A historic coastal rowing race will return to Dún Laoghaire Harbour on Saturday, 23 August, as part of National Heritage Week 2025.
Traditional East Coast Skiffs will take to the water from 10 am to 11 am. Young rowers from St. Michael’s Rowing Club will face the Dún Laoghaire Sea Scouts.
The race dates back to 1875, when a trophy was presented to mark the centenary of Daniel O’Connell’s birth. The winning team will now receive the O’Connell Centenary Championship Cup, recently recovered by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
The race began in 1875 with a trophy for Daniel O’Connell’s centenary. The winning team now receives the O’Connell Centenary Championship Cup, recently recovered by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
“This event is about remembering who we are, where we came from, and ensuring the next generation keeps our traditions afloat,” said Stephen Ring, Chairperson of St. Michael’s Rowing Club.
Gareth Whittington, Co-Chair of the East Coast Rowing Council, said: “Bringing back this race during Heritage Week connects us to something larger than sport. It’s a tribute to our harbour, our boats, and our shared story.”
Spectators can watch the race from the Band Stand on the East Pier, with views across the harbour and race course.
