Gaelforce River Festival 2026
Riverside adventures, swims, music and family fun on the River Shannon
A weekend of open water swims, kayaking, wellness, music and community celebration in Lanesborough and Ballyleague.
Festival Weekend
What to expect
The Gaelforce River Festival brings together sport, wellness and family fun for a vibrant weekend on the banks of the River Shannon. From the Gaelforce Great River Swim to sauna sessions, evening kayaking, live trad music and family activities, the festival is designed to be enjoyed both in and out of the water.
Festival Location
Find us in Lanesborough
Festival Area
The Gaelforce River Festival takes place along the River Shannon between Lanesborough and Ballyleague.
Most events centre around the riverfront finish area and festival zone.
View on Google MapsHighlights
Festival highlights
Saturday
Gaelforce Great River Swim
Four open water swim distances on the River Shannon: 12km, 5.8km, 3.5km and 800m.
Find Out MoreSaturday
Family Fun & Activities
A key part of festival day, bringing families to the shoreline for face painting, family challenges, fun games and more.
Trampolining & a climbing wall is also on the card.
Friday & Saturday
Try a Kayak
A beginner friendly shoreside kayaking experience from the Lanesborough Jetty on the River Shannon. Recommended with a sauna afterwards.
Festival Programme
Gaelforce River Festival Schedule
Lanesborough, Longford • Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May 2026
Boat trips, lake cruises and walking tours organised by the local community are listed on a PDF below.
Friday 15th May
Opening Evening
Try a Kayak
A beginner-friendly shoreside kayaking experience on the River Shannon.
Price: €10 per person
Sweaty Yeti Sauna and Pizza Evening
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Price: €17 per person
Relax into the festival weekend with a sauna and pizza evening by the river.
Book SaunaFriday Night Entertainment
7:30 PM: Water, Waves, Words and Music at St John’s Church
9:00 PM till late: Trad Session in Adi Farrell’s Bar
Music and atmosphere to round off the opening evening.
Saturday 16th May
Festival Day
A full day of swims, family fun, music and evening activities in Lanesborough and Ballyleague.
Gaelforce Great River Swim
Start: 7:45 AM
Distances: 12km • 5.8km • 3.5km • 800m
First finishers expected: approx. 11:50 AM
Enter SwimPrize Giving
11:00 AM for 12km and 800m
12:00 PM for 5.8km
2:00 PM for 3.5km
At the finish line and festival area.
Family Fun Day at the Duck Pond
Time: 11:45 AM to 4:00 PM
Enjoy market stalls, games of skill and chance, family activities, a trampoline and climbing wall, and plenty of festival atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
Live Music and Busking
1:30 PM: Junior Live Busking Championships
3:00 PM: Prize giving at the Lanesbrew Outdoor Stage
3:30 PM: Live Music with The Raths
Try a Kayak
A relaxed beginner friendly paddle on the River Shannon.
Price: €10 per person
BBQ and Live Music at the Yacht Bar
Time: 6:30 PM
Round off the day with BBQ and live music at the Yacht Bar.
Food ticketed on the night.
Sunday 17th May
Festival Finale
Round off the weekend with a few final community highlights in Lanesborough.
Car Show
Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
A free car show at the Duck Pond Car Park and Marquee Area, bringing plenty to see on the final day of the festival.
Craft Stalls and Art Camp
Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Browse local craft stalls and enjoy a free creative space for children and families in Duck Pond Park.
Pizza and Movies
Time: 7:00 PM
Finish the weekend with pizza and a movie in the marquee.
Ticketing opening soon...
Plan your visit
How to get here & stay
Public Transport & Local Taxi Services
Travel to Lanesborough by bus with regular regional services connecting through Longford and Roscommon - See Transport for Ireland
- Route 426: Longford – Lanesborough – Roscommon
- Route 467: Longford – Lanesborough
Local Taxi Services
- Tom Morris – 086 829 3328
- Joe Ginty – 086 267 7547
- P.J. Toher – 086 320 1611
- Donnie (Hackney) – 089 969 0908
Accommodation and Camping
Looking for places to stay or making a full weekend of it? Explore local accommodation and visitor information around Lough Ree and the Shannon.
Campervan Parking at St Faithleach's GAA (LOCATION PIN)
1 Night – €15 including shower access and 1 accompanying car
2 Nights – €25 including shower access and 1 accompanying car
Optional electrical hook-up – €5 per night
Tent Camping at St. Marys Town Hall
€10 per pitch at the rear of St Mary’s Hall at the finish line
Cash only on arrival
Festival Video
Experience the Gaelforce River Festival
Watch highlights from the Gaelforce River Festival and get a taste of the atmosphere on the River Shannon. Open water swims, kayaking, music, family activities and a great community weekend in Lanesborough.
Thank You
With thanks to the communities of Lanesborough and Ballyleague
We would like to sincerely thank the communities of Lanesborough and Ballyleague for their incredible support of the Gaelforce River Festival. From the warm welcome to the local help, involvement and community spirit throughout the weekend, it is that support that helps make this festival so special.
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