beautiful!

Would I use Outdoors Ireland again?

Hell yes!

When you are a novice or a complete newbie to kayaking and you can actually go out on a bay or a lake and feel secure and confident AND enjoy yourself, this says something about the guide and the tour operator.

Nathan and his team are wonderful at making you feel at ease on the water.

They’re considerate, kind and gentle in their teaching you how to kayak.

They’re also fabulous teachers of Ireland — the myths and legends, the actual history and the nature of the area.

I never felt unsafe or stupid as I paddled off course every now and again.

And, because I chose to kayak on Glengarriff Bay, I learned more about a corner of Ireland that is a bit less touristed and that I had not spent any time in — thanks to Nathan!

I really can’t wait to get out on the water again in this part of Ireland.

And I know it will be with Outdoors Ireland.

PS I wasn’t sore at all!

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Outdoors Ireland so my tour fee was waived. However all opinions are my own.