When we think of Ireland, we think of green. But there’s something that makes the Emerald of the hills, forests and fields shine even more brightly - the blue of the water. Of course, as an island, is surrounded by oceans and seas, and you’re never far from the rivers, lakes and canals in the interior. The result of this is a multitude of locations where people enjoy paddleboarding, the most popular innovation in watersport of the 21st century.

What is it that paddleboarding, or SUP, offers? The simple equipment of a big, stable board and a long paddle make using it an easy skill to learn. Once mastered, the techniques can take you on all kinds of adventures, from peaceful trips on sheltered water, to exciting rides on waves or white water. Finally, a SUP is a mobile viewing platform without equal, and in Ireland, that makes this sport a must. Across the country, you’ll find experiences that take you to places of stunning natural beauty, and let you enjoy them in 360º from the safety of a board.

Where are the best places to go paddleboarding in Ireland?

• Dublin: The capital of Ireland might not have the wildest waters or most striking scenery, but the sight of hundreds of people dressed as Father Christmas paddling down the river Liffey is something to behold, and that’s just what happens every December here. Of course, paddleboarding on the Liffey is possible all year round, and costumes are optional. You can also get out onto the Irish Sea here, with great spots for having an initiation session on flat water in Sandycove near Dalkey, or around the Howth Peninsula. One of the most exciting experiences here is a tour of the Eye of Ireland, an uninhabited rock less than a mile offshore, which is home to seals and porpoise, as well as sea birds such as guillemots, razorbills and cormorants.

• Southern Ireland: There’s too many places to visit on the south coast, but you’re in for a treat whichever you choose. This activity on the Celtic Sea from Ardmore in County Waterford is fantastic, but the highlights are to be found in Counties Cork and Kerry. Kinsale Harbour, Garretstown Beach, Rosscarbery Lagoon, Clonakilty and locations in the city of Cork are popular SUP destinations, but Crookhaven, where the waters are clear and the coastline is stunning, stands out among the rest. Kerry’s Skellig Coast offers calm waters for practice, and incredible locations that you can reach on longer excursions.

• Wild Atlantic Way: This is the name of the route that runs up in the rugged Atlantic coast, passing through Counties Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo. Wherever you stop your, there’a a panorama to take in, but the places to get into the view yourself are Kilkee Bay, in the shadow of Dunguaire Castle at Kinvarra, Old Head Beach outside Louisburgh, Keel Achill Island, Sligo Bay,and Lough Conn, not far from the coast. Whether it’s a SUP lesson, tour, or rental that you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

• Donegal: One of the most isolated parts of the Island, Donegal has it all. From surfing beaches like Rossnowlagh Beach, to natural harbours in inlets of the sea like those around Maghery and Broadwater and Lough Swilly in the north, to islands, coves and inland lakes like Dunlewy Lough, water defines the landscape here. What could be better than getting into a paddleboard and launching yourself into these waters on a voyage of discovery?

• Inland: The most significant waterway in Ireland is the River Sharron. It winds through the centre of the city of Limerick, where you can take an urban sightseeing SUP trip which takes in St John’s Castle. Other places on the Sharron that are fantastic for this sport are Lough Derg, a huge lake between the counties of Clare, Galway and Tipperary, and Lough Key near Attirory and Lough Ree at Athlone. There’s also Lough Leane in County Kerry, and the Royal Canal which connects Longford to Dublin.

Requirements to do this activity

The first thing to say is that no permit is required to paddleboard in Ireland, so you just need to get your hands on some equipment and you’re ready to go. And don’t confuse this sport with surfing - it’s much, much easier to learn and incredibly rewarding for beginners and experts alike. Your kids can get involved too. From the age of 8 years old, they can take part in sessions on flat water locations around the island, although they need to be over 10 years old in some places, and in their teens to join tour groups. But if they’re still waiting for their eighth birthday, you might be able to let them ride on your board as a passenger!

Options to do this activity

- We’ve said how simple it is to learn, but it’s worth pointing out that you’ll get more out of your first experience, or experiences, if you’re in the good hands of a paddleboard instructor. You’ll find schools and activity centres in almost every county that offer lessons to first timers, as well as experienced paddleboards who want to refine their technique. These lessons tend to last between 90 minutes and 2 hours. If you want to take it really seriously, you can sign up for a course that includes tuition sessions over several days.

- Lessons often take place on sheltered waters, so that there’s no need to worry about waves or tides. But you’ll have to brave open water or river currents if you want to see the most spectacular landscapes that the island has to offer. But don’t worry, you can get to these beauty spots with the help of a guide on a SUP tour. There are 2 hour tours in some places, or longer expeditions that last half a day or a full day - with lunch included - and take you to numerous breathtaking sites.

- Finally, it’s possible to rent equipment at various locations. This is usually organised by the hour, and though we don’t recommend it for novices, it can be the simplest way for those with experience to satisfy their appetite for this sport.

The luck of the Irish is their opportunities for this sport - get involved sooner rather than later!