Newport, County Mayo sits on the shores of Clew Bay along the Wild Atlantic Way, with a river flowing through its centre that connects the town to the broader bay system. The area offers paddling opportunities ranging from supervised introductory sessions to independent coastal exploration.

Newport Splash Watersports operates during the summer months, offering supervised kayaking activities for both children and adults, with lifejackets provided for participants. This makes the area accessible to paddlers of varying experience levels during the warmer season.

For those paddling independently, the route from Newport town to Burrishoole Abbey is a well-regarded option, following the river and coast and providing opportunities to explore the shoreline along the way.

Wildlife along this stretch includes seals, kingfishers, and otters, all of which have been observed in the river and throughout Clew Bay.

The Burrishoole Fishery, which encompasses a series of fresh and brackish water loughs in the area, is owned and operated by the Marine Institute and functions as a salmon fishery. Paddlers should be aware of this fishing activity when planning routes through the lough system, as fishing operations may be active in these waters.