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.


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.
full range of kayaks available
Kayaking Rentals
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Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. It is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is a low-to-the-water, canoe-like boat in which the paddler sits facing forward, legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle to pull front-to-back on one side and then the other in rotation.
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Single Kayak €9
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Double Kayak / Canadian Canoe €18

full range of kayaks available
Kayaking
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Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. It is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is a low-to-the-water, canoe-like boat in which the paddler sits facing forward, legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle to pull front-to-back on one side and then the other in rotation.
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Single Kayak €9
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Double Kayak / Canadian Canoe €18

We took the trip from Cork City to The Lagoon Activity Centre for the day and it did not disappoint. We had an 8 year old with us and he really enjoyed the water park, as did we it is really great for all ages. Wetsuits and life jackets were provided and there was lovely hot
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
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!
Great fun for all the family, staff excellent and facilities, well worth a visit. Will definitely be back
Great experience. Friendly staff. If the weather is good the place will be a super fun. Very safe place, just 4 feet deep.
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
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
Great place. Very well run and very safe. A must visit if in west Cork.
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.
Big family group. Highlight of the family holiday. Kids loved it. Well worth a visit!
Absolutely brilliant, kids really enjoyed the kayaking which is really safe. Will be back soon
We loved it...well run with friendly helpful staff...change in your cars as changing rooms are limited...
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!!
This was such a fun day out for adults AND kids. We kayaked, SUPd, and went on the activity park. They have a great set up, and great staff
Had a fab time here with my family. Staff were so friendly and helpful and made sure to look after my little girl.
Fun facilities and a lovely relaxed atmosphere at the centre. Very friendly staff at the centre base. Aqua park was fun but very daunting. Be prepared for essentially a slippery bouncy castle. Those in charge of the Aquapark we very unhelpful, bordering on rude. Myself and others were the ones pulling the dingy closer to the inflatable to help people on and off while they looked on. No positive interaction, just looked constantly bored by our existence and us possibly being in need of a hand. Nothing to wipe the very many cuts I witnessed on the way back. Those on shore were very helpful. Please remember that it is all of our first time on a wobbly, slippery inflatable in deep water that most of us are only on to keep out children happy. Our old bodies ache. It costs nothing to give us a fake smile and a hand onto wobbly polyethylene. In fact, it would go a really long way. You catch more flies with honey then with vinegar. Still had a great time though!
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,
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
Our teenage son did this on his own and loved it. Well worth the money. We had great fun laughing when he fell in. I think 45 minutes is perfect. He was wrecked after it!😂
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
Went here today did kayaking and the water park.. We had a great time loved every minute of it the water park is a great experience, great for kids and adults.. Definitely will be returning before school starts. Staff very friendly which is a plus.
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
Visited the Lagoon during the Summer with my two kids and they had a ball. From the moment we arrived the staff could not have been more helpful and pleasant. Lovely coffee available too. Shout out to a young lad called Ciaran who went over and beyond to help us. We look forward
The water park is great fun for the whole family. The kids loved it....and the daddy loved it. The Iceberg is a hard climb but totally worth it. We're living locally and have gone a couple of times....and will be back.
Lovely well maintained park . Have seen the bin collection guy here even in a sunday morning good parking area.tennis court for older kids lovely lake view and only a walk from the shops and restaurants.
Did the waterpark and pedal boat and kayaking - fantastic day out. Even in the rain. Highly recommend.
Kids and hubbie had a ball. Wetsuits optional, all wore life jackets and everyone seemed to enjoy. A little boat brings you from the pier to the feature in the lagoon. Life guard supervised also. Great spot. Would return
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
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!
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 😀
Fun afternoon for all. Staff were friendly and helpful. Lovely atmosphere and buzz around the centre. Hope to go again next summer.
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.
Great craic, I went with my 9 year old son. Wrecked afterwards but definitely worth it. Looking forward to doing it again.
Had a fantastic day out as usual, our annual visit to the lagoon! Changing rooms and toliets spotless, staff amazing and very helpful. We did the waterpark which requires a good level of fitness but thats clearly started in the terms and conditions,very detailed safety talk, lifeguards on the ball as per usual. Overall a fantastic day out , we will most definitely be back, looking forward to next year already. nHighly recommend.
Heading towards the 40s but still love the inflatable water park so much, my teenagers always have a ball too.
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 ☺️☺️).....
Staff very friendly , quaint , little coffee shop , 2 toilets a selection of water sports
We had a fantastic day with our three chikdren at the floating water park...even our 16 year old enjoyed it. Even the rain couldnt dampen the experience and the staff were very friendly. I would recommend wearing aqua shoes as it can be shallow and stony underfoot.
Great morning on the inflatables with 2 adults and 3 kids. Very well organised, friendly staff and good value in the cafe. Would highly recommend this activity, we all had great fun.
Try also our other activities

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

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

SUP
Two boys renting paddleboards in West Cork.
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).
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!