Thomastown Paddlers CLG

Thomastown Paddlers Canoe Club is a community‑driven sports organisation based on the banks of the River Nore in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. Founded in 1996, the club has grown into the largest and most successful rural‑based canoe club in Ireland, offering a welcoming environment for paddlers of all ages and abilities.

The club’s core activities centre on safe, inclusive paddling and competitive canoeing. Members can train on the River Nore’s mix of flat water, rapids and weirs, and take part in a wide range of disciplines including marathon, sprint, wild‑water racing, polo, freestyle, white‑water and sea‑kayaking. Beginners are supported through affordable “Come and Try” sessions for adults and a structured junior summer course, while seasoned athletes benefit from a well‑equipped fleet of up to thirty canoes and kayaks and a small on‑site gym for year‑round conditioning. Thomastown Paddlers also boasts a strong competitive pedigree, with eight members having represented Ireland and a record of success at the International Liffey Descent.