This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event.

And this Saturday, May 31st, the folks behind Ocean to City – An Rás Mór, are pulling out all the stops to celebrate in style.

This flagship event of  Cork Harbour Festival is Ireland’s largest multi-craft rowing and paddling race, attracting over 500 participants from Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, and beyond.

Photo: Claire Keogh

The race features a diverse fleet of 200 boats, including traditional currachs, gigs, Chinese dragon boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Spectators can enjoy the spectacle from various vantage points along the race course, including Cobh, Monkstown, Blackrock, and Cork City.

This Saturday, the race commences at 15:30 from Crosshaven, with the fleet making its way through the harbour and culminating at Lapp’s Quay in Cork City from 17:30.

The event is free for spectators and promises a vibrant atmosphere with family entertainment and music at key locations along the route, including Cobh, Monkstown and Blackrock.

Join the fun 

In honour of the 20th anniversary, the finish line festivities at Lapp’s Quay and Lapps Quay West will be more spectacular than ever, featuring an ‘Open-Streets’ event from 2pm until 9.30pm.

Attendees can enjoy watching Kayak polo, take part in a unique micro raft race, enjoy river-inspired games (on dry land), live music performances, and family-oriented activities, or simply sit back and watch the race participants cross the finish line while they enjoy the food from the market stalls.