Ultimate Guide to Water Sports in Ireland

Posted on April 18, 2023 at 3:29 pm.

When the sun shines, water sports in Ireland are an unbelievably fun past time!

And with our wide variety of beaches, coastlines and beautiful lakes, there is no shortage of options.

So if you’re a pro or a beginner, there is something for everyone.

In this definitive guide to water sports in Ireland, we’ll look at the many activities available, the best places to attempt them, and everything else you need to know to get started.

Let’s dive in and experience the thrilling world of water sports in Ireland, from surfing the waves in County Clare to kayaking on the peaceful lakes of County Kerry.

Types of Water Sports in Ireland

Water sports fans will find a variety of interesting activities around Ireland’s magnificent shores and rivers.

Here are a few of the most popular sorts of water sports in Ireland:

Surfing

Ireland’s west coast is known for its world-class surf breaks, with some of the best waves found in counties such as Clare, Sligo, and Donegal.

There are plenty of places to catch a wave and ride the surge, whether you’re a novice or an expert surfer.

Kayaking

With its quiet lakes and rivers, Ireland is a perfect kayaking vacation.

There are many areas to explore by kayak in Ireland, from the breath-taking beauty of the Lakes of Killarney in County Kerry to the crystal-clear waters of Lough Corrib in County Galway.

We’ve done a full review on our Inflatable Kayaks here.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP Boarding)

For good cause, SUP has grown in popularity in recent years.

This low-impact activity is a terrific way to get in shape while also seeing Ireland’s waterways.

There are numerous ways to enjoy this enjoyable pastime, ranging from SUP yoga in Dublin to picturesque paddles along the Wild Atlantic Way.

For more information, check out our Ultimate Guide to SUP Boarding.

Windsurfing

Ireland is a popular location for windsurfers due to its strong winds and large waves.

County Cork, County Kerry, and County Waterford have some of the best windsurfing sites.

Bodyboarding

Bodyboarding is a fun and easy water activity in which you ride waves on a small, buoyant board.

This activity is popular among people of all ages and abilities, and it can be done on many of Ireland’s beaches.

County Clare has some of the best bodyboarding areas, where Atlantic swells provide excellent waves for riders to carve and ride.

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is an exciting water activity in which you are pushed along by a boat while riding a board.

This activity is popular on Ireland’s various lakes and waterways, with some of the greatest sites in County Cavan and County Monaghan.

Kitesurfing

This adrenaline-pumping sport combines aspects of surfing, windsurfing, and paragliding.

The windy coastline and shallow waters of Ireland make it an ideal site for kitesurfing, with some of the best spots being in County Wexford and County Sligo.

Diving/Snorkelling/Open Water Swimming

Divers will find a diverse assortment of marine life in Ireland’s seas, including colourful fish, seals, and even basking sharks.

Divers can explore a magnificent underwater terrain comprising rocky reefs, sea caves, and kelp forests at the Skellig Islands off the southwest coast.

Malin Head, Donegal Bay, and the Blasket Islands are other famous diving spots.

With a variety of diving schools and operators across the country, it’s simple to select a diving experience that matches your level of expertise.

Snorkelling is an excellent method to discover Ireland’s underwater life without requiring any training or equipment.

The Dingle Peninsula, where you can swim with playful dolphins and seals, and Inisheer Island, where you can snorkel around the famed ‘Wreck of the MV Plassey’ – a sunken cargo ship that has become a popular diving and snorkelling site – are two popular snorkelling destinations.

Open water swimming is a terrific way to experience Ireland’s waters for people who prefer to stay closer to the surface.

The country is home to a number of attractive and demanding swimming spots, such as the famous ‘Forty Foot’ swimming place in Dublin Bay and the iconic ‘Lough Hyne’ lake in West Cork.

The annual ‘Liffey Swim’ in Dublin is another prominent open water swimming event that draws swimmers from all over the world.

There are also huge Benefits to Sea Swimming too!

See what we mean about having something for everyone?

Thrill seekers, explorers or relaxers, there is a water sport for you all.

Top Locations for Water Sports in Ireland

We’re lucky in Ireland to have some of the most beautiful and amazing waterways and coastlines for all your water sports.

And there’s no shortage of them too, no matter where in Ireland you live.

These locations are just a handful of places for you to check out.

Lahinch, Co Clare

Lahinch is one of Ireland’s premier surfing or bodyboarding venues, offering year-round decent waves.

This picturesque seaside town is a water sports mecca, with several chances for surfing, bodyboarding, and kitesurfing.

Killary Harbour, Co Galway

Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, is a stunning location for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

The calm seas and breath-taking surroundings make it a must-see destination for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry

The Dingle Peninsula is a popular windsurfing location, with high winds and gorgeous beaches making it ideal for this thrilling activity.

Brandon Bay is a very popular destination for windsurfers.

Lough Derg, Co Tipperary

Lough Derg, Ireland’s third-largest lake, is ideal for wakeboarding, waterskiing, and other towed water sports.

The lake’s clean waters and sheltered bays make it ideal for both novice and experienced riders.

Check them out HERE.

The River Shannon

The Shannon River is Ireland’s longest river, and its tranquil waters are ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing.

The River Shannon is a must-see spot for water sports aficionados, with many access locations and magnificent scenery along the route.

Check the guys at River Shannon Adventure Centre out.

Westport, Co Mayo

Westport is the ‘adventure capital of Ireland’ and there is no shortage of water sports to do.

There are numerous beaches that stretch out to Murrisk and Louisburgh on the foot of Croagh Patrick to do surfing, SUP Boarding or body boarding.

The scenery around the cliffs at Old Head are stunning for kayaking too.

Check out Destination Westport for more information.

There are so much more. Feel free to let us know.

Weather and Ideal Conditions

It’s critical to consider the weather and water conditions while planning your water sports excursion in Ireland.

The weather in the country can be unpredictable, so be prepared for fluctuations in temperature, wind, and rain.

When planning your water sports activities, keep the following points in mind:

Water Temp

Don’t forget, Ireland can be cold!

That means the water is most likely to be cold too! And in particularly varies in terms of season and location.

During the summer, water temperatures can range from 14 to 18°C, while in the winter, temperatures can dip to as low as 8°C.

Wearing adequate wetsuits and other gear is essential for staying warm and comfortable while enjoying the water.

Waves and Wind

When planning your water sports activities, wind and waves are important aspects to consider in Ireland.

Strong winds can make certain water sports more difficult or even dangerous, such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

Waves can also vary based on location and season, so check surf reports and local conditions before heading out.

The Tide

Another important aspect to consider and check!

Tides and currents can have a substantial impact on water sports, especially those near the shore.

Strong tides and currents can make swimming, surfing, and other activities more difficult, so it’s critical to be aware of the local conditions as well as any warnings or advisories that may be in effect.

Visibility

Another key thing to consider is visibility, especially when diving or snorkelling or going on long kayak trips.

Water visibility in Ireland can be influenced by a variety of factors, including weather and water pollution.

Before you go diving or snorkelling, or kayaking, always verify the local circumstances and water quality reports.

You can assure a safe and pleasurable water sports trip in Ireland by keeping an eye on the weather and water conditions.

Don’t be hesitant to seek advice from locals or water sports professionals on the finest places to enjoy your preferred activities.

With the proper planning and care, you may enjoy Ireland’s lovely waterways and stunning coastline.

Water Sports Ireland: Equipment

The proper equipment and gear are required for a safe and pleasurable water sports activity in Ireland.

Thankfully, Intersport Elverys will make sure you’re kitted out with the very best.

Before you go doing any water sports, it’s handy to have the right apparel, so why not check out our Swimming range HERE?

Here are some of the needed items for various forms of water sports:

Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding

Stand up Paddle boarding requires a kayak or paddleboard, a paddle, and a personal flotation device (PFD) for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

Check out our full range of SUP Boards and Kayaks right HERE.

To keep comfortable and safe in the water, it’s also vital to wear appropriate clothes and footwear, such as a wetsuit or dry suit. Check them out HERE.

Read our Inflatable Paddle/SUP Board review guide here.

Surfing & Bodyboarding

A surfboard, a wetsuit, and a leash are required for surfing and bodyboarding.

The sort of board and wetsuit you choose will be determined by your level of experience and the conditions you will be surfing in. Check out our bodyboards HERE.

Wearing suitable surf wax and sunscreen will also protect your skin from the sun and surfboard.

Towed Water Sports

A boat, tow rope, and the proper gear for your chosen activity, such as a wakeboard or set of skis, are required for towed water sports such as wakeboarding or water-skiing.

Wear a PFD and make sure the boat driver and spotters are experienced and aware about water safety.

Diving and Snorkelling

A wetsuit or dry suit, fins, a mask, and a snorkel are required for diving and snorkelling or open water swimming too.

It’s also a good idea to have a dive computer or timer, as well as make sure your tank and regulator are in good working order.

It’s best to rent or buy equipment from a reliable dive shop and get certified through a trustworthy diving organization.

Aside from these precise goods, you should bring proper clothing, footwear, and other necessities for your water sports expedition.

Sunscreen, a hat, a waterproof phone case, and a dry bag to safeguard your valuables are all good ideas.

Before heading out on the lake, make sure to verify local legislation and guidelines for equipment and gear requirements, and that all gear is in good functioning order.

Safety Tips for Water Sports

While water activities in Ireland can be tremendously exciting and fun, it is critical to prioritize safety to avoid accidents or injuries.

Here are some important safety tips to remember:

Check the weather forecast and tidal times

Before going out on the water, always check the weather forecast and tide times.

Strong winds, big waves, and changing tides can make water activities dangerous, so it’s critical to keep informed and avoid going out in bad conditions.

Wear adequate safety equipment

In the event of an accident or emergency, wearing suitable safety equipment can make a significant difference.

Always use a personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket that is appropriate for your chosen water sport.

A helmet, wetsuit or dry suit, and protective boots are examples of additional safety equipment.

Know your ability!

When participating in water sports, it is critical to be realistic about your skill level and physical attributes.

To avoid accidents or injuries, never undertake a water sport in which you are not experienced or comfortable, and always keep within your boundaries.

Check equipment and gear

Before venturing out on the lake, make sure all of your equipment and gear is in good working order.

Check that your equipment is the correct size and kind for your chosen water sport, and replace any worn or damaged items.

Stay hydrated

It is critical to stay hydrated when participating in water activities, especially in hot or sunny conditions.

Bring plenty of water and electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.

Follow local laws and regulations

Familiarize oneself with local water sports legislation and procedures in your area.

Speed limits, equipment requirements, and designated areas for specific activities are all examples of this.

Conclusion

We hope you found this guide helpful.

As the weather begins to improve, why not get out and enjoy some water sports in the beautiful country we call Ireland?

Keep safe and have fun.

And why not check out our full range of water sports gear to help you choose which one you want to do?

Best Irish Rugby Players of All Time: Our Ultimate XV 2000-2024

Posted on April 6, 2023 at 2:07 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Irish rugby is flying high right now, so it gave us the idea to try and put together our Ultimate XV of the best Irish rugby players of all time.

And we can say right now that it was NOT easy. So to narrow down the selection we’ve only selected players from the year 2000 to now.

As Official Retail Partners of the IRFU, we love our rugby so we said we would give it a crack to stir up some debate.

We’ve had to make some difficult decisions that we know some of you will disagree with – but isn’t that what sport is about?

Let us know you’d pick.

Before we start, if you want to know more about the positions, check out our Blog on the Guide to Rugby Positions Explained.

But back to the team, and without further ado…

Best Irish Rugby Players Of all time: XV

1 Cian Healy (Loosehead Prop)

Appearances: 123

Tries: 11

Healy has brought longevity, resilience, determination and consistency to the Irish number one jersey like no one else.

The former Leinster star was, at one stage, the best loosehead in the world and was instrumental in Ireland winning four Six Nations he was involved in.

Battled back from some bad injuries throughout his career too, including one that robbed him of a Lions test jersey.

Healy is our first pick.

2 Keith Wood (Hooker)

Appearances: 58

Tries: 15

The difficult decisions start here, and we know that Rory Best will be many people’s option here.

Both former captains, with Best representing Ireland much more than Wood. However, we feel Wood, at his peak, was untouchable.

Winning the inaugural World Rugby Player of the Year would suggest that too, as would his sensational displays for the British and Irish Lions during his five tests.

He was a physical powerhouse, yet was intelligent and incredibly skilful too.

3 Tadhg Furlong (Tighthead Prop)

Appearances: 64*

Tries: 5*

There is a lot of competition for this place and the likes of John Hayes and Mike Ross can feel hard done by, but Furlong just offers something different.

What gives Furlong the nod is his all-round game and his ability to offer much more to the team than any other tighthead prop can.

The Leinster man has enjoyed two tours with the Lions, won two Grand Slams with Ireland, scored some memorable tries against the likes of New Zealand and is an driving force.

He still has much more to write in his history book too.

4 Paul O’Connell (Second Row)

Appearances: 108

Tries: 8

Absolutely no debating this one.

The Munster hero was an inspiration captain for Ireland and the Lions during his career.

Prolific in the line out and never took a step back breaking lines, O’Connell is a true Irish rugby great.

5 Donncha O’Callaghan (Second Row)

Appearances: 94

Tries: 1

O’Callaghan had to beat off some competition to partner his Munster teammate O’Connell in the second row, but we think he deserves the nod.

Definitely understated by many in his ability in the lineout and the Irish pack, he was also part of two British and Irish Lions tours.

A heroic figure on his day, if you were going to war you would certainly want his beside you.

6 Peter O’Mahony (Blindside Flanker)

Appearances: 94*

Tries: 3

The flankers was probably the most competitive area of the field to pick and we didn’t make this decision lightly.

But you can’t ignore the influence Peter O’Mahoney has on Ireland and how they’ve climbed to the very top of World Rugby in recent years.

He beats off competition from the great Sean O’Brien, Stephen Ferris and David Wallace too and we feel it is warranted.

He can play anywhere in the back-row too, the Munster man makes things look easy when he’s on-song.

7 Josh Van der Flier (Openside Flanker)

Appearances: 50*

Tries: 10*

This might be a slightly controversial pick too, but what Van der Flier has done in his only 50 appearances is massive.

One of the few Irish players named as World Rugby Player of the Year, Van der Flier is a key cog in the wheel of Andy Farrell’s side right now.

Known as ‘The Dutch Disciple’, if Ireland are to push on in 2023 and make a serious challenge at winning the World Cup, Van der Flier will be one of the most important influences in the team.

8 Jamie Heaslip (Number 8)

Appearances: 95

Tries: 13

Three Heineken Champions Cups and three Six Nations championships makes it hard to ignore Heaslip.

Throw in two World Player of the Year nominations too.

His 2009 performances, especially that try against France at Croke Park, were second only to the great Brian O’Driscoll, and his all-round game ticked all the boxes.

9 Conor Murray (Scrum Half)

Appearances: 105*

Tries: 100 points

Peter Stringer can feel hard done by, but Murray was a different class on his day.

He could pass like the very best, but his box-kicking was where he excelled and where Irish teams became such a threat.

Was the best in the world at one stage, and while his form has dipped in recent years and not recovered to the levels where he was at, he’s still worthy on inclusion.

10 Johnny Sexton (Captain, Fly Half)

Appearances: 113*

Tries: 1050 points

Some might think this position is up for discussion with The Great ROG v Sexton debate, but not for us.

Sexton is up there in the very highest of echelons of Irish rugby, potentially our greatest ever. The only debate we will have on Sexton is him versus O’Driscoll.

O’Gara, of course, will be popular with some. And there’s an argument to say he was the better kicker of the two.

But Sexton is world class in every single part of his game and to continue that level into his late 30s is truly special.

11 Denis Hickie (left Wing)

Appearances: 62

Tries: 29

Hickie had some serious competition from flyer Keith Earls, but the former’s try-rate gives him the nod.

Nearly a try every second game, Hickie could tackle every bit as impressively and he could score.

The Leinster star was electric, exciting, and reliable.

12 Gordan D’Arcy

Appearances: 63*

Tries: 10*

Alongside BOD, D’Arcy completed the world’s best centre partnership at one stage in his career.

He worked super well alongside O’Driscoll because of his defensive abilities, which unlocked his partner on cutting open defences occasion after occasion.

Had an absolute tireless work rate that often went unnoticed, D’Arcy was an unsung hero and his efforts warranted more silverware than he got.

13 Brian O’Driscoll (Outside Centre)

Appearances: 133

Tries: 46

The easiest selection of the day.

We may be biased, but we think O’Driscoll is the greatest outside centre to every play the game.

The Leinster legend and former Lions captain, he scored 46 tries in 133 appearances for Ireland – the eighth highest in international rugby history.

He was beautifully skilful, fearless in the tackle and could create moments of absolute magic out of nowhere and in the smallest of gaps.

14 Tommy Bowe (Right Wing)

Appearances: 69

Tries: 30

Injuries curtailed the longevity of his career and you could only wonder what Tommy Bowe might have achieved if he didn’t have them.

But when in full flight he was a joy to watch and 30 tries in 69 games is some going.

Bowe certainly wasn’t appreciated for what he was doing at the time, but looking back the former Ulster flier was a real big-game player.

15 Rob Kearney (Full Back)

Appearances: 95 caps for Ireland (retired in 2020)

Tries: 13

Another one of the easier picks.

Kearney revolutionised the full back jersey for Ireland and is the most decorated in the history of Irish rugby.

Unbelievable under a high ball and complimented with powerful ball-carrying, Kearney was a gem.

https://www.offtheball.com/rugby/opinion-irelands-greatest-xv-professional-era-1007675

Conclusion

Well, what do you think?

We’re really curious to hear your opinions on who should be in the best Irish rugby players of all time.

Because there’s a lot of lads who were so close to making the cut.

If you’re looking for Irish rugby gear, they look no further than below.

**Stat was correct at time of writing and may have changed since**

Mayo GAA’s Ryan O’Donoghue on How to Play Corner Forward

Posted on April 3, 2023 at 2:37 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Mayo GAA’s Ryan O’Donoghue is one of the top attackers in the country right now and in this blog shares his insight and tips on how to play the corner forward role.

Any young, aspiring footballer will benefit hugely from the advice of Belmullet native O’Donoghue.

The former All Star has adapted and evolved his game from a roaming centre forward with the Mayo underage teams, to one of Mayo’s leading attackers.

O’Donoghue opens up and talks on:

A quality over quantity approach to kicking practice
Overcoming a bad injury and working on his fitness & recovery
Missing only 2 pitch sessions out of 70 with Mayo in one year
Playing 12 games in 4 weeks
Working with James Horan on a ‘Red to Blue’ mindset approach

He spoke to Intersport Elverys whilst promoting Mayo GAA’s new New York training jersey available right now.

His teammate, Mattie shared his expert insight into how to play midfield aswell.

While Mayo’s Eoghan McLaughlin spoke in great detail on the requirements of a modern way wing back.

Describing the Modern Day Corner Forward Role

O’Donoghue admits that knowing how to play corner forward has changed in recent years.

Space is hard got, compared to what it was in the less-defensive focused inter-county football we saw back when Mayo and Dublin fought it out around 16/17, he said.

“The game now is a lot slower than what it used to be because teams are a lot more defensive,” he said. “Teams have 12 or 13 behind the ball now and that gives a lot less opportunities for one-v-ones in corner forward, which there used to be a lot of.

“Now it’s slower, so my chances of getting one-on-one has gone down, per-game. So when you now do find yourself in that situation, it could be 4-6 times a game, you need to be ready. It’s more first-time shooting now, as opposed to taking men on.

“The club game isn’t as bad; it’s definitely more open and more enjoyable. The inter-county game is not like what it used to be in Mayo/Dublin All-Ireland finals with 15 on 15 – that was more enjoyable for the fans and the players.”

What are the main skills a Corner Forward needs?

The former All Star emphasizes the importance of a good first touch, whilst also adding that a strong-mindset is key in the modern game to staying patient and focused.

He contributes a lot of this to work Mayo did with their former manager, James Horan.

“The most important skill for me is getting my first touch right,” he said. “If that’s not good you can’t do anything. I have worked on this since my minor days.

“That’s making the ball stick, gathering it first time, because good corner backs now are very tight and you have to be able to catch the ball out in front.

“Secondly, shot efficiency. Making sure I get set for every shot, not taking pot shots. And obviously with my style, free taking is up there. So keeping my routine and getting a few shots off in the warm up.

“Also, in modern day football, you might not touch the ball for ten minutes, especially in the league, so your mindset has to be ready for when the ball comes to you and you dont force it.

“That’s where working on the ‘Red to Blue‘ mindset helps. We worked a lot on this under James Horan and it is something the All Blacks did. Red means being anxious and reactive, while blue is about being relaxed, cool and composed.

“It’s a 30-second mindset.”

How do you practice Free Taking?

O’Donoghue recently suffered from a long-term groin injury, which curtailed his ability to train.

Now he adopts a ‘quality over quantity’ approach to kicking.

And sticks to his 25 shot training strategy.

“I actually don’t do crazy amounts of practicing outside training,” he admitted. “With gym work, living in Galway and the unavailability of pitches, as well as managing my load from my previous groin injuries.

“Andy Moran told me a long time ago, it’s quality over quantity and I get most of my practice done during training. I make sure I get 25 shots in – so if Stephen Rochford or Donie Buckley is explaining a drill, I might get 3 or 4 frees in then. Then I might get 2 in during the drill, and 3 or 4 in before another drill.

“Then at the end I calculate what I have got and make up the difference to 25. Until the weather gets better and evenings longer in during the summer in Belmullet, will I get a bit more done, but not craxy amounts.

“But when I do get down, it’s 25 shots -13 right and 12 left – and I mark my percentages. I want to be above 85 or 90 percent because I think I am a 90 percent shooter in my range, which is anywhere within 5 metres outside the top of the ‘D’.”

How Physicality & Fitness is important to play Corner Forward

GPS metrics are a big factor in inter-county performance reporting, but O’Donoghue admitted he doesn’t spend too much time focusing on them.

He did say, however, that he has placed more emphasis on his aerobic ability over the past few years.

And that has allowed him to rack up an incredible training consistency.

“I don’t look at data too much, I rather look at my impact on the scoreboard,” he said. “If you spend too much time looking at the GPS, you’ll end up running around the sake of it!

“Fitness wise, this is something I have worked on though. In previous years, like 2021, I went through the season with Mayo and got to an All-Ireland Final and then straight on to a County Final with Belmullet. I only took 4 weeks off then and went back for pre-season, but got injured in 2022 and that was a learning.

“The following year we were doing running sessions by ourselves in November to be ready for December 1 collective training and I only missed 2 pitch sessions out of over 70, which I put down to being fit, recovering well and having a good off-season.

“You need a certain level of physicality now too because tackling is a big part of a corner forward’s role. All the best forwards work back inside their ’45, like David Clifford and Shane McGuigan.

“A turnover at the top of the ‘D’ can be as good as a score sometimes and we take a lot of pride in this.”

What kind of player do you not like marking?

Most forwards will tell you, they hate to see their marking bombing up and down the field.

O’Donoghue is no different.

“You don’t like to see your marker going up all the time,” he laughed. “But sometimes it’s a cat and mouse game. You let them go and gamble on a turnover and then you might get a goal the other side of it.

“They might not go as often then!

“But a good corner back is always in your face, physical, tight and good on the ball. It’s easier marking a corner back not good on the ball because you can set traps on them then, but in today’s game there’s not many like that.

Advice for Young Players?

Similar to his Mayo teammates, O’Donoghue’s advice centres around pitch time over gym time.

“If I was going back to my younger self, I’d work more on both sides,” he candidly admitted. “Even though I do work on both now, I would do more because the higher the level you go, the better the defenders and they know all about your tendencies.

“Every corner back I play against knows what I am going to do. So over the past 12-18 months I have really been working on my non-dominant side.

“You also don’t need to be in the gym if you are in your early teens. You don’t need big arms back then! Get out on the pitch, take our 25 shots, rate them, and keep going until you are hitting that 90 percent mark.”

Conclusion

If you are interested in learning more about the wider dynamics of Gaelic Football Positions, make sure to check out the blog in the link.

Intersport Elverys are proud title sponsors of Mayo GAA.

We’re also steeped in GAA history, and proud to stock jersey and training ranges from all the counties in Ireland.

Check out our GAA ranges below.

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