Ireland is regarded as one of the best locations for watersports in the world. Top venues include Brandon Bay, Clew Bay, Portrush, Portstewart and More

Ireland is blessed with over 5,600 km of clean, unpolluted coastline, hundreds of lakes, rivers and waterways and the temperate weather conditions to make it one of the great watersports destinations on the planet, whether you're interested in surfing, windsurfing, sub-aqua diving, water-skiing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing or sailing.

Often the venue for the European Surfing Championships, the Irish coastline is renowned for its breaks and swells, in beautiful unspoilt and deserted bays. For windsurfers, the steady winds and countless safe, clean beaches make it an ideal destination. There are thousands of kilometres of coastline for scuba-divers, who can choose from sheltered harbours for the beginner and steep rocky cliff faces for the experienced diver. Waterskiers and wakeboarders are well provided for, with a strong national team and great facilities around the country.

Ireland's coastline, rivers and lakes offer canoeists unrivalled options of whitewater, downhill, slalom, surfing and sprint canoeing, while canoe touring is a unique way of exploring the country. With the oldest sailing club in the world, Ireland has an impeccable sailing heritage, and has sheltered coasts along the east, south and south-west for cruising, while the west coast offers more challenging sailing.

Further information on water-based activities can be found at

www.waterbased.ireland.ie