THE eyes of the rowing world will turn to Bantry this August when the town hosts the 2026 All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships.

For the first time in 14 years, the national event returns to West Cork, adding extra significance for the region.

Last year’s championships attracted more than 10,000 spectators, with 36 clubs and 550 crews taking part, underlining the scale and importance of the occasion.

Bantry is now set to stage a showpiece event for both the town and the wider community, a point highlighted at a well-attended launch in Marino Church recently.

The launch drew a wide cross-section of the community, including Irish Coastal Rowing Federation president Bill Deasy, chairperson Mary B Teahan, South West Coastal Rowing Association chair Michael Walsh, Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins, Senator Noel O’Donovan, Councillor George Gill and Bantry Harbour Master Michael Murphy, along with representatives from local rowing clubs, Cork County Council and the Bantry Business Association.

Kilmacsimon Quay Rowing Club members were out in force for the big launch.

Organisers used the occasion to outline plans for what is expected to be one of the biggest championships to date.

The rowing spectacle will run from August 14th to 16th and is widely expected to deliver a significant boost to the local economy and tourism sector.

Speaking at the launch, Bill Deasy described the championships as the flagship event on the coastal rowing calendar, noting that participation continues to grow year on year, with even greater numbers anticipated this summer.

Mary B Teahan hailed the championships as a ‘feast of coastal rowing’, pointing to the wide variety of boats that will be on display across the three days – not just Celtic One Designs, but also traditional and local craft such as Down Skiffs, Wexford Cots, East Coast Skiffs, Cork timber yawls and Kerry seine boats.

Michael Walsh highlighted both the strength and future of the sport, describing Bantry as ‘one of the finest harbours in the country’ and an ideal setting for the championships. He also recalled that when the event was last held in Cork, Olympic champions Paul and Gary O’Donovan were among those competing – a reflection of the high standard on show.

Councillor Danny Collins welcomed the championships’ return to West Cork, describing it as a major opportunity for the area. He pledged his support in promoting the event locally, adding light-heartedly that while he had never tried rowing before, he might now have to give it a go.

Representatives of the Bantry Business Association also spoke of the growing excitement, noting that the championships are expected to provide a significant economic boost, with accommodation already booked out for miles around months in advance.

Hosted by the Irish Coastal Rowing Federation, the championships will feature a packed programme of racing, with approximately 70 events scheduled across all age categories, from U12 to over-60, for both men and women.

The launch also emphasised the strong sense of community and tradition at the heart of coastal rowing, with Bantry set to provide a fitting and scenic backdrop for the national event.

With preparations now well underway, the countdown has begun to what promises to be a memorable weekend of sport in West Cork.