Co. Louth
Carlingford Lough
Intermediate
9 km
2-3 hrs
★
★
★
★
★
Sea
About This Route
A Paddle Through Paradise
Paddle from the medieval village of Carlingford, overlooked by King John's Castle, along the lough beneath the imposing Cooley Mountains. Across the water, the Mourne Mountains rise on the Northern Ireland side. The lough's sheltered waters are home to an active oyster farm and visiting pods of harbour porpoise.
This 9 km route begins at Carlingford Marina and finishes at Carlingford Marina (loop). The waters here are intermediate-level, making it a great choice for paddlers seeking a intermediate experience. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife along the sea route.
Conditions are generally best from May - September. Allow 2-3 hrs to complete the route at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to take in the scenery and enjoy the surroundings of Co. Louth.
Route Details
Put-in Point
Carlingford Marina
Take-out Point
Carlingford Marina (loop)
Best Season
May - September
Water Type
Sea
Parking
Yes, Carlingford village
Facilities
Full village facilities, adventure centre
Permit Required
No
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Conditions
Current Conditions
Weather
16°C
Partly Cloudy
Wind
12 km/h
SW
Water Temp
14°C
Comfortable
UV Index
4
Moderate
Data refreshed daily. Always check local conditions before paddling.
Stay Safe
Safety Reminders
1
Watch for Wind Funnels
Killarney Lakes are surrounded by mountains that can funnel wind across open water. Check the forecast before launching and stay close to the shoreline if gusts are expected above 20 km/h.
2
Wear a PFD at All Times
The lake drops to depths of over 60 metres in places. Even experienced swimmers should always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device on these waters.
3
File a Float Plan
Let someone know your planned route and expected return time. Mobile signal can be patchy along the western shore, so carry a whistle and a waterproof VHF radio as backup.
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