Many years ago, Shane Cronin got a work experience stint in Rough Stuff Paddles while finishing a third-level course; little did he know that years later, he would be launching a business with Rough Stuff’s owner, Mark Downey.
The pair are now organising rafting trips on the river Liffey. “It’s not serious white-water rafting stuff,” says Downey. “It’s a really interesting river trip with some thrills and spills along the way.” The six kilometre, two-hour journey starts above the Salmon Leap bridge in Leixlip, Co Kildare and takes in four weirs, from straightforward stretches to the challenge of the Wren’s Nest weir; many a competitor in the annual International Liffey Descent has been known to come a cropper on this tricky bit of water.
The trip is open to anyone over the age of 13 and once stepping in and out of a boat isn’t a problem, Downey says fitness shouldn’t be an issue. The area is rich in flora, fauna and historical architecture. The river route goes through Strawberry Beds, one of only two National Amenity Areas, along with the Burren, and passes Shackleton’s mill, where the Kildare GAA team got its nickname from (we won’t spoil the story by telling it here – you’ll have to take the trip instead). A raft of six people costs €300, including wetsuits, equipment and a guide. For bookings, tel: 01-6264363, 087-2228767 or see rafting.ie.
