Castlewellan: Canadian Canoe & Chill

About This Tour

Castlewellan Lake is one of those places that feels like it was designed for a day on the water. Sheltered by the forest park and framed by the Mourne Mountains, it is calm, scenic and utterly peaceful. This canoeing experience puts you in an open Canadian canoe and lets you explore it all at your own pace.

The team at the lakeside centre handles everything. After a warm welcome and a quick introduction to paddling technique, you are fitted out with your choice of canoe, a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, paddle and any accessories you need. Whether you want to go solo, paddle as a pair, or pile the whole family into one boat, the options are yours. Stay in the sheltered Castle Bay for a relaxed splash about, or follow the Lake Trail for a proper paddle through some of the most beautiful scenery in Northern Ireland.

What makes this experience stand out is how accessible it is. Complete beginners feel comfortable within minutes, children absolutely love it, and even experienced paddlers appreciate the quality of the equipment and the beauty of the setting. When you are done, the centre has warm showers and changing facilities so you can head off feeling human again.

What’s Included

• Open Canadian canoe (solo, double or family)
• Wetsuit and buoyancy aid
• Paddle and accessories
• Lakeside centre facilities including changing rooms and showers
• Introduction and safety briefing

Good to Know

• No canoeing experience necessary
• Suitable for all ages and abilities
• Bring a towel and spare clothes
• Castlewellan is about 45 minutes from Belfast and 90 minutes from Dublin
• The lake is sheltered so conditions are ideal for beginners