The Bandon River in County Cork offers two distinct paddling sections with differing character and difficulty. The Lower Bandon is graded Grade II and runs from approximately 51.7449, -8.7437 to 51.7632, -8.6555. The Upper Bandon is graded Grade II-III, with a put-in at approximately 51.7535, -9.1080 and take-out at 51.7247, -9.0984.

The Lower Bandon passes through the town of Bandon itself before opening up into more scenic countryside. A popular recreational route runs from just below the footbridge in Bandon town, near the playground, downstream to Innishannon, pulling out after the bridge there — a trip that takes roughly a couple of hours at a leisurely pace. A further extension to Kilmacsimon is possible for those with more time. The flow through the town has been canalised and offers limited character, but the river broadens and becomes more attractive once clear of the urban area. Herons are regularly seen along the banks, and the water is generally reported to be clean.

A notable hazard on the Lower Bandon is Bandon Bridge, where the current runs strong on the approach and requires careful alignment to pass cleanly. The weir at the start of this section has been rebuilt with a fish pass added. Signage at the weir prohibits paddling, though the fish pass channel is the practical route. The main weir drop involves new, sharp rocks and carries a risk of leg entrapment if a swimmer were to go in there, so it warrants caution.

Water levels are an important planning consideration on the Bandon. Both very low and very high water can make paddling impractical or hazardous — the river is prone to significant flooding, and a real-time water level gauge is available online for both the Lower and Upper sections to assist with trip planning. The river is described as useful for training on the lower stretch but offering limited scenic reward through the town itself.