Thousands to line Cork city quays to watch Ocean to City An Rás Mór   

More than 660 people have signed up for this bank holiday weekend’s Ocean to City An Rás Mór, which is set to be the biggest in the history of the event.

The 28km race from Crosshaven to Cork city on Saturday, May 30, is part of the Cork Harbour Festival, which runs from Saturday until Monday, June 8.

The race will see participants travelling from across Ireland as well as the UK, France, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, and the US.

Thousands of spectators are expected to line the harbour and quaysides as the race makes its way from Crosshaven, past Spike Island, Cobh, Monkstown, Blackrock, and then into the heart of the city.

Ocean to City brings together more than 30 different types of traditional and contemporary boats – from currachs, skiffs, gigs and other heritage rowing boats to dragon boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and high-performance racing craft.

Cork city’s community boatyard

The annual race is organised by Cork city’s community boatyard Meitheal Mara.

For the first time, Ocean to City will feature a dedicated hub on Kennedy Quay, transforming the waterfront into a festival space along the final stretch of the race.

Supported by Fáilte Ireland, the new marquee and public event space will give spectators a front-row view of crews battling to the finish line, while also offering a full day of free, family-friendly entertainment.

Replica tall ship

The replica tall ship Nao Santa María — a full-scale reproduction of the ship used by Christopher Columbus on his first expedition across the Atlantic in 1492 — will be berthed directly beside the race hub.

Last year saw more than 4,000 visitors touring the galleon tall ship, and organisers expect the vessel to be a major attraction during Cork Harbour Festival week.

Isobel McKenna, Meitheal Mara general manager, said the new race hub will transform the atmosphere at the finish line.

“Between the race itself, the music, the tall ship, the festival events across the harbour and hopefully a bit of sunshine, it’s shaping up to be a brilliant weekend in Cork,” she said.

See https://corkharbourfestival.com.