Work with us!

Come work where other people go on holiday

I'm Becky, and I run Lough Derg Watersports from the shores of the most beautiful lake in Ireland. Most mornings my office is a kayak, my commute is a paddle out from Kilgarvan Quay, and my colleagues are eagles, swans and leaping trout.

I'm looking for people to join me on the water. If you love being outdoors, you're good with people, and the idea of getting paid to share this place with families and adventurers sounds like your kind of day, keep reading.

What you'd actually be doing

No two days are the same here, but the heart of the job is simple: helping people have the time of their lives on Lough Derg and keep them safe and smiling.

Depending on the day and the season, that might look like:

  • Guiding kayak tours across the lough, from gentle paddle-picnics to our specialty sunrise and sunset trips

  • Running our kids' summer camps, which means games, skills, bushcraft and a lot of laughing

  • Teaching beginners how to paddle and helping them find their confidence on the water

  • Setting up and looking after gear, keeping our kit safe and ready to go

  • Being part of the wellness side of things too, from sauna and cold-plunge sessions to breathwork by the lake

You don't need to be able to do all of it on day one. You need to be willing to learn, and to care about doing it well.

Who I'm looking for

I care far more about the person than the CV. The best people I've worked with all share a few things:

  • You genuinely like people. Nervous first-timers, excited kids, families making memories. You know how to read a group and make everyone feel looked after.

  • You're calm and safe on the water. Confidence and good judgement matter more than being the fastest paddler.

  • You show up. Reliable, on time, ready. In a small team, everyone counts.

  • You've a bit of adventure in you. This isn't an indoor job. Some days are sunny and still, some days are wild and wet, and you're happy in both.

Qualifications are a bonus, not a barrier. If you already hold a Canoeing Ireland instructor award, brilliant, let's talk. If you don't but you've the right attitude and some paddling experience, I can help you train up and get qualified. I've done it before and I'm happy to invest in the right person.

What you'll get from it

Let me be honest about the trade. This won't make you rich. What it will give you is the kind of work that a lot of people never get to have:

  • A season spent outdoors on one of the most stunning lakes in the country

  • Real skills and, if you want them, recognised Canoeing Ireland qualifications

  • A small, tight-knit crew who look out for each other

  • The satisfaction of watching someone paddle for the first time, or a kid conquer a fear, and knowing you made that happen

  • Sunrises, swims, and the odd pizza evening on the water that don't really feel like work at all

If you're coming from further afield, talk to me about it. Our location is rural and that's part of the magic, but I know it can be a hurdle, so let's have an honest conversation about what's workable.

The practical bits

  • Where: Kilgarvan Quay, Coolbawn, near Nenagh, County Tipperary, and various points around Lough Derg

  • When: Mainly seasonal, spring through autumn, with our busiest stretch over the summer

  • Hours: Flexible and weather-dependent, which suits some people perfectly and others not at all. Be honest with yourself about which you are.

  • Getting here: You'll need to be able to travel to the lake. We're about 40 minutes from Limerick and well worth the drive.

How to get in touch

There's no formal application and no fancy form. Just get in touch and tell me a bit about yourself.

Send me an email to loughdergwatersports@gmail.com, or call or WhatsApp me on
+353 86 4114 822.

Tell me:

  • Who you are and why this appeals to you

  • Any experience you have on the water (and don't worry if it's not much)

  • When you'd be available

I read every message myself. If it feels like a fit, I'll invite you down to the lake for a paddle and a chat, because honestly, that tells us both far more than any interview ever could.

I'd love to hear from you.

Becky