Make a date for the great Ocean to City race in Cork

2024, Ocean to City, An Rás Mór, Cork Harbour Festival

The Cork Harbour Festival (24 May to 2 June) is a celebration of Cork’s maritime history and heritage with over 80 events across the city and county ranging from fun on-the-water adventures to music, art, poetry, workshops, and more.  

The centrepiece of the festival is the colourful and exciting Ocean to City – An Rás Mór rowing race (31 May). An Rás Mór is Irish for ‘the big race’, and this year marks its 20th anniversary as Ireland’s flagship long-distance rowing race which attracts hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators every year.  

The race is a blend of old and new, honouring the tradition of the west of Ireland’s wooden-framed boats – currachs – while welcoming global participation and contemporary boat types including skiffs, gigs and longboats as well as ocean racing shells, kayaks, canoes and even stand-up paddle boards. 

The main races cover three distances, 13km, 22km and 28km, and the boats are classified into groups according to their speed. Modelled on London’s Great River Race, the event uses staggered start times ensuring an exciting and inclusive race. 

2024, Ocean to City, An Rás Mór, Cork Harbour Festival

There are also a number of sub-races organised by boat type including kayak, dragon boat, stand-up paddle and sliding seat boat, as well as a special 4km youth race. 

Participants will get a flavour of the city at the pre-race gathering called ‘A Taste of Cork’s Culture’ which will feature Irish music and free food tasters as well as inside tips on the races. And after the race, the Apres-row Party will invite them to enjoy music and dancing in the streets. 

The An Rás Mór course runs through Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. It passes iconic locations such as the historic port of Cobh which was Titanic’s last stop and now has a fascinating museum telling the story of the ill-fated passengers. The course also skirts Spike Island, where a military fortress that once served as a prison is now a gateway to the past through entertaining guided tours.    

The imposing sixteenth-century Blackrock Castle Observatory overlooks the River Lee which runs from the harbour up to Cork city. It’s a welcome sight for the rowers who know that passing it means they are close to the finish line. The castle is now an award-winning science centre that is open to the public for fascinating guided tours on history and astronomy. 

All the races end in Cork city centre where the Harbour Festival programme of music, street performers and lively markets ensures a vibrant atmosphere. The festival was ranked in Europe’s Top 20 Arts & Culture Festivals and presents all manner of maritime fun and heritage events. 

Blarney Castle, Co Cork

Participants in the races and the thousands who come to enjoy the festival will be treated to a warm Cork welcome and will be encouraged to explore all the heritage sites that the city has to offer as well as enjoying the lively night-life. 

Festival goers should also take time to visit nearby top attractions such as Blarney Castle. Home to the legendary Blarney Stone that gives the gift of eloquence to anyone who kisses it, the castle is part fairytale, part historical gem and is surrounded by gorgeous gardens that include the intriguing Carnivorous Courtyard and the Poison Garden. 

There is also a host of places to visit for those who relish a fine whiskey or craft beer. In Cork city, you can take a guided tour of the craft beer-making process at the Franciscan Well Bar & Brewery, a site that is steeped in history, before sampling a selection in the bar.  

And just 30 minutes from the city is the Midleton Distillery Experience  where the world-famous Jameson whiskey is made. Here you can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, prestige portfolio tastings and cocktail making masterclasses or do a deep dive into the art of whiskey making at its Irish Whiskey Academy. 

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