Head of the River · 2026
CCBC Head of the River 2026
Our annual Head of the River time-trial on the Shannon, Saturday 24 October 2026. Open to all categories — juniors through masters.
- Date
- Saturday 24 October 2026
- Venue
- Castleconnell, Co. Limerick
- Course
- 3km time-trial between O'Brien's Bridge and World's End
CCBC’s autumn time-trial — Bulls & Bears on the Shannon. Crews race one at a time against the clock over 3 kilometres between O’Brien’s Bridge and the clubhouse at World’s End. Saturday 24 October 2026.
The race
Three kilometres of working river — turns, tight lines, and a current that wants to push you wide. The course favours good steering as much as good rowing; pick the straightest water and you’ll find seconds on your rivals. Every crew faces the same conditions, and the leader board sorts itself out by the end of the morning.
Bulls and Bears races are by invitation only and will contain the fastest eight pairs of the time trial. The challenge race will take place over a 500m sprint course finishing in front of the clubhouse.
Entries
Entries run through the Rowing Ireland system. Entries close at 19:00 on the Thursday before race weekend (Thursday 15 October 2026 for this Head). Categories, boat classes and minimum ages follow Rowing Ireland’s current rules; the draw and race times publish through the Rowing Ireland competitions page once entries close.
On the day
- Racing starts at 9:00.
- Team-manager briefing in the clubhouse at 08:00.
- Parking and trailering: follow marshals — space is tight.
- Hot food and tea from the clubhouse from 09:00.
- Results posted to the event page after racing finishes.
Coming to watch
Free, no ticket. World’s End is the natural finish-line viewing spot; the clubhouse stays open through the morning for tea, food and warmth. Bring a coat — October on the Shannon.