Ocean to City – Home

Ocean to City is Ireland’s largest rowing and paddling race, attracting 550 participants from Ireland and beyond. There are over 30 different types of boats taking part, including dragon boats, currachs, longboats, gigs, skiffs, kayaks and even stand up paddle boards.  Come along to Cork Harbour and see the spectacular fleet of 200 boats with lots of free family entertainment.

Race Route & Times:

• 11:30 Crosshaven: The official start of the main fleet
• 12:00 Cobh (The Promenade): With a DJ, live commentary and the Cobh Animation Team.
• 12:30 Monkstown: Soak up the action and cheer on the participants starting their ‘half marathon’ from Monkstown.
• 13:00 Blackrock Harbour: Fun at the pier as Meitheal Mara’s youth crews join the Ocean to City for the final 4.5km race to the finish line.
• 13:30 Lapp’s Quay, Cork City: Immerse yourself in the colour and excitement of the finish line and cheer on the participants as they complete this spectacular race. With live commentary from Cork’s 96FM, food, entertainment, balloon artists, DJ and drummers.
• 20:30 Idle Hour Pub, Cork City: Afterparty with food, live music, participative street dance by Gotha and ceilí dances with Craic’d Ceilí.

Ocean to City – An Rás Mór is Ireland’s very own long-distance rowing race attracting hundreds of participants annually.  Started in 2005, it has grown from its origin as a race for traditional fixed-seat boats into an all-inclusive rowing and paddling event, embracing everything from traditional wooden working boats, currachs, skiffs, gigs and longboats to contemporary ocean racing shells, kayaks, canoes and even stand-up paddle boards.

This year’s race takes place on Saturday 3rd June 2023 in Cork Harbour, Ireland. Sign up to our mailing list below to get all the updates for 2023.

Created by Andrew King for Meitheal Mara

Here’s what our participants have to say about Ocean to City!