gaelforceevents.com

Gaelforce Great River Swim

Name: Gaelforce Great River Swim
Start: 2026-05-16
End: 2026-05-16
Location: Lanesborough–Ballyleague

location_city Lanesborough–Ballyleague

flag Ireland

calendar_today 16 May, 2026

pool Water sports

language Official Website

About the Event

Discover a truly unique and spectacular open water swimming adventure at the Gaelforce Great River Swim on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This event transforms Ireland's iconic River Shannon into a majestic, flowing racecourse, offering swimmers of all levels a rare chance to be carried by the gentle current through the beautiful bends of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. With four distinct distances ranging from an accessible 800m for beginners to the formidable 12km—Ireland's longest downstream swim—it provides the perfect challenge for first-timers seeking a safe introduction and seasoned athletes aiming for an endurance milestone. As the first leg of the coveted Gaelforce Great Swim Trilogy, it serves as the ideal spring launchpad for swimmers building towards lake and sea challenges later in the year. Safety is paramount, with a full fleet of kayakers and support boats, mandatory tow-floats, and clear entry requirements ensuring a secure and confidence-boosting experience for all. More than just a swim, it's an immersive journey through serene, sweeping landscapes, where the river itself becomes your guide and ally. For anyone wanting to experience the magic of open water in one of Ireland's most legendary settings, this event offers an unforgettable and beautifully supported adventure from start to finish.

Races Offered

12km swim

May 16, 2026

straighten

Distance — 12K

terrain

Type — Swimming

timer

07:45

800m swim

May 16, 2026

straighten

Distance — 0.8K

terrain

Type — Swimming

timer

09:00

5.8km swim

May 16, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5.8K

terrain

Type — Swimming

timer

10:30

3.5km swim

May 16, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3.5K

terrain

Type — Swimming

timer

12:00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Lanesborough–Ballyleague.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 9.3° / 16.5°

wb_sunny 6.6° / 13.6°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 13.0 /

water_drop 78.8%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 9.3° / 16.5°

wb_sunny 6.6° / 13.6°

air 13.0 km/h

water_drop 78.8%

About Lanesborough–Ballyleague

Lanesborough–Ballyleague, more commonly known simply as Lanesborough, is a town in the midlands of Ireland. Lanesborough is on the County Longford (east) side and Ballyleague on the County Roscommon (west) side of the River Shannon, at the northern tip of Lough Ree.