Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

Booking An Experience

How do I check availability and book my experience?

You can view live availability and book in by clicking on the “Book now!”-button on the page of the experience of your choice. Choose the date and time of your preference and available times and the number of spaces available will then be displayed, after which you fill in your personal details and complete payment in order to confirm your reservation. You will receive a confirmation email within minutes, if not, please make sure to check your spam folder and mark us as “safe” as you will also receive an important reminder email. On your bank statement it will say “Trekksoft/AGTheIrishExperience” or sometimes shortened by the bank to “Trekksoft”.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations by us due to poor marine conditions will result in a free tour reschedule for you or your group to a date, which suits both parties.

All cancellations must be received in writing (email) to The Irish Experience and confirmed by The Irish Experience. Refunds are calculated by number of days notice: 

28 Days or more Full amount paid including booking fee.
15-28 Days Full amount paid minus booking fee.
8-14 Days 70% of full amount paid.
7 Days or less No refund or reschedule.

We strongly recommend you purchase Flexi Reschedule Passes at the time of booking so you can reschedule your experience any time up to 24 hours before the start time – no exceptions can be made, i.e. Covid-19. Subject to availability. Refunds will be calculated from the day the notification of cancellation is received in writing (by email). Refunds are based on the above chart with no exceptions.

Will the experience go ahead depending on the weather?

Our experiences are always subject to marine conditions, however rain will not affect your experience from going ahead. If there is a marine warning in place (wind) we will contact you to reschedule via email and text. We continuously assess the marine conditions, but as there can be fast changes overnight, we might have to contact you anytime before your experience start time in order to reschedule. We strive to give you as much notice as possible.

Why can I not select more than 1 single kayak?

At weekends and during the summertime only double kayaks are available, with the exception (where possible) for odd-numbered groups and solo travelers. If we’re not booked out, singles will become available last minute.

Do you have a cancellation list?

Yes, we most certainly do. If the dates and times of your preference are already fully booked just drop us an email to info@theirishexperience.com with: your name, phone number, the name of the experience(s), the date(s) and time(s) that suit, the number of people and ages of any children and we will be in touch as soon as something becomes available – this could be a few days out or sometimes even on the day itself.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking as far in advance as possible in order to avoid disappointment, as we are a small company and have limited tours and guides available. Flexi Reschedule Passes are available if you are uncertain about the date; this allows you to move your booking to another date up to 24 hours before your tour-start time. If the date of your choice is already fully booked you can drop us an email at bookings@theirishexperience.com and we can alert you when spaces have become available or another timeslot is added.

Are discounts available?

Unfortunately for our business to run efficiently and to ensure our doors stay open despite soaring running costs and insurance premiums, we are not in a position to offer any discounts

 

Are there minimum numbers for the experiences to go ahead?

Yes, the minimum numbers are different for each experience and we will contact you if we have not reached this number and reschedule to a date or time that suits both parties. Please check out the FAQ on the Experience page to see minimum numbers.

Do terms and conditions apply?

Yes, you have to agree to the T&C’s when making your booking. You can find these during the booking process, on your tickets after booking, and when you click here.

Experience

Do I need any kayaking experience?

Not at all, our experiences are suitable for all, ranging from people who have never kayaked before to experienced kayakers.

Should we choose double or single kayaks?

Our double XL kayaks are by far the most popular kayak, as they are the most stable and you can share the paddling together. At weekends and during the summertime only double kayaks are available, with the exception (where possible) for solo travelers or odd numbered groups.

Please note: Our guides will always be in their own kayaks and cannot share a kayak with any guests or their children.

Are there any age restrictions?

Mini Sea Kayaking Experience: Minimum age 5 y/o, minimum age for a single kayak 13 y/o.

Sea Cave Kayaking Experience: Minimum age 12 y/o, minimum age for a single kayak 16 y/o. When sharing a double kayak at least one of the participants has to be 16 y/o 

Coastal Canyoneering Experience: minimum age 12 y/o, participants aged 12-14 y/o have to be accompanied by an adult.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Experience: minimum age 12 y/o, participants aged 10-14 y/o have to be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to be able to swim?

You do not need to be able to swim for any our experiences, however, it is recommended you are confident in the water for our Coastal Canyoneering and Stand Up Paddleboarding Experience.

What level of fitness do I need?

You will need an average level of fitness to join most of our experiences, the webpage of each of our experiences rates the level of fitness required under the heading “physicality”.

Are there weight or height restrictions?

There is a maximum weight limit for our kayaking experiences. The maximum weight limit for our single kayaks is approximately 125kg / 20 stone and the combined total weight restriction for our double XL kayaks is approximately 190kg / 30 stone. There are no height restrictions on our experiences.

Location - Where is The Irish Experience and How do I get there?

Where are you located?

Our Booking Office and Watersports Store is located on the main street of Fethard-on-Sea, the Hook Peninsula, county Wexford, Y34P778 – the big green building, you can’t miss us! This is where you check in for all kayaking experiences or equipment rentals.

What is the starting location?

For our Kayaking Experiences you will check in at our Booking Office and will then drive straight down to the meeting point at Baginbun Beach.

For our Coastal Canyoneering Experience you will check in at Slade Harbour.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the experience start time printed on your ticket. If you arrive after this time, we cannot guarantee you will make your tour and we cannot provide a refund or reschedule. 

The people who did check in on time will want to start on time. Please be respectful of this and understand if we have told you that you missed your tour. 

How do I get to you without a car?

From Dublin (Public Transport + Taxi) : You can use Wexford Bus or Bus Eireann to get to Wexford Town – your stop is : “Redmond Square”. From there you can use T&J’s Chauffeur Hire to book pre-book a taxi or you can use our local recommended hackney driver “John” who charges €50 one way. Call : +35387 7995830, pre-booking essential.

From Dublin (All Public Transport Option) : You will need to get :  Dublin – New Ross (Buses go to New Ross Via Waterford City and also Via Wexford Town) 

From New Ross, you get the Local Link Bus Service to Fethard-On-Sea using New Ross – Hook Head (399) which goes multiple times a day. 

The same applies for : 

Cork – New Ross (Via Waterford)

Limerick – New Ross (Via Waterford)

Galway – New Ross (Via Dublin)

Where should I stay?

If coming by public transport take the pressure off and stay in Fethard-On-Sea,  Wexford Town, or New Ross. Locally we recommend Baginbun Lodge, just down the street from us.

There are many great options available in the area. Check out www.hookpeninsula.com

What is included / what should I bring?

What will you supply us with and what is recommended to wear / bring?

Please view the specific experience of your choice for details in regards to what is included and what you should bring with you on the day.

Are wetsuits supplied?

Wetsuits are included in the price of our Sea Cave Kayaking Experience and Coastal Canyoneering Experience. 

For our Mini Kayaking Experience wetsuits are optional and available to rent at less than half the regular price.

If you have your own wetsuit, we would recommend bringing that along.

 

Can I bring a camera or phone out on the water?

 

You can bring your phone out to take photos if it is in a waterproof case; we have these for sale in our shop for €9.99. We do not recommend bringing a camera out on the water, even if it is waterproof the sea salt poses a danger of corroding the inside of your electronic device. Bringing anything out on the water is at your own risk, your guide will look after your car keys while you’re on the water.

Do you sell adventure equipment?

We certainly do! We have renovated to increase the size of our Booking Office and Watersports Shop and now have even more products for sale. You can also check our our online shop here.