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 and Kayak Race 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 the family along 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 on the River Shannon. Recommended with a sauna afterwards.
Festival Programme
Gaelforce River Festival Schedule
Lanesborough, Longford • Friday 15th & Saturday 16th May 2026
Friday 15th May
Opening Evening
Try a Kayak
A beginner friendly shoreside kayaking experience on the River Shannon.
Price: €10 per person
Sauna Sessions
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:45 PM
Price: €17 per person for a 45 minute session
Location: Yeti Sauna
Book SaunaTrad Session in Adi Farrell’s Bar
Live traditional music to round off opening night.
Saturday 16th May
Festival Day
Gaelforce Great River Swim
Start: 7:45 AM
Distances: 12km • 5.8km • 3.5km • 800m
First finishers expected: approx. 11:50 AM
Enter SwimKayak Race
Competitive river race as part of festival day.
Learn More Enter RacePrize Giving
11:00 AM – 12km & 800m
12:00 PM – 5.8km
2:00 PM – 3.5km
At the finish line and festival area.
Artisan Stalls
Local artisan stalls open from 10:00 AM.
Family Fun & Activities
Activities start from 12:00 PM.
Face painting, family challenges, fun games and more.
Trampoline & Climbing Wall
Adventure activities from 1:00 PM.
Sauna Sessions
Time: 10:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Price: €17 per person for a 45 minute session
Location: Yeti Sauna
Book SaunaEvening Kayaking
A relaxed beginner friendly paddle on the River Shannon.
Price: €10 per person
Live Music & BBQ – Yacht Bar
Keep the festival atmosphere going on Saturday night with live music and BBQ at the Yacht Bar.
Add to CalendarPlan your visit
Transport and local information
Bus Services
- 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
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.
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