Kayak Camping in Ireland: How to Plan Your First Overnight Trip

There is something deeply satisfying about arriving at a campsite that can only be reached by water. No cars, no crowds — just you, your kayak, and a stretch of shoreline. Kayak camping (sometimes called canoe camping or paddle camping) combines the freedom of paddling with the adventure of wild camping, and Ireland's lakes, rivers, and islands are ideally suited to it.

This guide covers how to plan your first overnight kayak camping trip in Ireland — from choosing a route to packing your gear and leaving no trace. Browse the full range of kayaks for sale at Skipjak.

What Is Kayak Camping?

Kayak camping means paddling to a campsite with all your overnight gear loaded onto or into your kayak. You paddle during the day, set up camp in the evening, sleep, and paddle on the next morning. Trips can be a single overnight or stretch to a week or more on longer routes.

It is not as extreme as it sounds. If you can paddle a kayak for 2–3 hours and set up a tent, you can kayak camp. The main skill is packing efficiently — everything needs to fit on the boat and stay dry.

Best Routes for Kayak Camping in Ireland

The River Barrow (Athy to St Mullins)

Distance: ~65 km over 3–5 days Difficulty: Easy — flat water, gentle current

The Barrow Navigation is arguably the best kayak camping route in Ireland. The river is slow-moving, the scenery is beautiful, and there are established camping spots and B&Bs along the way. Lock-keeper's cottages provide landmarks and rest points. The section from Graiguenamanagh to St Mullins is the highlight.

The Shannon Blueway (Drumshanbo to Carrick-on-Shannon)

Distance: ~20 km over 1–2 days Difficulty: Easy — flat water, well-marked trail

The Shannon Blueway is a designated paddling trail with marked launch points, rest stops, and camping areas. It is well-suited to first-time kayak campers because the infrastructure is already in place — you do not need to find wild camping spots.

Lower Lough Erne (County Fermanagh)

Distance: Variable — island hopping Difficulty: Moderate — open lake, wind exposure

Lough Erne's 150+ islands include several with established camping areas. Island hopping by kayak is a unique experience — paddle between islands during the day, camp on one overnight, and move on the next morning. The monastic ruins on Devenish Island and White Island add a heritage dimension.

Lough Key (County Roscommon)

Distance: Short — island-based camping Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Lough Key Forest Park has several islands accessible by kayak, and the surrounding forest park provides facilities. It is a good option for a first overnight trip because the distances are short and help is nearby if needed.

What Gear Do You Need?

The key principle is: pack light, pack dry, pack smart. Everything needs to fit on your kayak and survive potential splashing or a capsize.

Essential gear list

| Category | Items |

|---|---|

| Shelter | Lightweight tent or bivvy bag, groundsheet, sleeping bag, sleeping mat |

| Cooking | Compact stove (gas canister type), pot, mug, spork, lighter, fuel |

| Food | Dehydrated meals, snacks, tea/coffee, water bottle, water purification |

| Clothing | Spare dry layers, warm hat, waterproof jacket, camp shoes/sandals |

| Safety | Buoyancy aid, phone in waterproof case, whistle, first aid kit, headtorch |

| Paddling | Paddle, spray deck (if sit-in), sponge or bailer, paddle leash |

| Packing | Dry bags (multiple sizes), deck bungees, cam straps |

What to leave behind

• Heavy cotton clothing (takes forever to dry)
• Glass bottles or cans (weight, waste, breakage risk)
• Oversized camping chairs or tables
• Anything you would not want to lose in a capsize

How to Pack a Kayak for Camping

Sit-on-top kayaks

Most sit-on-top kayaks do not have enclosed storage hatches, so all gear goes on the deck in dry bags secured with bungee cords and cam straps. Pack the heaviest items low and central (between your legs or behind the seat). Keep the load balanced — uneven weight makes the kayak harder to paddle and less stable.

Sit-in kayaks

Touring sit-in kayaks have bow and stern hatches that keep gear enclosed and dry. Pack heavy items in the centre of the boat (near the cockpit) and lighter items in the ends. Use multiple smaller dry bags rather than one large one — they are easier to fit through hatch openings.

General packing tips

Use dry bags for everything. Even if your kayak has sealed hatches, pack gear in dry bags as a second layer of protection.

Keep essentials accessible. Phone, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a spare layer should be within reach while paddling — not buried at the bottom of a hatch.

Test your packing at home. Load the kayak in the garden before your trip to check that everything fits and the boat is balanced.

Weigh your total load. Your body weight plus all gear must be within the kayak's weight capacity — ideally no more than 75% of the maximum.

Camping Etiquette and Leave No Trace

Wild camping in Ireland exists in a grey area — it is generally tolerated on open land and islands, but there is no legal right to camp on private land without permission. On waterways managed by Waterways Ireland, there are designated camping and rest areas.

Leave No Trace principles:

• Pack out everything you pack in. No litter, no food waste, no toilet paper left behind.
• Use established fire rings if fires are permitted. In many areas, open fires are not allowed. Use a camping stove instead.
• Camp on durable surfaces. Rock, gravel, or established tent platforms — not on vegetation or soft ground.
• Respect wildlife. Keep noise down, store food securely, and do not disturb nesting birds or seal colonies.
• Use water responsibly. Wash dishes and yourself well away from the water's edge. Use biodegradable soap sparingly.
• Toilet hygiene. Dig a cat hole at least 30 metres from water, trails, and camp. Pack out toilet paper in a sealed bag.

Safety Considerations

Check the weather forecast for the full trip duration. Conditions can change significantly over 2–3 days. Have a plan for sheltering or cutting the trip short if weather deteriorates.

Tell someone your route and expected return. Leave a detailed plan with a responsible person on shore.

Carry a means of communication. A fully charged phone in a waterproof case is the minimum. For remote coastal trips, consider a VHF radio or personal locator beacon.

Do not paddle beyond your ability. A loaded kayak handles differently to an empty one — it is heavier, slower to turn, and sits lower in the water. Practice paddling with a full load before your trip.

Know your capsize recovery. Practice getting back onto a loaded kayak in calm water. It is harder than re-entering an empty boat.

For a stable, high-capacity kayak suited to overnight trips, browse our range of kayaks for sale.

Your First Trip: Keep It Simple

For your first kayak camping trip, keep the ambition modest:

• One night only. You can always extend future trips.
• Short paddling distance. 10–15 km total is plenty for a first overnighter.
• Familiar water. Choose a lake or river you have paddled before.
• Good weather window. Pick a settled forecast with light winds.
• Go with a friend. Two kayaks are safer and more fun than one.
• Have a bail-out plan. Know where you can land and get a lift if things go wrong.

The first trip does not need to be epic. It just needs to work. Once you have done it once, you will know what to change, what to leave behind, and where to go next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you kayak camp on a sit-on-top kayak?

Yes — many people kayak camp on sit-on-top kayaks. All gear goes on the deck in dry bags secured with bungees and straps. Keep the load balanced and within the weight capacity. A sit-on-top with a large rear deck area is ideal.

Where can I wild camp in Ireland?

Wild camping is generally tolerated on open land, islands, and designated rest areas on managed waterways. Always leave no trace, and seek permission if camping on clearly private land. Waterways Ireland has designated camping spots on the Shannon and Erne systems.

How much gear can a kayak carry?

A typical recreational sit-on-top kayak has a maximum capacity of 120–150 kg (paddler plus gear). For camping, you need approximately 15–25 kg of gear, so most adults will be within capacity. Check your kayak's weight limit before loading.

Is kayak camping safe?

With proper planning, appropriate gear, and realistic route selection, kayak camping is safe. The main risks are weather, cold water, and overloading the kayak. Start with short, sheltered trips and build experience gradually.

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