Pat Whelehan is the owner of Derrymore Springs water adventure centre. It is situated alongside the river Deel – a tributary of the river Boyne, which is famous for its wild brown trout – and is located five minutes from Kilucan and Kinnegad in Co Westmeath.

Derrymore Springs was originally a farm that was in the Whelehan name for years. Pat reminisces on times gone by when the man-made lake was home to a livestock and tillage farm.

“I always had huge interest in the farm – we had every conceivable crop and animal enterprise, however we were strapped for cash and saw prospects with the quarry business,” says Pat.

“We were aware of the sand under the land, so in the reign of the Celtic tiger we decided to open a quarry. We planned on having over 50 pits. However, my biggest fear was that we would be left with holes and no money.”

In 2003, planning permission was granted to construct a 20-acre lake. After heavy capital investment as a result of the success of the quarry, the construction of the lake began.

Pat has a desire to leave something behind him, to leave a mark on his land: “Because it was the home farm, I have an added interest in the success of the business.”

Indeed, his five children are qualified lifeguards and it is their intention to run Derrymore as a family business.

Pat’s advice to farmers looking to diversify is to be well prepared and passionate about your new venture.

“Bureaucracy is a giant-sized problem. You may have a great idea that is certain to succeed but it’s very hard to get finance. A great idea is worthless without finance and backing.”

Despite the absence of backing, Pat went on to plant 20,000 trees on site, which act as a beautiful backdrop for the adventure centre. There are three man-made islands on the lake, with the dwelling house located on one of them. The lake prides itself as being one of only a few lakes in Ireland where wild rainbow trout breed. Derrymore Springs caters for avid fishermen and amateurs alike as rods and boats can be rented for fishing on the lake all year round.

From April to September, however, the main attraction is the variety of water sports on offer.

Around the lake you will find four green areas that are perfect for picnics. There is also a 200-metre-long beach where you can relax and watch as the kids enjoy kayaking, pedal boats or the inflatable water park which boasts slides, trampolines, seesaws, aqua logs and pillows.

For those who are not keen on dipping their toes in the water, there is aqua golf. For the competitive groups, there are raft building and racing competitions, archery and a range of homemade games.

The adventure centre is an ideal location for a fun-filled day out and caters for school tours of up to 50 children, both primary and secondary. Birthday parties, stags, hens and corporate events for team bonding and building are also catered for. CL

For further information or to find out more about school tour packages, see www.derrymoresprings.ie or call 087-717-4336.