BEST IN TOURISM: Jolly Paddlers in Killeshandra
With a passion for paddling and their local lakes, The Jolly Paddlers took to the water in Killeshandra in 2020. The two paddlers behind the name are primary school teachers John Cosgrove and Jude Collins. Locally known as Cossie, John described how the pandemic was a massive blow to many businesses. However the lockdown provided the inspiration for their watersports enterprise. The pair took the chance to show the people of Cavan the waterways on their doorstep. “People in Cavan actually hadn’t been on their own lakes and rivers,” he said.
The Jolly Paddlers run paddle tours from Killeshandra, along the Castle river and to Killykeen, with a stop off along the way for a tasty barbecue or a visit to a local B&B for tea, coffee and freshly baked goods. They paddle all year round and are able to put the paddle to water more frequently during the school holidays. In collaboration with Cavan Sports Partnership, the Jolly Paddlers have also run Women on Water initiatives and paddling camps for children.
While John said the business is a “sideline” for the two teachers, he added that “the main thing for us is that we’re selling Killeshandra and the lakes of Cavan to people worldwide.”
“A lot of people in Dublin who have taken up paddling always ask the question, where’s the nearest lake one hour from Dublin?
“Lough Ramor is probably the answer but, if you go another half an hour, there’s plenty of lakes in Killeshandra,” he responded.
The pair love showing off Killeshandra to natives and tourists alike. “We’re just glad to have people out and that people are discovering lakes and rivers.
“It’s great to find a river that a boat or nothing has been on for the last 10 years and bring somebody down because it’s accessible by a paddle board.”
CONTACT US
The Jolly Paddlers are based in Killeshandra.
Email: thejollypaddlers@gmail.com