Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters of vessels and all waterway users that the Athlone River Festival will take place from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August 2026.
This community event includes a variety of onshore and water-based activities throughout Athlone. In the interest of safety, the following navigation restrictions and advisory notices will apply:
Saturday, 1 August 2026
- Restricted Navigation – 12:00 to 16:00. Bay Sports Kayak Racing & Long Boat Racing. Between the White Railway Bridge and Athlone Town Bridge. Participating race craft will have priority on the river during this period. Masters of vessels are requested to proceed at slow speed, minimise wash, exercise due caution, and comply with the directions of event marshals.
- Open Navigation – 10:00 to 17:00. Madcaps Course Fishing Competition. Fishing activity will be concentrated along the riverbank adjacent to the Meadows. Masters of vessels are requested to minimise wash when passing the area.
Sunday, 2 August 2026
- Closed Navigation – 09:45 to 10:45. Athlone Triathlon Club – River Swim. The navigation will be closed to all non-participating vessels between the Bypass Bridge and Athlone Boat Club. Masters of vessels are requested to comply fully with the directions of event marshals.
- Restricted Navigation – From 12:00. Water Safety Demonstration. Water safety demonstration, facilitated by Lough Ree RNLI, Athlone Sub Aqua Club, and the Athlone River Safety Awareness Group, will take place in the vicinity of Athlone Boat Club. Navigation may be temporarily restricted while demonstrations are underway. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
- Open Navigation – 10:00 to 17:00. Madcaps Course Fishing Competition. Fishing activity will again be concentrated along the riverbank adjacent to the Meadows. Masters of vessels are requested to minimise wash / wake when passing.
Waterways Ireland thanks the organisers and volunteers for facilitating this community event and appreciates the cooperation of all waterway users in helping to ensure its safe and successful operation.
Peter Harty
Inspector of Navigation
Inspectorate.Athlone@waterwaysireland.org