The Coomhola is a whitewater river located in West Cork, approximately 6 km from Bantry. It runs through a canyon section and is generally rated Grade 3-4, making it suitable for experienced paddlers. The river's character shifts considerably with water level, and the gauge located between the two takeouts on the side of a pump shed is the primary reference point for assessing conditions. A reading of 0.6 to 0.8 is considered best for the pour-over play spot, while 1.0 m is regarded as a good all-round level. At 1.5 m and above, paddlers can run a straight line through the canyon. At 1.8 m the river reaches flood level, with few eddies and significantly increased hazard.

Key features of the run include a canyon section, a pour-over play spot that performs better at lower levels, and the P.O. Bridge Rapid beneath Coomhola Post Office bridge, which is Grade 3+ in normal water and Grade 4 in high water. A wave/hole forms on the bend after the bridge at medium levels. In higher water, it is possible to add approximately 4–5 km of Grade 2/3 paddling by starting higher up, just before a sign for the Borlin Valley. Trees are a noted hazard in big water, and safety cover is recommended for the final rapid.

The standard put-in is reached from Bantry by heading toward Glengarriff on the N71, turning right after 2.5 km from Ballylickey village toward Coomhola/Kilgarvan, then driving 2.3 km to Coomhola P.O. bridge. From there, cross the river, turn left, and drive 2 km to the next bridge, which serves as the put-in. Vehicles are best split between the put-in and takeout.

Access is restricted due to the river's status as a privately owned fishing river. Paddling is not permitted from 1 May to 30 September. The paddling season therefore runs from October through April, and there is typically little water during the fishing season in any case. Respecting this access arrangement is important for maintaining the goodwill that local paddlers have established with the angling community.