Organised jointly by both Athlone and Carrick-on-Shannon branches and the of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI ), the Shannon Boat Rally (1961-2017 ), a ten day fun-filled family occasion, is the most prestigious and well-attended boating event on Ireland’s inland waterways.
Speaking in anticipation of this year’s rally, the 58th version of same, Commodore Niamh Herraghty enthused,”the families boating on the river love coming to the South Shannon and especially Athlone as part of the Shannon Boat Rally. We look forward to welcoming our boating friends both old and new to join us on Saturday, July 28, in Lecarrow for ten days and enjoy what the river Shannon has to offer.
“Lecarrow is a very popular boating destination and this year Coffeys Pub is celebrating 100 years in business and the rally are happy to share in this celebration. The river Shannon is a wonderful resource being important to leisure and recreation, to heritage, to tourism and to the environment.
Acknowledging that the inland waterways are not only a local asset for Westmeath and Roscommon, but are an important tourism attraction for the region, the Commodore added that this year with the theme of ‘Tropicana’, it was the Rally’s intention to visit the smaller villages of Lecarrow and Shannonbridge, as well as the larger town of Athlone.
“We will sail and cruise and dance on our way, along the banks of the river Shannon, bringing with us over three hundred visitors to sample the sights and hospitality of the area. This year I will attend my fortieth rally so being Commodore this year has a special significance for the Herraghty family,” Ms. Herraghty added.
Outlining the main objective of the Shannon Boat Rally which is to bring boaters of all types together to participate in a ten day long fun event for families and friends, Ms. Herraghty detailed the history of the rally.
“The first rally was launched at a civic reception in the Royal Hoey Hotel Athlone in 1961 with over 71 boats participating. Throughout its 58 year history, over 2,960 boats and in excess of 11,000 people have participated in the boat rally on the Shannon. This year we expect to attract just over 70 boats and three hundred people.”
The Shannon Boat Rally is an annual event that attracts private boat owners and their families to the Shannon for their annual holidays, contributing to the local economy for 58 years. The event provides and promotes a compelling and exciting choice for all domestic holiday makers that like the outdoors and are interested in a unique adventure. The boat rally is Ireland’s ultimate staycation ensuring greater revenue and extra employment throughout the county.
