The river Blackwater is one of the largest rivers in Ireland. At 169km long, it flows through Kerry, Cork, Limerick, and Waterford and has freshwater stretches as far upstream as Ballydesmond and tidal stretches as far as Youghal Harbour.
Blackwater Eco Tours are located in Villierstown, county Waterford, along the banks of the beautiful Blackwater. They offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of the river in a variety of wild and wonderful ways. Those looking to sit back and chill and watch the world go by can enjoy a guided river tour, and take in the stunning sights like the historic Dromana House and Gardens, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river. Your friendly, local guide will entertain you with fascinating facts about the local heritage and culture.
If you would prefer a little more action, why not hire one of their self drive boats, and explore the river your own way, at your own pace. You will receive a full safety briefing and induction before departure, after which you will set out on the river, following behind one of their experienced skippers, before spending the next 90 minutes exploring the Blackwater your way.
And for those hoping for something more physical and adventurous, then why not hire one of their canoes or kayaks? This is the perfect way to experience the magic of the Blackwater, while savouring the spectacular views of the Knockmealdown Mountains. They offer single and double sit-on-top kayaks and canoes for 2 hour self guided sessions, and all required equipment is provided.
Blackwater Eco Tours also offer stays in their fantastic Eco Pods, perfect for short breaks, and they are extremely popular with families and groups of friends looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities. Each pod can accomodate 4 adults or a family of 5, and contain a small kitchenette, a double bed, a pull-out double sofa bed, and a bathroom with a small shower and toilet. There is a shared outdoor BBQ area which has 2 barrel BBQs onsite for guests to use, in keeping with the community vibe that they have set out to create.
The pods are conveniently located close to Villerstown Quay, woodland walking trails, and the local coffee shop and pub, where you’ll find a great selection of fresh cakes, gourmet sandwiches, and home cooked meals. The authentic Irish pub has a great food menu, and like any good Irish pub, plenty of great music and craic!
Blackwater Eco Tours operate their Eco Pods year round, and River Activities run from April until October.
For more information please visit www.blackwaterecotours.ie
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