Trail Overview

This river and sea canoe trail offers varied paddling opportunities for a wide range of abilities. Running through the centre of Londonderry or Derry, the trail gives paddlers the opportunity to explore the city’s wealth of attractions, hospitality and entertainment. The city is quite majestic from the river. Paddlers will gain a unique perspective of Gothic buildings, vast bridges, and riverside trains and can avail of secure tie-up at the Foyle Pontoon, right in the heart of the city (prior arrangement necessary).

The River Foyle is tidal along its entire length - from Lifford to Culmore Point where it spills into the vast sea lough of Lough Foyle. The river ranges from 50 to 900m in width with some remarkably shallow stretches at various points. It offers a selection of camping opportunities and some excellent chances to explore this unfrequented part of Ireland. At places such as ‘the islands’ (on the upper stretch) look out for kingfishers, sand martins and otters. On the broader parts of the river, huge flocks of whooper swans, herds of geese, drifts of waders and rafts of duck can be seen in the winter months.

Downstream of the city is Lough Foyle, which is approximately 179 square km in size with an average depth of 5m. The trail runs up the west coast of the lough along the Inishowen Peninsula, which offers an attractive mix of woods, sandy beaches, wavecut platforms and streams. From the northern end of the lough seasoned canoeists can link up with the North Coast Canoe Trail which begins at Magilligan Point only 4.7 km from Moville (1.2 km paddle across the Narrows at Greencastle, taking care to avoid the regular car ferry).

This trail guide has been designed by canoeists for canoeists. It provides practical information including official access points, campsites and tidal details. The trail represents only part of the entire Foyle system - white water enthusiasts may also enjoy a variety of rivers which drain into the Foyle.

Happy paddling!

Please note: Lough Foyle is an important shellfish fishery - primarily mussels and oysters. In places, oysters are cultivated in cages on trestles along the shore. These are submerged at high water and should not be disturbed. Watch out for mussel boats manoeuvring - they will turn sharply when fishing.