Rowing has a long tradition in Kerry but no where more than in Killarney which can lay claim to Kerry's oldest regatta.
Killarney will host the 237th Killarney Regatta Festival on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at O'Mahony's Point, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, on the shores of Lough Lein.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of O'Mahony's Point as the venue for the traditional regatta.
This regatta celebrates and preserves the heritage and legacy of rowing the unique 'Killarney Sixes' traditional racing boat on the lakes of Killarney, honouring the 237th regatta, the oldest traditional regatta in the world.
The older rowing clubs date back to the 1800's, and were aligned to the estates and business people. The type of boat raced is unique to the Lakes of Killarney and known as 'The Killarney Sixes' - wooden in structure, wooden oar, fixed seat, the boats were originally designed and built by Salters in Oxford.
Today, there are five active clubs in the hinterland of Killarney, training from various boat houses along the shoreline.
A special blessing will take place of the boats and Flesk Rowing Club will be honoured for their regatta participation presenting their two 'Killarney Sixes' racing boats; 'The Patricia' - 102 years old, still raced today and 'The Deirdre' -103 years old.
Chairman of Killarney Rowing Paddy Cronin, Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Flesk Valley Rowing Club will be joined by Padruig O'Sullivan, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Sean Coffey, Killarney Regatta Festival.
The first race of the day is the Juvenile Sixes at 9.30 am from the shoreline, races will also include specific club races and mixed club fun races throughout the day.
The Heritage Race will take place at 1pm with last year's winning crew 'Dinis Cottage' hoping to defend their title in the Mixed Heritage Race to take the coveted Trustees of Muckross House Trophy.
Last year's winning crew included Mike 'Kenmare' O'Sullivan, Cox, John Cronin, John Beazley, Kevin Tangney, Derry Doyle, Bill Lyne and Paschal Dower.
Racing continues throughout the day with plenty of fun and entertainment on the side-lines, including; Tug O' War competition, sack race, potato race, Irish music entertainment.