Water Wags Return for Annual Picnic Race to Dalkey Island

17th August 2025

Afloat.ie Team

After racing from Dun Laoghaire, the Water Wag crews enjoy their 2025 picnic on Dalkey Island. Scroll down the story for an early photograph of the Water Wag 1887 picnic

2018 was the last time the Water Wags made it to the island for what had long been an annual tradition, part of the folklore of this 138-year-old class.

What a day they picked! Sunday, 17 August 2025, provided idyllic conditions for the race from Dun Laoghaire Harbour and the subsequent picnic on the island.

The start of the 2025 Water Wag Picnic race from Dun Laoghaire Harbour to Dalkey Island on Dublin Bay

The race was won by Hugh Delap, crewed by his 10-year-old son Thady, in a fleet of ten boats. Many crews were enthusiastically dressed in 1890s period costumes.

The Water Wags anchor off Dalkey Island

Second was Harry and Liz Croxon, and third was Aisling Costello with Ruth McKay. The youngest crew was aboard Penelope, being sailed by Catherine Hilliard and her mum, Betty, with Catherine’s little boy, Bartley, aged two, who finished fifth.

138 years ago - The Water Wag Jubilee Cruise and Dalkey Island picnic of June 21st, 1887. Hats and moustances were a characteristic of the Wags in the 19th century

Published in Water Wag, Dublin Bay, Dun Laoghaire Harbour News

Published in Water Wag

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