9 Water Sports You Have To Try In Dublin This Upcoming Summer
Summer is fast approaching, meaning it’s water sports time in Dublin. While the weather is unpredictable at the best of times when the sun does show its face the odd time, everyone takes to the beach, but half of us don’t know what to do because we’re not used to this type of weather.
Let me tell you, you can do many water sports in Dublin throughout the year, especially in the summer, and we are here to fill you in on all of them to prepare you for this upcoming season.
Whether you’re here on holiday or a Dub born and raised, there will be something on this list that will catch your eye. Let’s get started.
This webpage contains some links that may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no added cost to you.
Kayaking On The Liffey
Kayaking is one of the most popular outdoor water sports you can do in Dublin. Both tourists and locals are fond of taking a kayak out for some meditation time.
There are plenty of places you can kayak in Dublin, but our favourite is the 2-hour sightseeing kayak tour on the Liffey that departs from Custom House Quay. Paddle your way through the capital on a double-seater kayak, spotting some of the city’s famous sights like the iconic Ha’penny Bridge while getting a bit of a stretch into your arms.
This memorable tour requires no prior experience; you’ll be shown everything you need to know on the day. If you manage to run into a bit of hassle along the way, there will be a support boat with one of the company’s team members on it to help you out.
Kite Surfing In Dollymount
Have you ever wanted to fly? Well, now’s your chance. Kitesurfing is made for Dublin because of the amount of wind the region gets. For those who don’t know what it is, it’s where a person has to use the power of the wind with a large kite to pull along a surfboard. You’ve probably seen many people do this before, but you never knew what it was called.
Pure Magic offers great kitesurfing packages out in Dollymount. There are four package options for you to choose from, all of which are led by instructors certified by the international kite surfing organization. After a couple of lessons, you’ll be well on your way to riding the wind at high speeds.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Have you heard of the new phenomenon taking water activities by storm in Dublin? It’s called stand-up paddleboarding, also referred to by some as SUP. The idea of SUP came from surfing. You have to stand up on a surfboard and use a paddle like you would on a canoe.
There are many locations where you can learn how to stand-up paddleboard in Dublin, but Dun Laoighre is the most popular. Big Style is an excellent company out in the coastal suburb that has made SUPs readily available and has an array of classes you can take, whether you’re a beginner looking to dip your feet in or a professional wanting to hit some crashing waves.
Rafting
There’s no better adrenaline kick than some adventure sports. Head fifteen minutes outside of Dublin city centre for an action-packed rafting experience. Rafting.ie offers an exhilarating two-and-a-half-hour package from Lucan to Palmerstown, where you’ll embark on an insane rafting journey catching glimpses of flora and fauna along with plenty of sharp turns and high drops. What are you waiting for? Get yourself signed up!
Dublin Bay Cruises
Dublin Bay is a majestic C-shaped inlet in the Irish Sea. See it from a whole new perspective on a Dublin Bay Cruise. Sail along the region’s jaw-dropping coast on this sixty to seventy-minute cruise past the well-known Poolbeg Lighthouse and the charming Dun Laoighaire Harbour. This is a side to Dublin that many don’t get to see.
Sea Swimming
How would you like to learn how to do some open-water swimming in Dublin? Swimcamp.ie gives the curious an opportunity to get dabble in the outdoor sport. From beginner lessons to endurance master classes, they cater to anyone interested in sea swimming. The lessons take place at three locations, Seapoint Beach, Clontarf Beach, and Killiney Beach, and the sessions last for 45 minutes. Some workout that will be.
Wakeboarding
Get pulled along the river Liffey at rapid speeds at Wakedock, Dublin’s Docklands has now got its very own cable wakeboarding park. Instead of a boat pulling you, it’s a powered cable. Sounds fun right? With five obstacles to suit all skill levels and a variety of lesson packages including group sessions and individuals, it’s no wonder this water sports park is catching the eye of many.
Aquazone Waterpark
Aquazone, also known as the Aquatic Centre is Dublin’s most famous waterpark. Located in Blanchardstown, it has eight thrilling rides such as the frightening Green Giant waterslide and the Flow Rider where you can catch some serious airtime. Aquazone has something for everyone whether you’re a parent, but young at heart or a little nipper who’s water obsessed. We recommend booking your place online in advance because it does get busy, especially on the weekends.
Sailing
Sailing is a hugely popular water activity all over Ireland, not just in Dublin. The Irish National Sailing and Powerboat School is located in the capital, and they provide several courses for adults and children looking to learn the hard-learned skill. Head out into the Irish Sea on a coastal skipper or get some professional commercial powerboat training. The options are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Dublin’s Water Safety?
Dublin’s waters are safe. The city’s port is extremely busy, with over 17,000 ships coming in and out every year, and there are quite a lot of ship and yacht clubs that use the water, so there’s always someone out at sea at all times. That being said, you must know the necessary safety protocols if you manage to get into a bit of trouble and know when the sea is too rough to go out.
Are There Any Watersports Shops In Dublin Where You Can Buy Equipment?
If you’re taking a lesson in a certain watersport, they’ll likely provide you with gear for an added fee. You will want your own gear when you start getting into the hobby a little bit more. Surfdock is Dublin’s most popular watersports shop. They’ve been equipping aquaphilics for 30 years, and they even ship nationwide.
Written By Adam
Where In Dublin is owned, controlled, and run by Adam Ryan. He’s a one-man army who knows Dublin like the back of his hand and strives to help anybody planning on visiting Dublin enjoy themselves.