Learn how-to stand-up paddle and have SUP lessons and tours at Simply SUP an ASI accredited learn to stand up paddle school, with SUP sessions on the Lough Conn at Knockmore and Gortnor Abbey, Co Mayo, just 3 hours’ drive west from Dublin. 

Offering a range of paddling locations, with coastal and inland waterways with flat water paddling, past beautiful countryside and historic sites.  

Simply SUP is owned and operated by Dianne Slowey.  She has been paddling now since 2011.  Her first time on a paddle board was in Boracay in The Philippines. After her first 10 minutes she was hooked on SUP. 

Dianne start the SUP school as it’s always something she wanted to do. It was also an opportunity to transition out of her job as an airline hostess. 

She absolutely loves bringing people out to the spots where she SUPs on and it’s such a joy to watch people gain confidence in themselves and in the sport. 

Dianne holds ASI Level 1 and Level 2 SUP Instructor accreditation for Enclosed Flat Water and Exposed Waters locations, water rescue and first aid qualifications.

She is also very proud to come from the West of Ireland and loves sharing the opportunity to show it off in such a fantastic way.

Simply SUP offers group and private lessons, SUP Wise learn to SUP certificate courses, SUP tours and team building for kids, adults, backpackers, parties, hens and stag parties, school groups, and corporates.

The school also caters for families, small groups and paddlers with previous SUP experience who want to improve their SUP skills and technique as well as gaining confidence paddling on local spots.

Also, private lessons are on offer for those who don't want to be in a big open group.

Group sizes are kept to a minimum to maximise your experience. 

Safety awareness is a number priority for Dianne.   She hopes that people come away from the sessions having progressed in their abilities while at the same time having had a great time. 

At Lough Conn, there are toilets at one of the entry points. There is plenty of parking.

At the Moy, there is parking, a lovely mobile cafe (https://www.bohobarista.com/about) and a small convenience shop. It is also situated beside Crockets bar & restaurant and The Ice House Hotel & Spa. You are also not far from the town and all its facilities

Simply SUP sessions are held on Lough Conn, a beautiful lake in Ireland.

Set off from either Knockmore or Gartnor Abbey. Depending on conditions, sessions are also held on the river Moy.

Lough Conn is one of Dianne’s favourite locations to paddle. The Nephin mountain range creates the most beautiful but imposing of backdrops to the lake.

There are little islands to paddle to and it can be a great workout and/or a really peaceful paddle. There are so many inlets on the lake that you can travel around when the wind switches direction and find the perfect spot. The stunning scenery is the obvious draw for all paddlers.

The river Moy, which is a beautiful tree lined river with beautiful wildlife. As you paddle up the river, the Ox Mountains start to become visible on one side and Nephin on the other, making it a beautiful location to paddle.

The fantastic thing about these spots is that they are so quiet, making them perfect for people to switch off and enjoy the moment.

North County Mayo is wildly beautiful and attracts tourists from all over the world. 

As well as the amazing rural scenery, you will find some of the most stunning yet deserted sandy beaches. On the internationally renowned Wild Atlantic Way route which brings you from North Donegal the whole way down to Cork.

North County Mayo have the river Moy here in Ballina which boasts some of the world’s finest salmon fishing. The Moy meanders its way past Belleek Woods, which is a stunning woodland walk with Belleek Castle nestled in the centre of it. 

For those interested in ancient history, we have the most extensive Neolithic site in Ireland not far from here, Ceide Fields, which the oldest known field systems in the world. 

On the way to Ceide, you’ll pass the town of Killala with its monasteries and round tower dating back to the 12th century. 

No matter what the weather, there is always something to do and see here in North Mayo!

From luxury spa hotels to affordable B&B’s, there is an array of options in the area for tourist accommodation.

Here are just a few:

Mount Falcon www.mountfalcon.com    

The Ice House Hotel. www.icehousehotel.ie  

The Ocean Sands Hotel https://www.theoceansandshotel.ie

Ballina Manor Hotel www.ballinamanorhotel.ie 

Twin Trees Hotel https://www.twintreeshotel.ie

Suncroft B&B http://suncroftballina.com

The Lodge at Dillons, Dillon Tce. Ballina.

Belleek camping park http://www.belleekpark.com