Welcome to the Gaelforce Great River Swim!
Follow us for event updates, top tips & giveaways:
Your competitor Event Info PDF with full event day info will be sent by email 1 week before the event date.
Go to page: Gaelforce Great River Swim
Go to page: Gaelforce River Swim Intro
Go to page: Route
Go to page: Prices
Go to page: Reviews
Go to page: Advice Hub
Event day info
Event schedule & timings
Event schedule & timings
-
Registration: By post (no on-the-day registration).
-
Race Hat & Number: Sent by post before the event. International competitors collect theirs on the day at the information desk.
-
Arrival: Check the timetable for your distance.
-
Start Times: Between 7:45am and 12:15pm (see your registration email for exact wave).
-
Cut-off Times: See the route information for each distance.
-
Prize Giving: 11:00am (12km & 800m), 12:00pm (5.8km), 2:00pm (3.5km).
Race Day Schedule:
Here’s what to expect on the day of your swim. Please arrive in good time for parking, transport, and your race briefing
| DISTANCES | PARK FROM | BUS TO START | START TIME FROM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12km | 5:25am | 6:55am | 07:45am |
| 5.8km (wave 1) | 8:40am | 9:40am | 10:30am |
| 800m (wave 1) | 8:10am | Walk to start line | 9:00am |
| 3.5km (wave 1) | 10:30am | 11:30am | 12:00pm |
Please note:
-
Times may change, so please stay flexible and follow us on socials for updates.
-
5.8km & 3.5km: Waves head off every 15 minutes after Wave 1.
-
800m: One main briefing, then waves every 5 minutes.
Parking & Facilities
Parking & Facilities
Parking
There is plenty of parking available in Lanesborough for all competitors.
Facilities at the Finish Line
-
Changing areas
-
Water refill stations
-
Hot food, drinks, and hot whiskey to enjoy after your swim
Event kit
WHAT DO YOU NEED
Mandatory
-
Tow float (bring your own or hire with your entry; provided for 12km swimmers)
-
Event swim hat with timing chip (provided)
Recommended
-
Wetsuit (optional, depending on temperature)
-
Goggles
-
Warm clothes for after your swim
-
Refillable water bottle (refill stations available at the finish)
Click the button below to read the Gaelforce Events classification and rules for wetsuit and non-wetsuit categories.
Tow float hire
TOW FLOAT HIRE
You must wear a tow float to compete in this event.
- Online entry: €10 to hire (+ €20 deposit)
- On the day: €15 to hire (+ €20 deposit)
Safety
Safety on the Day
The course will be fully marked, with rescue boats and safety kayakers on the water, and a first aid point with a doctor and medical team on site.
Weather conditions can be variable, and hypothermia can set in quickly - especially for swimmers without wetsuits. Please monitor how you feel in the water, and if in doubt, alert our safety team immediately.
If you have a medical condition we should be aware of, please email us before the event at info@gaelforceevents.com.
Accessibility
Accessibility
We are committed to creating inclusive experiences for everyone. With years of experience supporting competitors with a wide range of accessibility needs, our team is dedicated to ensuring that every individual feels welcomed, supported, and safe.
If you have any additional needs that requires special transport or individual safety briefing etc. please email us at info@gaelforceevents.com at least a week before the race so we can accommodate you.
LOCATION, TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
This event starts and finishes at:
Lanesborough, Co. Longford.
Download our PDF for info on travel & local accommodation:
Go to page: FAQ
Go to page: Results