Maybe I’m bias, but Northern Ireland has some of the best coast line in Europe. Don’t believe me?
Let me show you some of the best places to kayak around the coast of of Northern Ireland. Let’s start with the East Coast!
If you’ve never paddled in Northern Ireland, then you are truly missing a treat. The coast of Ulster has such a variety – from surf beaches in County Derry/Londonderry to the tidal flows of Strangford in Co Down. The North has so much to offer an adventuring Sea Kayaker.
So if you’re planning a trip north any time soon, or if you’re getting into paddling and want to learn some awesome spots to paddle from – this is the Blog for you.
Here are 5 great locations on the east of Ulster that are perfect for everyone.
1. Analong and the Mournes
This hidden gem of Co Down is a wonderful kayaking spot. Looking right out on there Celtic sea with views all the way to the Isle of Mann. This spot is a perfect for launching for kayaking adventures. If you want easy paddling with lots of landing spots, go South towards Kilkeel. Want some challenges, paddle North towards Newcastle.
The Coast line paddling from Annalong to Newcastle is a bit more committing with less places to land because there is also less tidal flow to contend with. Your major consideration may have to be wind and swell so plan accordingly!
This section of coast line can give way to some wonderful rock exploring in the right conditions and there are a few sneaky caves to find along the way! If the conditions are right it is an easy landing on the beach for some Ice Cream. Or in slightly bigger conditions, a surf session might be in order.
Whatever your aspirations this little spot is a great venue to paddle.
2. Strangford and the Islands
This well known spot is one of the best areas of natural beauty on the East coast. It is home to thousands of rare birds species and unique aquatic habitats with a diverse range of creatures. It is truly an awesome place to explore.
With numerous islands nestled in this tidal Lough, there is plenty to explore. Not forgetting the wonderful tidal features of the narrows at Strangford which are not for the faint hearted.
One of our favourite trips is a simple jaunt amongst the islands from Whiterocks, Co Down to Pawle Island.
The trip is always a crowd pleaser, especially on breezy days when other locations are too rowdy. Leaving from Whiterocks in the shelter of the islands.
A word of warning. Parking can be an issue as the car park is small and local providers like myself use the area regularly. It is sometimes a plan to pull up and drop off boats, then park further up the road in the large car park just past the yacht club. This will save creating anger amongst the locals.
A second word of warning. Plot your route carefully on a map as the islands can look deceptively similar and if you’re not familiar with the area, you might find yourself in some difficulty in shallower areas. Bare in mind that not all the islands can bear circumnavigates, many are connect via causeways that expose at low water.
The islands are great for exploring and it is easy to find shelter when needed. There is lots of wildlife to see so make sure to bring a spotting scope!
Pawle Island is a great stop. There is an old farm at the South Western end of the island and if you look carefully you’ll notice a nice landing strip between the rocks to the right of the sign. The ruins offer great shelter from winds and offer a great place for a tarp shelter for longer stops.
In southerly winds a quick return can be had for those seeking excitement. From the Eastern side of Pawle there is great exposure to the wind meaning a perfect downwind can be utilised to speed the journey back to Whiterocks to end a wonderful trip.
3. Bangor, Groomsport and the Copeland Islands
Bangor and Groomsport are both awesome places to launch to explore Belfast Lough. The coastline from Hollywood out to Groomsport is varied and great to explore, but the real magic is the coast between Bangor, Groomsport and the Copeland Islands.
For beginners and intermediates a paddle around Ballymacormick Point towards Groomsport is perfect. Filled with plenty of rock exploring and is a great introduction to exploring features in a safe environment.
Launching from Ballyholme Beach, the Yacht club or Groomsport gives great access to an array of trips in waters with slower tidal streams. Wind and swell will be your bigger concern.
For those more advanced and more adventurous, a paddle to the Copeland Islands is a tidal planning exercise you won’t regret.
The Copelands sit off shore East of Donaghadee and are extremely tidal as the waters of the Irish Sea and Belfast Lough wrap around them. This creates compressions zones of fast flowing current, overfalls and tide races. Paddling them is not for the inexperienced.
Getting the tides and winds right can be a challenge and many a paddler has limped home with their tail between their legs for poor planning and decision making.
The reward of course is the exquisite isolation and beauty of this small set of islands with plenty of birdlife to keep you excited.
4. The Victorian Path & the Gobbins
In Victorian times, tourism was on the rise. People were flocking to Northern Ireland for attractions such as the Giants Causeway. Irish Engineer Berkeley Deane Wise saw potential in the rugged caves and cliffs of East Antrim.
He conceived a walkway that took paying visitors to see these stunning coastal features from a different point of view with the thrill of the odd crashing wave thrown in to increase the heart rate of many a young visitor.
Fast forward to the 2000’s and engineers funded by the EU’s Intereg IVA Programme began recreating a new path along the route.
From land the caves are amazing, but from the sea they are even more spectacular!
Paddling from Whitehead or from Port Muck, paddlers can use tidal flows feeding Belfast lough to aid them to get along the paths route. From Port Muck, confident paddlers can enjoy some fun in the tide race on the inside of Muck Island.
In the right swell paddlers can get right into the caves and under the pathways structure to explore its magnificence.
There are ample opportunities to play amongst the rocks and caves on this great coastal paddle.
Be aware, this is quite a committing paddle with few get outs if things go wrong. It is best to plan to attempt this on a day with lower wind and swell and tides that work in your favour.
5. Cushendall & Cushendun
Nestled among the Glens of Antrim, these two little villages lie. Between them is some stunning coastline that makes for some amazing paddling trips.
Depending on which way the tide is flowing around Torr Head you can use the eddy current to go between the two towns, or even start as far as Glenarm Beach and work your way North.
The coast is quite exposed so the paddle needs some good tidal planning to make the most of tides and conditions. Additionally the funnelling effect of the glens can mean that you get the odd off shore breeze that you need to keep your eye on. They’re not quite Katabatic but they are close.
The coast is truly breathtaking and an awe to see. In the right weather and swell, the coast can be exciting and varied with plenty of rockhopping and exploring to be had.
This part of the coastline can be a little committing with fewer landing spots so it is worth making sure you plan with wind and tides on your side.
This paddle also has the benefit of a beautiful sandy beach landing that leads to some great pubs for a post paddle pint.
