Kayaking Rental West Cork

Ireland’s safest kayaking location in West Cork 

Try something new

Kayaking fun for everyone!

Kayak is the most convenient and cost-effective way to explore the rivers and lakes around you. Easy to transport and launch, kayaking is perfect for exploring those warm summer days at our local reservoirs, lakes, and coastlines. Kayaking can bring you closer to nature than any other type of boat or watercraft, whether you’re cruising serene streams to seek out wildlife, or making your way up a rushing river for an exhilarating ride through whitewater rapids.

The great thing about kayaking in West Cork is that it’s so easy to get started. You don’t need a lot of equipment, and there’s no special license or training needed. Nothing can compare to paddling through rivers and lakes and exploring nature from a whole new angle.

Kayaking is a great way to explore the beautiful waters around West Cork without having to go far from shore. Our kayak rentals allow you to explore the lagoon at your own pace for 30-60 minutes. We’ll supply all the equipment you need and give you a safety briefing, so you know what to do and where to go.

Young people enjoying kayaking in Cork Ireland at Lagoon activity centre
Two people ejoying Kayak rentals in Cork

We Offer Kayaking Rentals!

When you’re at the Rosscarbery Lagoon, you’re never more than a few steps from the water. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a kayak and take off!

If you’re in the mood for a little adventure and want to get out on the water, we have just what you need. Our kayaking rentals are perfect for anyone looking for a fun way to spend some time on the water. We offer single kayaks and double kayaks/canadian canoes.

Kayaking is the perfect way to spend a day in the sun with your friends, family, or loved ones. Our kayaks are designed for comfort and safety, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of our lake without worrying about getting into trouble. We have a variety of models available for rental, so there’s something for everyone!

Our kayaks are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis, and we recommend you reserve them in advance to make sure they are available when you arrive. We have single kayaks and double kayaks, so whether you’re looking for a quick spin or want to go out with your friends, you can do it all here.

What our visitors say...
google

Kids had a ball... Lots or running, swimming & climbing... For the spectators, the coffee was really good

Eoin O'Riordan July 15, 2021
google

Great place. Very well run and very safe. A must visit if in west Cork.

Liam O'Grady August 27, 2021
google

Great fun day out

GM Os September 4, 2021
tripadvisor

The experience was mixed. If you’re fit you’ll get lots from it . Less so if you’re less so. We went with our Autistic son who felt limited in the things he could because the access to certain obstacles involved going through others he couldn’t manage. Other reviewers have

HoweDublin August 1, 2021
tripadvisor

We had a great time here this weekend. My eldest happily went out kayaking and enjoyed the large open space. The rest of us did the water park which had so much to do and was really fun.

michellecollins02 August 1, 2021
tripadvisor

Great fun, well run and very safe! Staff were very friendly. Facilities were good also. Even a picnic area and some crepes etc available there.

Dave C July 29, 2022
google

Great fun today with the neices

Deborah Wolfe June 8, 2021
tripadvisor

Absolutely enjoyed this activity centre, it's even great for those people who have a fear of water or can't swim, cos the water is only 3ft deep. So safe enough. Definitely go on this again, loads of fun to be had, in good weather and bad. Brilliant fun

Maureen Clarke July 1, 2021
tripadvisor

Did the waterpark and pedal boat and kayaking - fantastic day out. Even in the rain. Highly recommend.

Conor August 1, 2021
tripadvisor

Attended the floating water park, great fun family event. Note, the water is not clean, make sure not to swallow! Staff very pleasant.

Barbara July 1, 2021
google

Great place. Really enjoyed Kayaking.

John Mollaghan August 2, 2020
tripadvisor

Would highly recommend birthday party here staff were so helpful before and on the day. Children had a ball on the water park and birthday boy had the best fun. Enjoyed the lovely warm pizza in adjoining garden.

Elaine Hegarty August 1, 2021
google

Had a fab time here the kayaking was brilliant

Sharron McGee August 4, 2021
google

Great day out for both adults and kids, any foot protection would be welcome, as you wouldn't notice the sore feet during the activity but definitely afterwards lol... ( Well worth it tho ☺️☺️).....

David Crean June 7, 2021
tripadvisor

The Lagoon Activity centre was extremely well runnIt is great fun for the family, from 8 years plus!nHighly recommend it, cant wait to go back

Susan S August 31, 2022
tripadvisor

Excellent - would highly recommend. Everything went so smoothly from when we arrived until the end. The kids all had a great time - they varied from 10-14 years of age. We will definitely be back.

EmmaS581 August 2, 2022
tripadvisor

Booked for family of 4 as part of our holiday in West Cork and Paul the manager was very accommodating when we had a problem with the time we booked. We had great fun on the inflatables…kids loved the slide and the hamster wheel! There are lovely warm showers after too. Staff were great. We had previously been as a few times and and we will definitely be back again…it doesn’t get old!

FrequentFlier185341 August 20, 2022
google

This activity centre is so much fun, and easy to find in Roscarbery! The staff were wonderful and friendly. Life jackets are supplied, and wetsuits are available if you need them. There are showers and restrooms available, and food to purchase also. The Lagoon Activity Centre is a great laugh. It's a bit on the slippy side, so be prepared to fall into the water if you're walking or running too fast! The water is salty, and while it's around 3ft deep in some places, it's much deeper in other parts. You can also hire out peddle boats, stand up paddle boards and kayaks also. A great activity centre for both adults and kids! 5 out of 5!!

Jenny Clancy July 23, 2021
tripadvisor

This is our second time here at the lagoon , as always a super morning with lots of fun for all the family. Great new addition is the big big big slide!! Staff as always very professional a d extremely helpful We will be back again thanks to all the team at the Lagoon Activity

Paul W August 1, 2021
tripadvisor

Took my two grandchildren to The Lagoon today. They had an absolutely great day and are already planning a return trip! The efficiency and friendliness of staff is second to none! Couldn't recommend it enough. Well done everyone!

Kittythehare27 August 1, 2021
tripadvisor

A group of 17 of us had a fantastic trip to the lagoon today from adults to age 8. So much fun for everyone, the staff were incredible and friendly. Highly recommend a visit, well worth the trip !

Ciarán W August 7, 2022
google

Great craic, safe for all ages, well worth it.

Brian Dempsey September 10, 2019
tripadvisor

Everything was excellent 👌 I honestly haven't had that much fun in years! It's brilliantly organised and the staff are so nice! Some great memories have been made today. Thank you

Katie stark August 1, 2021
tripadvisor

Great craic, I went with my 9 year old son. Wrecked afterwards but definitely worth it. Looking forward to doing it again.

Neil M August 18, 2022
google

Great place. Very well run and very safe. A must visit if in west Cork.

Liam O'Grady August 27, 2021
google

Absolutely fantastic place well worth a visit

John Barrett August 1, 2020
tripadvisor

Kids loved it definitely will do it again well worth the money, will do kayaking and pedal boats next time make a day of it

Karen B July 1, 2021
tripadvisor

We had a great time at The Lagoon Waterpark. The five of us took part, kids from 8 to 15 and we had great fun. The only thing for us was that a couple of the inflatables could have had more air in them and showers stopped before we had a chance to use them when we finished,

Elaine S August 1, 2021
tripadvisor

Book early. Always a hoot. For all ages! I'm early 50s and go with the teenagers every summer. The new pyramid is a testing climb but worth it. I started with this and got the wetting out of the way early on! Could do with clearing out of the pond scum which accumulates in two

JECTHK July 1, 2021
google

Big family group. Highlight of the family holiday. Kids loved it. Well worth a visit!

Aideen Lydon August 28, 2020
tripadvisor

3 kids from 8 to 11 had a brilliant time on the waterpark activity whilst mammy and 2 small ones had some ice cream and enjoyed the good weather 😀

Stacy August 1, 2021
google

Very kind, friendly and helpful people behind the desk today and in the boat. Thanks a mill.

tripadvisor

Really, really enjoyable experience at the Lagoon. Wetsuits and life jackets provided, with both changing rooms and showers (for rinsing off only) available. Staff at reception and on the boat were very friendly and chatty. The course was very fun, and the 45 minute time was

Laura S July 1, 2021
google

Great family day out. The centre is run very well. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. We've done a few of these water activities and this one is by far out favourite. You take a short boat ride out to it which was very exciting for the kids also. Toilet facilities are very clean and plenty of hand sanitizer. The whole experience from start to finish was fantastic. We'll definitely be returning. Would highly recommend. Our kids are 13 and 11.

Lorraine O Flynn July 21, 2020
google

Great spot. My 2 boys had a ball. Great facilities, great value. Friendly staff.

google

Fantastic atmosphere, with excellent staff👌

Carmel Dowdall June 6, 2021
tripadvisor

Great fun for all the family, staff excellent and facilities, well worth a visit. Will definitely be back

Grainnemadde July 3, 2022
tripadvisor

My kids and I visited today and had a brilliant time. We tried the kayaks, the pedalboats and finished up on the inflatable water park - it was so much fun! The staff were so friendly and accommodating and the pizza was delicious. A great day out, thanks!!

needanicecuppa June 29, 2022
tripadvisor

We went as a family (4 kids ages 16, 14, 6 and 4, and 2 adults) a day out to celebrate the 16th birthday! It's hard to impress the older lads, but they thoroughly enjoyed this! They went on the water park, we watched for a while before bringing the smallies out on a pedal boat.

Niamh H August 1, 2021
google

Staff very friendly , quaint , little coffee shop , 2 toilets a selection of water sports

amelia norman July 10, 2021
google

Great for the kids and adults

dave kelly July 7, 2021
tripadvisor

It’s my third time in the Lagoona and it never disappoints. I came to do SUP and it was very enjoyable. Prices are also reasonable. Beautiful setting and so many other things to do around

Anna K August 4, 2022
tripadvisor

I would likely recommend The Lagoon Activity Centre. The family really enjoyed the Total Wipeout style course. They were all smiley and tired afterwards. The coffee was good and the place is very well run and easy to navigate. It is a must see and do in West Cork!

rameire August 5, 2022
tripadvisor

Greatest 45 min of our holiday, really safe, crazy activity for all the family. You dont need to be a good swimmer its easy to get around

fromire July 15, 2022
tripadvisor

Had an amazing day at The Lagoon in Rosscarbery yesterday. We had 13 kids varying in ages from 8-18. They all had an absolute ball. So we’ll organises and safe. All of the employees, lifeguards etc were extremely helpful and great wit the kids. We will be back

Sandra O July 1, 2021
google

Pure fun, great staff, fab setting, great value

Fiona O Mahony August 20, 2020
google

It's brilliant but changing rooms are small.

Elbin C Joseph June 26, 2021
tripadvisor

Went with my 8 year old, had an absolute blast,was in bits after the activities and still went out on the kayak after. Staff are amazing and so helpful. Will return on our next trip.

Simon Q August 1, 2021
google

Great place during the summer when the water park is there they allso have kenewing peddle boats and paddle surfing and a small shop that sells ice-cream and other stuff.

Ciarán Forsythe October 27, 2020
google

Very good

Barry Joyce August 17, 2021

Try also our other activities

Inflatable water park in the Lagoon Water Activity Centre Rosscarbery - perfect for school tours primary schools

Water Park

A picture of the Lagoon Activity Centre Waterpark with it's vibrant waterslides and obstacle courses.

Family enjoying pedal boat at the Lagoon Activity Centre

Pedal Boats

Family fun renting a pedal boat at the Lagoon Activity Centre in Roscarbery, Co. Cork.

Two people using stand up paddle boards (SUP) at the Lagoon Activity Centre in Rosscarbery

SUP

Two boys renting paddleboards in West Cork.

Directions

How To Get Here

Ideally located in Rosscarbery, Co. Cork, you can reach the Lagoon Activity Centre in just over an hour by car if you’re coming from Cork City (2 hours from Limerick, and just over an hour and a half on the 230 bus that departs from St.Patricks Quay, Cork City).  

Kayak Rental FAQs

Renting a kayak offers you the opportunity to explore the beauty of our waters firsthand and enjoy an exhilarating outdoor adventure by kayaking West Cork. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful paddle along serene coastlines or an active exploration of hidden coves and wildlife habitats, kayaking provides a unique way to connect with nature and unwind. Our kayak rental service is equipped with all necessary gear, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for paddlers of all skill levels. Discover our little part of West Cork in the best way possible, through the freedom and tranquillity of kayaking with the Lagoon Activity Centre.

The main differences between a single kayak and a double kayak are based on their capacity and their overall design. The main differences are highlighted below.  

Single Kayak:  

A single kayak is designed to fit one paddler, the boat is slimmer and lighter by design, they are agile and easy to paddle with. A single kayak is perfect for those seeking a solo adventure!  

Double Kayak:  

A double kayak is designed to fit two paddlers, either front to back or by seating the paddlers side to side. Double kayaks are known for their width and their stability, in comparison to the single kayak. Great for an adventuring duo for longer trips or activities that benefit from working as a team. 

Yes, the weather forecast is crucial as it directly affects sea conditions. It’s highly advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your kayaking session with us. 

Safe kayaking requires suitable weather conditions. Conditions like strong winds, heavy rain, and storms are unsuitable for paddle boarding. Ideally, calm days with clear skies are optimal, especially for beginners and children. These conditions ensure better visibility, making it easier to spot other paddlers and potential hazards. 

Good weather not only enhances safety but also improves the overall kayaking experience. Below, we’ve listed our recommended weather forecasting resources for checking local kayaking conditions before kayaking West Cork: 

 

MET EIREANN NATIONAL FORECAST 
WINDGURU 
RAINFALL RADAR 
SEA AREA FORECAST 
SYNOPTIC/PRESSURE CHARTS 
SHIPPING FORECAST 
TIDES – CORK HARBOUR 

Yes, we provide life jackets to all kayaking participants. Life jackets are essential safety equipment, providing buoyancy and keeping paddlers afloat in the water. Wearing a life jacket is mandatory for all those participating in our activities, regardless of their level of experience.

Yes, you can enhance your experience by eating at the Jack Shack restaurant, conveniently located next to the stunning Rosscarbery Lagoon. Enjoy a relaxing meal by the waterfront with our thoughtfully curated menu. For more details on our restaurant offerings, please visit Jack’s Shack. 

Our kayaking activity is tailored for beginners, so there’s no need to purchase specialized water sports gear to enjoy our kayaks at the Lagoon Activity Centre. However, to enhance your experience, we suggest bringing the following items: 

  • Swimwear: Pack a suitable swimsuit, that you find comfortable to ensure you can fully enjoy your time kayaking at the Lagoon Activity Centre. 
  • Hat: Wearing a hat while kayaking acts as an additional barrier from the sun and protects your eyes from direct sunlight. 
  • Sunglasses: Sunglasses are essential for improving visibility, reducing eye strain from UV rays, and minimizing any potential glare from the sea during your kayaking adventure. 
  • Sunscreen: The weather at sea can change unexpectedly. It’s highly recommended to apply sunscreen before your water sports session to protect yourself from UV rays and prevent sunburn. 
  • Food and Drinks: 
  • While kayaking is an exhilarating activity, it’s a good idea to pack some food and drinks to stay hydrated and maintain your energy levels throughout your adventure. 
  • A Sense of Adventure: 
  • Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience kayaking West Cork and exploring the breathtaking scenery of Rosscarbery!