Shannon Boat Rally returns for its 64th year this week

For more than six decades, the IWAI Shannon Boat Rally has been bringing people together on Ireland's largest inland waterway, creating a holiday where friendship, family and shared experience matter just as much as the journey itself.

From Saturday, July 25, to Sunday, August 2, the 64th IWAI Shannon Boat Rally, organised jointly by the Athlone and Carrick-on-Shannon branches of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI), will once again welcome participants of every age and experience to the River Shannon.

This year's theme, "Birds of a Feather," chosen by the 64th Commodore, Fiona Hoey, reflects the spirit of an event that has always been about bringing people together. Whether arriving aboard a privately owned cruiser, sailing boat, barge, open boat or a hired vessel, newcomers are as welcome as families who have been returning for generations.

The rally follows a scenic route beginning in Lanesborough, before travelling to Portrunny, Hodson Bay, Shannonbridge, a planned overnight anchor-out at Hot Springs (weather-permitting) and concluding in Athlone with the traditional gala evening. At every stop, local communities become part of the occasion as visitors explore towns, support businesses and enjoy the hospitality that has become synonymous with the River Shannon. Commodore Fiona Hoey, extends a special thanks to “the local communities living and working in the many harbours we visit. They are very welcoming – it really feels like we are making lasting connections up and down the waterways.”

While the rally is undoubtedly a holiday, it is also rooted in the values of the IWAI, the voluntary organisation that has spent more than seventy years protecting, promoting and improving Ireland's inland waterways. Since the first Shannon Rally in 1961, the event has encouraged responsible boating, respect for the environment and courtesy towards everyone who enjoys the waterways, from anglers and paddlers to swimmers and walkers.

Safety remains central to the week. Practical competitions covering navigation, boat handling, rescue techniques and seamanship help participants build confidence and develop valuable skills in an enjoyable and supportive atmosphere. Alongside these are children's activities, quizzes, heritage walks, music, fancy dress, talent competitions and evening entertainment, ensuring there is something for every generation.

Wendy McGrath, IWAI PRO said: "One of the defining features of the IWAI Shannon Boat Rally is its welcoming nature. Many participants first attend knowing no one, only to leave with friendships that last a lifetime. It is common to see grandparents, parents and children taking part together, while first-time entrants are encouraged to join in from day one and quickly become part of the community."

The rally also celebrates the places that make the Shannon special. Each stop provides an opportunity to discover local heritage, support businesses and appreciate the natural beauty of Ireland's inland waterways in a respectful and sustainable way.

As preparations continue for the 64th Shannon Boat Rally, the organisers strive again for an event that is as much about people as it is about place—an enduring tradition that continues to showcase the very best of Ireland's waterways and the communities that surround them. To learn more about the IWAI, visit www.iwai.ie.