Join Us on 16th & 17th May 2025 – Lanesborough & Ballyleague, County Longford & Roscommon

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of open-water swimming, riverside adventure, and family fun at the scenic River Shannon. Where Lanesborough and Ballyleague meet, the Gaelforce Great River Swim Festival celebrates community, challenge, and culture – with something for everyone!

Festival Schedule

Friday, 16th May – Opening Night

  • Evening Kayaking Adventures – Paddle into the sunset with Inventure Watersports
    • Time slots: 6:30 PM or 7:30 PM
    • Price: €10.00 per person (20 participants per session)
      Book Now
  • Riverside Sauna Sessions – Relax in a wood-fired barrel sauna beside Lough Ree with Riverside Sauna
    • Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    • Price: €10.00 per 30-minute session
      Book Now
  • Live Music at Faithleach’s – From 9:00 PM, enjoy Irish folk and traditional music performed by local talent at the clubhouse.

Camping & Parking at St Faithleach’s GAA Grounds

This is a local community fundraiser. All proceeds support community projects and are not affiliated with Gaelforce Events.

Online payment is preferred. Please show your receipt on arrival to receive your pass. Cash is accepted only in exceptional cases to avoid delays.

Pay Online

  • Car Parking: €3 per day
  • Shower Access: €5 per person (standard communal GAA showers)
  • Campervan Parking:
    • 1 Night – €15 (includes shower access and 1 accompanying car)
    • 2 Nights – €25 (same inclusions)
    • Optional Electrical Hook-Up – €5 per night
  • Tent Camping: €10 per pitch (rear of St Mary’s Hall at the finishline, cash only on arrival)
  • Water Access: Multiple water taps are available on site

Saturday, 17th May – Festival Day

  • The Gaelforce Great River Swim
    • Start Time: 8:00 AM (Termonbarry)
    • Finish: Lanesborough (first swimmers expected around 9:40 AM)
    • Distances: 12km, 5.8km, 3.5km, and 800m
      Enter Now
  • Prize Giving
    • 12km & 800m races – 11:00 AM
    • 5.8km – 12:00 PM
    • 3.5km – 2:00 PM
  • Artisan Stalls: Open from 10:00 AM with local crafts and produce
  • Family Fun Day Activities – Starts at 11:00 AM (fundraiser for community projects)
    • Face Painting
    • Climbing Wall & Trampolines (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
    • Funfair Games & Activities
  • Riverside Sauna Sessions Continue with Riverside Sauna
    • Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Price: €10 per 30-minute session
      Book Now
  • Live Music at the Finish Line: From 12:00 PM featuring The Amazing Apples!

Saturday Evening Festivities

  • Join us at Clarke’s Bar & Lounge in Lanesborough for food and music to close out the day:
    • From 6:00 PM: BBQ and drinks available
    • BBQ Price: €8.00 per person
    • Live Music: Local acts performing into the evening

Thanks to Our Partners

We proudly present this festival with the support of Fáilte Ireland, Longford County Council, Roscommon County Council, and the communities and committees of Lanesborough and Ballyleague.

Join the Fun!

Whether you’re racing, cheering or soaking up the atmosphere, the Gaelforce Great River Swim Festival 2025 in Lanesborough and Ballyleague is a weekend not to be missed. Mark your calendars for 16th–17th May 2025!

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Local Transport Options

Lanesborough and Ballyleague are easily accessible by public transport and local taxi services.

Bus Services

For live bus updates and journey planning, download the TFI Live App or visit Transport for Ireland.

Local Taxi Services

Need a lift? Contact our local taxi providers:

  • Tom Morris – 086 829 3328
  • Joe Ginty – 086 267 7547
  • P.J. Toher – 086 320 1611
  • Donnie (Hackney) – 089 969 0908

We recommend booking taxis in advance where possible, especially during festival peak times.

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