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Event day info

Welcome to the Gaelforce Great Fjord Swim!

Follow us for event updates, top tips & giveaways:

Your competitor Event Info PDF with full event day details will be sent by email 1 week before the event date.

Event schedule & timings

Event Schedule & Timings

  • Registration: By post.
  • Race Hat & Number: Sent out 9 days before the event.
  • International competitors: Collect on race day at the information desk.
  • Arrival time: See race schedule table.
  • Cut-off times: Check route information above.
  • Prize Giving: 11:00am (3.9km), 1:00pm (750m), 3:00pm (2km), or once the last prize winner has finished.

More Info

Race Day Schedule

Here’s what to expect on race day. Please arrive in good time for parking, your briefing and boat departure.

Distance Park From Briefing / Bus Boat Departure Start Time
3.9km 7:30am Walk to start 8:45am
750m 9:25am Walk to start 10:50am 11:20am
2km (Wave 1) 12:15pm No bus 1:15pm 1:30pm
2km (Wave 2) 12:50pm 1:30pm 1:50pm 2:05pm

Please Note:

  • 3.9km: Waves every 15 minutes after Wave 1.
  • 750m: Waves every 45 minutes after Wave 1.
  • 2km: Waves every 35 minutes after Wave 1.
  • Times may change — please stay flexible and check our socials for updates.

Parking & Facilities

Parking & Facilities

Parking & Facilities

Parking: Free parking is available for competitors, but spaces are limited. Please carpool where possible.

Facilities:

  • Toilets at the start and finish lines
  • Finish line facilities:
    • Changing areas
    • Prize giving
    • Heated medical tent
    • Water refill stations
    • Hot food, drinks & hot whiskey

Spectators are welcome! Please remain within the start and finish line areas.

FIND OUT MORE

Event kit

what you need

Mandatory Kit (all swimmers):

  • Tow-float – bring your own or hire when you enter (provided for 12km competitors)
  • Event swim hat with timing chip (provided)

Recommended Kit:

  • Wetsuit (optional for most distances, compulsory for some)
  • Goggles
  • Warm clothes for afterwards
  • Flip-flops or similar for walking to the start line
  • Reusable water bottle (refill stations at the finish line, no bottled water provided)

Tow float hire

TOW FLOAT HIRE

You must wear a tow float to compete in this event.

  • Online entry: €10 to hire (+ €20 cash deposit)
  • On the day: €15 to hire (+ €20 cash 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 require special transport or an 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 is based at:
Killary Adventure Centre, Leenane, Co Galway.
Eircode: H91 PY61 GPS: 53° 35.8"N    09° 47.1W

Download our PDF for info on travel & local accommodation:

Download PDF

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