Ocean To City – An Rás Mór
Kennedy Quay & Lapp's Quay
Sat 30 May 2026
Part of the Cork Harbour Festival
Free for spectators
Saturday 30 May is shaping up to be our biggest, boldest and most exciting Ocean to City yet.
With record participation numbers expected, a brand new Race Hub on Kennedy Quay, live music, food stalls, family entertainment and the magnificent Tall Ship NAO SANTA MARÍA docked right beside the action — this is not just a race anymore.
It’s a full harbour celebration.
Ocean to City – An Rás Mór is Ireland’s largest multi-craft rowing and paddling race and the flagship event of Cork Harbour Festival. Over 600 participants from Ireland, the UK, France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA will take part in a spectacular 28km journey through Cork Harbour to the heart of Cork City. Expect over 200 boats on the water including currachs, gigs, rowing boats, dragon boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
From shoreline vantage points to the bustling city finish line, the entire harbour comes alive with music, food, entertainment and community celebration.
Race Route (approx. timings)
11:30 – Crosshaven
start
12:00 – Cobh
12:30 – Monkstown
12:45 – Passage West
13:15 – Blackrock
13:30 – Cork City (Lapp’s Quay / Kennedy Quay finish)
CORK CITY Finish Line – Kennedy Quay Race Hub & Lapp's Quay (13:00–18:00)
The brand new Ocean to City Race Hub transforms Kennedy Quay into a full festival destination right on the waterfront.
Expect:
-Live MC throughout the day (Ronan Leonard)
-Live finish line commentary from Cork’s 96FM
-Food stalls and street entertainment
-Live music stage (13:00–18:00)
-Port-side pop-up playground with Let’s Play Cork (14:00–17:00)
-Maritime-themed games: giant Jenga, tug of war, walk the plank and more
-Front-row views of the final sprint to the finish (from approx. 13:30)
Live Music Programme
13:00 – 14:00: DJ Stevie G
14:00 – 15:00: Last Call
15:00 – 16:00: The Roaring 40’s
16:00 – 17:00: Rebel Brass
18:00 – 19:00: Céilí with Martin
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Visit the Tall Ship NAO SANTA MARÍA
Moored right beside the Kennedy Quay Race Hub throughout the weekend will be the spectacular NAO SANTA MARÍA - a full-scale replica historic tall ship open to the public for tours.
A perfect excuse to bring the kids, grandparents, neighbours, visiting cousins… everyone.
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BLACKROCK VILLAGE – Ocean to City Festivities (09:00–14:00)
Blackrock Village comes alive with race-day atmosphere, family entertainment and waterfront viewing of the fleet as it passes through the Marina.
Enjoy:
-Lively food market
-Circus performers and street entertainment
-Youth race along the waterfront
-Live music from Shandon Ukulele Ensemble (from 12:00)
-Windsock kite installation by Kim-Ling Morris featuring recycled maritime creatures transforming the pier
-Family-friendly harbour atmosphere
Free event – no booking required
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COBH PROMENADE Viewing Point (11:30–13:30)
Join the action as the Ocean to City fleet passes Cobh on its journey to Cork City.
Expect:
-Cobh Animation Team entertainment
-DJ and walkabout performers
-Facepainting and family activities
-Harbour-side atmosphere and race viewing
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Make a weekend of it - Cork Harbour Festival - 100+ events, across Cork City & Harbour - many for FREE!
Ocean to City may be the headline event, but the entire weekend is packed with things to see and do across Cork Harbour. From music and maritime events to family activities, on-water experiences and entertainment - there’s something for everyone.
