Killarney Lakes Kayak Tour: A Ross Castle Guided Review

Killarney, Ireland, well, it’s known for way more than just its green hills, but those scenic lakes too it’s almost like they’re right out of a postcard. Taking a guided kayak trip from Ross Castle on these very lakes, that certainly gives you, like your own peek into a totally distinct side of what Ireland, that, has on offer. We went on one recently, so this review will, too it’s almost, cover what to look for on a trip that gets you away from what everyone else is doing, giving some close up views of the stunning landscape in the area.

Setting Off From Ross Castle

Ross Castle, that sits right on the shore of Lough Leane, well, it has quite a story to tell and acts, arguably, as a fantastic spot to start a kayak outing. The castle itself, basically, dates back to the 15th century and was, well, one of the last spots to cave to Cromwell’s forces, so getting a good glimpse of it from the water provides you with something more than, like, just your snapshot, so you get, basically, some local history right there as well. I mean when we began our tour, the guides seemed pretty ready with loads of info regarding the castle, so getting some info relating to the local myths and past owners right as you, kind of, paddle off, I mean that can make the castle, well, feel extra vivid.

As for the gear, the local tour companies, usually, offer everything you, sort of, need: that’s the kayaks, the paddles, and personal flotation devices. Now some might have wetsuits to keep you a bit warmer in the chilly water. Getting prepared properly, too it’s almost, can change the comfort amount on your tour considerably, particularly if the conditions are a little harsh.

Paddling Through Lough Leane

Lough Leane, being that it is the biggest of Killarney’s three lakes, provides really amazing scenes and some calm waters that can make your kayaking that little bit more pleasant. So, moving away from Ross Castle, the views, basically, open up right away giving you, such as your backdrop, the Kerry Mountains. This place is super picturesque with what the natural setting has available in so many different spots for views to feast your eyes upon.

A guided trip, actually, frequently includes going near Innisfallen Island, a small island with old abbey relics. Now being able to see those old abbey ruins, too it’s almost, from the water provides you with a seriously exceptional vantage point, so getting to know some background regarding the religious history on the island through your guide, that will likely add some depth to your experience. When the water’s at its clearest, you, literally, might get lucky enough so you can glimpse into the lake bed as you, literally, float over it and the trip that we booked allowed us the chance to pull up onto the island to get our feet on solid ground.

Wildlife Encounters on the Water

Paddling across Lough Leane offers loads of chances for wildlife spotting. Loads of different bird species inhabit the lake region, well, so being attentive can let you see swans drifting elegantly through the water or perhaps a kingfisher, too it’s almost, as it zips across the surface. The guides, frequently, can pinpoint spots where you’re more inclined to witness local animals, so getting ready for this increases your tour thrills, as, arguably, well.

White-tailed eagles have, literally, been reintroduced in Killarney, so seeing one these amazing birds soaring overhead, arguably, would turn out to be, like, just your truly memorable sight. If you’re, like, into capturing great photos, getting that camera set may let you capture, you know, a really unforgettable nature moment that most miss. Something else worth noting is the quieter that you, such as your group are, the more probable it’ll be that wildlife reveals themselves to you.

The Skill Required and Tour Conditions

Most kayak tours, mostly, accept people from various experience tiers, but having, say, some basic understanding on the way to paddle can be helpful. For anyone new to kayaking, it’s pretty good to, obviously, notify the tour staff ahead of time, they’re really used to giving some tips and instructions to beginners.

The weather found around Killarney can change, so it’s super necessary to prepare. Check what the prediction is ahead of time and then equip yourselves using appropriate attire, layers being that they are a seriously good idea, so you’re all good if things get chilly. Tours can occasionally be put off, being that this is for your own safety and for the tour group if the lake becomes, arguably, excessively choppy, well. It can pay, basically, to keep flexible in regards to your arrangements for anyone taking any trip which is reliant upon the weather, and so on.

What to Bring On Your Kayaking Tour

For optimum pleasure, consider what to take alongside you while kayaking, such as.

Waterproof Gear: Get a waterproof bag which will fully protect things just like mobiles, cameras, and various other gadgets coming from water splashes is definitely necessary. Also consider, of course, putting what you own into waterproof sacks just as a measure.
Clothing that dries fast: Stay away from wearing what retains liquid just like cotton. Layers which could dry quickly created from materials just like fleece and synthetics actually are ideal considering they will still help keep you, you know, cozy even though these become damp.
Sun Protection: Also on cloudy days, putting on sunscreen having a high SPF actually is essential to guard what the sun throws off. Think about including sunglasses and a wide-brimmed cap to give, say, just a little additional cover.
Hydration and food: Carry, basically, lots of water to help keep you hydrated, also snack foods, such as power pubs or even fresh fruit to keep, that, levels of energy up for what can be a physical exercise.
Footwear which grips: Use shoes you’re OK putting into the lake and also which often will give, like, some grip when it is damp. Boots made for water or even old trainers actually are wonderful.

Photographing Killarney from a Kayak

Picture taking whilst in a kayak provides wonderful possibilities for shooting distinctive shots from waterside. To help capture those landscapes successfully, keep in mind these tips, too it’s almost, though.

Use a Waterproof Camera or a Case: The key defense actually is making certain that what you have is secured from water. A digital camera that has already been produced to actually be waterproof, like your GoPro, can be great. In the event you would rather bring what you use frequently, buy a water-resistant situation that provides defense.
Keep It Simple: Even though outside in a kayak, that’s a lot easier to work with reduced equipment. Decide to go only with what’s required, like your digital camera plus one zoom lens, to maintain things controllable.
Be mindful of Balance: Getting stable actually is extremely important. Prevent quick motions, which often can have an impact on what’s going on around. Have patience if you end up capturing your own photos to prevent moving.
Capture the Light: Days and nights spent in early and late daylight typically supply the finest lighting effects intended for picture taking. The lighting at the period provides tone to exactly what the region has waiting for you and decreases severe shadows, thus it would make just about everything appear much better.
Consider Composition: Keep the rule of thirds in your thoughts to help make perfectly up to mark pictures. This will make just what it is that you find interesting far more amazing simply by location and framing from what is all around.

Is the Ross Castle Kayak Tour Worth It?

Then, is this something I, literally, would recommend? If you’re after being outside, getting close up views of remarkable historical spots, but learning some stuff on the way, I mean a kayaking trip out from Ross Castle definitely has plenty to provide. Getting some good information from tour leaders, coupled with what’s around visually, makes it a truly memorable experience. To people looking for, say, something peaceful far from those well-known vacationer spots or even in case you have an enthusiasm for being out near lakes, that has all the markings of the good choice to check out any time traveling nearby Killarney, basically.

Unique Views: See Ross Castle and Innisfallen Island right from a distinctive position.
Educative: Pick up knowledge regarding community wildlife, customs and even history with competent instructions.
Wonderful Experience: Ideal for families, independent travelers, along with anyone needing that tranquil journey upon those attractive Irish Lakes.

To conclude, just maybe, go have yourself a remarkable waterside holiday – anyone arranging the kayak journey from Ross Castle located near Killarney almost definitely will prove as worth while, what do you think? Right, I had better be off…

#Killarney #Kayaking #RossCastle #Ireland #AdventureTravel #Lakes