Cong-Galway Race Set for Strong Turnout on Lough Corrib This Weekend

23rd June 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Classic Company — A traditional Galway Hooker and an IDRA 14 dinghy sail on Lough Corrib beside the ruins of Ballycurrin House. Both classes are expected to feature in the historic Cong-Galway Race this weekend

At least 30 boats are expected to participate in the Cong-Galway contest this Saturday (June 27) - the longest inland water sailing race in Europe.

Entries closed at midnight on Monday, with a cap on a total of 40 boats competing.

A back-up date of Sunday June 28th has been set in case of adverse weather on Saturday.

This year’s event is being jointly hosted by Galway Bay Sailing Club, Galway City Sailing Club, Galway Hooker Sailing Club, Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club, and Cumann Seoltoíreachta an Spidéil, bringing together sailing communities from across Galway and beyond.

The race welcomes a broad range of vessels, from racing dinghies to traditional Galway Hookers and keelboats.

Competitors will sail the route in two stages, with a mid-race stop at Kilbeg Pier before continuing south towards Galway City, where spectators will be able to watch the fleet make its final approach along the River Corrib.

Organisers expect a colourful and varied fleet, reflecting both the competitive spirit and maritime traditions of the west of Ireland.

First established by Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club (CRYC) in 1882, the race is one of Ireland’s oldest sailing events, covering the full length of Lough Corrib and finishing in the heart of Galway city.

Speaking on behalf of the organising clubs, a spokesperson said:

“The Cong–Galway Race is one of the highlights of the sailing calendar and a unique celebration of our waterways, our maritime heritage, and the strong community spirit that exists among sailing clubs throughout the region. We are delighted to see the clubs working together once again to deliver this historic event.”

“The race not only provides a competitive challenge for sailors but also showcases the natural beauty of Lough Corrib. The sight of traditional Galway Hookers sailing alongside modern racing craft offers a spectacular reminder of the area’s deep connection with the sea and inland waterways,”the spokesperson said.

Lunch and post-race refreshments are included for competitors, while family members and supporters are encouraged to join in the celebrations at the finish.

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Cong-Galway Race

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Cong-Galway Race Registration Closes on June 21st
Cong-Galway Race

The Cong-Galway: Ireland’s oldest inland sailing race

The annual Cong – Galway Sailing Race is Europe’s oldest and longest inland water sailing race.

The original Cong-Galway Race started at the Royal Galway Yachting Club in Galway City and travelled to Ashford Castle in Cong before returning to Galway City, a race distance of 61.5 nautical miles.

The 2020 race is the 137th such race.

The Cong-Galway Race was a huge social event in Galway until 1914. It never recovered after the First World War and was last held in its old format in 1931. The race was later revived in 1972. Now half the original length, the race starts at Lisloughrey pier, near Ashford Castle, and ends just past the Quincentennial Bridge in Galway City.

Cong Galway Race Course

The Cong to Galway Race start is from Lisloughrey Pier in Cong, Co. Mayo and is typically scheduled for 10.30 a.m. on a course through Upper and Lower Lough Corrib to the finish line at Corrib Village on the River Corrib in Galway. The race makes a stop for lunch at Kilbeg Pier, approximately half way, where timings will be taken for the restart.