WATERVILLE ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Paddle Across Lough Currane to the Ruined Monastery on Church Island
A guided 2.5-hour kayak outing from Waterville that lands at Church Island for a guided exploration of a 12th‑century Romanesque church, tombs and beehive huts.
Paddle Across Lough Currane to the Ruined Monastery on Church Island.
Set on the glassy expanse of Lough Currane near Waterville, this short guided paddle threads the lough’s scenic shoreline to a tiny island whose stones hold a stretch of Irish ecclesiastical history. On Church Island you step ashore among tombs, beehive huts and the remains of a Romanesque church that replaced an earlier 6th‑century oak building—then return by kayak after a snack and island tour.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A short, scenic paddle on Lough Currane
The trip follows the scenic shores of Lough Currane from the Waterville area out to Church Island, a compact paddle that keeps the focus on waterborne views and quiet shoreline crossings.
A 12th‑century Romanesque church and early monastic remains
Church Island preserves the ruins of an ancient monastic settlement: a 12th‑century Romanesque church built to replace an original 6th‑century oak church, alongside tombs and beehive huts.
Snack and guided island exploration
After landing, the group is led on a guided tour of the island’s archaeological features and enjoys a snack before remounting the kayaks for the return paddle.
What the day feels like
How the outing feels
The rhythm is compact and deliberate: a focused paddle across calm water, the quiet ceremony of landing on a tiny historic island, a brief guided inspection of stonework and tombs, a shared snack, then a relaxed return that lets the outward route settle in memory.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should pass
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs for approximately 2.5 hours.
Adult rate is €70 (ages 16+). Family rate is €200 for two adults and two children (children ages 8+).
Group capacity is minimum 2 and maximum 7 participants; family pricing applies to children aged 8 and above, and adult pricing applies from age 16.
The program includes a guided tour of the island’s historic remains and a snack during the visit.
This excursion is run by SeaSynergy out of the Waterville / Lough Currane area.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the kayak trip?
The trip duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
What is the adult price?
The adult price is €70 (ages 16 and up).
Are there family rates?
Yes. Family pricing is €200 for two adults and two children; children must be ages 8 and older for the family rate.
How many people are in a group?
Group capacity is minimum two and maximum seven participants.
What will we see on Church Island?
You will visit the remains of an ancient monastic settlement, including a 12th‑century Romanesque church, tombs, and beehive huts.
Is a snack provided?
A snack is included during the island visit as part of the guided tour.