A nice short, continuous introduction to whitewater in county Wicklow.
A nice little run. Great river for kayakers wanting a step up from the liffey or similar rivers. Most rapids are boulder garden in nature. Good bouncy ride with a bit of water. A bit of rock dodging to do on lower water. Lots of opportunities for eddy hopping etc. The gorge section is a nice rapid with a bit of a drop/hole at the end.
The river is all read and run, you can get it done in 20 mins, so its good for a quick blaze.
At the get on be careful of spikes sticking out of the small weir. I'd recommend getting on after the weir as in high water they may be hidden but they would do serious damage to a boat or a person.
There was a large strainer river left on the third set of rapids March 2013. Keep river right, and be careful with any weaker paddlers. Portage may be necessary for weaker paddlers as the main flow runs into the strainer.
Look downstream from the main bridge in Aughrim. If you think you'll make it down here its runnable. If the ledge just downstream of the bridge looks like a nice playhole then you're in for some fast bouncy fun.
The get-on is situated in the village of Aughrim. There is a car park beside Lawlesses hotel. There is an easy place to get on across the road beside the bridge.
From Aughrim take a left at the second bridge which is signposted for Arklow. Around 2k down this road the road turns sharply left over a bridge. There is a lay-by in which to park on the right just before this bridge.
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Aughrim river
Peter
