KACC is one of the largest paddling clubs in Ireland offering Kayaking, Open Boat/Canoe, Dragon boats, SUP and may other kayaking disciplins and we have a base beside the river Nore with boat storage and changing facilities.
KACC has been in existence since 1998. In 2012 the County Council provided us with our own space beside the river and its been a catalyst to great developments and since 2013 we have changing rooms & toilet thanks to huge efforts by members and their parents.
Founded by Darryl & Maria Audoire, Dave Power, Jim Fitzpatrick Paul Gray and Liam Brennan teaching canoeing, running competitions and trips for paddlers in and around Kilkenny. We welcome paddlers young and old and are family focused encouraging young people and adults to paddle, learn and enjoy the fun of canoeing together.
From 2015 we are based at the Council pumping depot on Canal Walk, Dukesmeadow behind Kilkenny Castle. We have a number of nearby weirs and we have just erected floating canoe polo goals (on generous loan from Paddlefest).
Location is on Google Maps, just search Kilkenny Aqua Canoe Club.
Qualified instructors in the club include Billy Phelan, Shane Henderson, Stephen Happie, Roger McClure, Darryl Audoire, James O’Connor, Patrick Melanophy, Irene Stokes, Catherine Mahon, Myra Walsh and Alex McClure. We also have many active lever 2 trainee instructors many of whom will qualify in the next year and there is a program in place where transition year students train for the qualification so by age 18 they are qualified. We employ instructors to assist in the development of members skills as safe canoeing is vital.
The club and our members are part of the Canoeing Ireland and operate within its rules. Club members benefit from Canoe Ireland member to member insurance and have access to the many canoe disciplines events organised through the Union. Membership of a canoe club is very advisable for all people who paddle even if they do not want to partake in club activities.