The three-day trip begins at Bagenalstown and finishes at St Mullins, with official campsites at Goresbridge and Graiguenamanagh. There are also plenty of wild camping options—check our canoe trail map or ask for advice. Riverside accommodation is available along the route for those who prefer not to camp.
This is our most popular trip, offering a perfect chance to disconnect from daily life and fully immerse yourself in nature. Spending three days on the river allows you to connect with yourself and your group through a shared adventure. If your group has two cars, you can leave your camping gear at the campsites and avoid carrying it in your canoes.
Starting at Bagenalstown, with parking and nearby shops, the first day is a scenic four-and-a-half-hour paddle to Goresbridge, passing farmland, woodland, three weirs, and four locks. The route can be kept on flat water for beginners, with options for more experienced paddlers to tackle the weirs or portage around them.
The three-day trip begins at Bagenalstown and finishes at St Mullins, with official campsites at Goresbridge and Graiguenamanagh. There are also plenty of wild camping options—check our canoe trail map or ask for advice. Riverside accommodation is available along the route for those who prefer not to camp.
This is our most popular trip, offering a perfect chance to disconnect from daily life and fully immerse yourself in nature. Spending three days on the river allows you to connect with yourself and your group through a shared adventure. If your group has two cars, you can leave your camping gear at the campsites and avoid carrying it in your canoes.
Starting at Bagenalstown, with parking and nearby shops, the first day is a scenic four-and-a-half-hour paddle to Goresbridge, passing farmland, woodland, three weirs, and four locks. The route can be kept on flat water for beginners, with options for more experienced paddlers to tackle the weirs or portage around them.
The river twists and meanders through beautiful farmland and wooded banks. Highlights include the large arched railway bridge south of Bagenalstown, Slyguff lock with picnic areas for lunch, and a secluded detour to historic Barracore Mill (see trail map). The Goresbridge campsite is a peaceful, exclusive ‘Paddle Your Own Canoe’ site with no facilities but plenty of natural charm.
Nearby in Goresbridge village, you’ll find the excellent café The Goodly Barrow—perfect for a late breakfast or early lunch. Other local amenities include Mahers shop and filling station, Goresbridge Saddlery/Fashion, the vintage Barrow Breeze pub, and Mahers bar, where friendly owner John Quinn welcomes campers to use his BBQ and patio.
This section is approximately a five-hour paddle along one of the most scenic parts of the Barrow River. There are seven weirs and three sets of rapids, all easily avoided via the left-hand navigation channel for a calm paddle. For those experienced paddlers wanting a challenge, the weirs and rapids can be navigated or portaged.
Highlights include native forestry-lined banks at Borris House estate, the towering Douglas fir slopes of Clashganny (a natural amphitheatre), the popular white-water area at Clashganny, the oak forest island at Clohastia, and the winding boulder cliffs leading into Graiguenamanagh. Along the way, enjoy views of Barrowmount house estate, an American-style log house by Ballytiglea weir, Borris lock house, and Clohastia castle remains.
The Hub campsite in Graiguenamanagh is an official ‘Paddle Your Own Canoe’ exclusive site, featuring toilets, showers, changing facilities, fire pits, and BBQs. It’s quiet, secluded, and close to town. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem, which is quickly growing in popularity.
Enjoy live music on Saturday nights, book a hot box sauna, or take a refreshing swim in the river just across from the campsite. Graiguenamanagh offers great dining options like the hearty Duiske Inn and authentic Indian takeaway at Graig Garden. Pubs such as Doyle’s and O’Driscoll’s host traditional music sessions and lively nightlife.
The final day is a shorter, three-hour paddle over seven kilometers with three avoidable weirs. The river valley deepens, with steep, tree-lined banks reminiscent of Canadian scenery. Arriving in St Mullins, you can relax at the popular Mullachain Café, welcomed by Martin, Mark, and their friendly team. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink or meal and reflect on your Barrow River adventure.
Start point: Bagenalstown
Google Maps — Parking in Aldi car park
Goresbridge parking:
Google Maps
Goresbridge camping:
Google Maps (Please camp only at the designated site, campervan area is off-limits)
Graiguenamanagh campsite (The Hub):
Google Maps (No parking on gravel beside campsite)
Graiguenamanagh parking:
Google Maps or alternative Parking
Finish point: St Mullins:
Google Maps
For larger groups with multiple cars, leave vehicles at each campsite and the finish point, minimising cars at the start.
Smaller groups with one car can park at Graiguenamanagh; we offer shuttle pickups in a six-seater van with gear storage.
Participants must be able to swim and have a moderate level of fitness. Camping is wild-style—no electricity or running water, but full of character and comfort. Toilet facilities are basic and eco-friendly.
Please note: limited parking is available at your own risk. Max weight limit per person: 130KG. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.
Parking and Transport
For this three-day trip, parking is available at each campsite and at the start and finish points. If your group has multiple cars, you can leave vehicles at the campsites and finish location to avoid shuttling cars back and forth. For smaller groups with one car, park at Graiguenamanagh, and our team can provide shuttle service with storage for your gear.
Camping Gear and Canoes
If your group has two cars, you can leave your camping equipment securely at the campsites, so you don’t need to carry heavy gear in your canoe. Otherwise, pack efficiently for easy transport on the water.
Navigation and Safety
The route includes several weirs and locks, all avoidable via the left-hand navigation channel, making it suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. For those new to paddling or unfamiliar with the river, staying on flat water is recommended. Experienced paddlers may choose to navigate some weirs or portage around them.
Facilities at Campsites
Goresbridge: Exclusive ‘Paddle Your Own Canoe’ campsite, secluded grassy area with no facilities.
Graiguenamanagh (The Hub): Official campsite with toilets, showers, fire pits, BBQs, and changing facilities. Nearby town amenities include cafes, pubs, and shops.
Food and Refreshments
You’ll find cafes, pubs, and shops at key points along the route, including excellent options in Goresbridge and Graiguenamanagh. Plan your meals accordingly, whether dining out or self-catering at the campsites.
End of Trip
At St Mullins, you can relax at the Mullachain Café before heading home or continuing your travels. Shuttle service back to your vehicles can be arranged if needed.
Your Three-Day Canoe & Camp Adventure
Start your trip at the riverside in Bagenalstown, where parking is available (Aldi car park). After a short introduction and safety briefing, you’ll be kitted out with buoyancy aid, paddle, helmet, and dry barrel. Learn basic canoeing techniques in calm waters before setting off.
Begin your journey with a scenic 4.5-hour paddle to Goresbridge, winding through farmland and wooded riverbanks. Pass three weirs and four locks — all avoidable via the navigation channel for beginners, or challenge yourself by navigating or portaging them.
Highlights include the large arched railway bridge south of town, a picnic spot at Slyguff Lock, and a peaceful detour to historic Barracore Mill.
Camp at our exclusive, wild-style site just outside Goresbridge. It’s basic (no facilities) but quiet and full of charm. Set up your tent (we can provide one if needed), relax by the river, or head into the village for supplies or a meal.
In town, visit The Goodly Barrow café, Mahers shop and filling station, Goresbridge Saddlery/Fashion, Barrow Breeze pub, or Mahers Bar, where friendly owner John Quinn welcomes campers to use the BBQ and patio.
Today’s paddle is a 5-hour journey through some of the Barrow’s most scenic stretches. Navigate (or avoid) seven weirs and three sets of rapids. Beginners can stay on calm waters via the left-hand navigation channels, while experienced paddlers may tackle the whitewater.
Highlights include riverside woodlands at Borris House estate, the dramatic Douglas fir amphitheatre at Clashganny, oak forest islands near Clohastia, and winding boulder cliffs approaching Graiguenamanagh. Look out for Barrowmount House, Ballytiglea’s log house, Borris Lock House, and Clohastia castle ruins.
Pitch your tent at The Hub — a secluded paddlers-only site with eco toilets, showers, changing rooms, fire pits, and BBQs. It's quiet, tree-lined, and just minutes from the town.
Spend the evening enjoying a riverside sauna, swimming across the river, or dining in town. Grab a hearty meal at the Duiske Inn or an Indian takeaway from Graig Garden. Pubs like Doyle’s and O’Driscoll’s offer traditional music and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
If it's Saturday night, enjoy live music at the campsite. Then gather around the fire again to unwind with your group under the stars, surrounded by woodland peace.
The final day is a shorter, 3-hour paddle through a deep, tree-lined valley that feels like Canadian wilderness. There are three avoidable weirs and 7 km of calm paddling.
Arrive in St Mullins to a warm welcome at the Mullachain Café, run by Martin, Mark, and their friendly team. It's the perfect riverside spot to relax, eat, and reflect on your journey.
What to Expect
Explore our Packages.
Perfect for a fun day out on the river, this trip allows you to choose your own distance and finishing point.
A true overnight adventure, combining a full day of paddling with an evening at the beautiful riverside campsite in Graiguenamanagh.
A mix of wild camping and scenic paddling, ideal for nature lovers and adventurers.
Custom trips for groups, events, or special adventures—designed your way.
See What Adventurers Say!
2025
Jul 2025
