FAQ
The Gaelforce Great Marathon Swims are long-distance open-water swimming events in the west of Ireland. New for 2026, the series includes a 12km River Shannon swim and an 8km Killary Fjord swim, designed for ambitious swimmers looking for a serious endurance challenge.
The Gaelforce Great Marathon Swim series includes two endurance swims: a 12km river ultra on the River Shannon and an 8km open-water swim in Killary Fjord. Swimmers can enter one event, both events, or include them as part of a wider Gaelforce swim season.
The Gaelforce Marathon Swims take place in two standout west of Ireland open-water locations: the River Shannon and Killary Fjord. These courses offer very different swim conditions, from river flow to exposed Atlantic fjord swimming.
The Gaelforce Great Marathon Swims are aimed at elite marathon swimmers and ambitious open-water competitors. They are best suited to experienced swimmers who are prepared for long-distance open-water conditions, changing weather and a demanding endurance event.
The Gaelforce Marathon Swims stand out because they combine marathon-distance swimming with wild west of Ireland locations. The River Shannon and Killary Fjord courses are shaped by natural flow, exposure and conditions, giving swimmers a distinctive endurance challenge.
Yes. Swimmers can enter one Gaelforce Marathon Swim or take on both events as a bigger endurance goal. The series can also be integrated into the Gaelforce Great Swim Trilogy for swimmers planning a focused open-water season.
Yes. Gaelforce provides experienced event organisation, professional safety teams, medical support and athlete facilities for the Marathon Swim events. These supports are important because the swims are long-distance open-water challenges in natural conditions.
Yes. Gaelforce offers a dedicated expert safety and training support service for swimmers preparing for the Great Marathon Swim events. This is useful for swimmers building towards the 12km River Shannon swim or the 8km Killary Fjord swim.
Choose a Gaelforce Marathon Swim if you want a demanding open-water endurance event in Ireland with memorable scenery, strong event organisation and a serious sense of achievement. These swims are designed for athletes ready to progress beyond standard open-water distances.
