Lough Derg, Portumna, Co. Galway
Saturday, 11 July 2026
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: ALL DISTANCES
- LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE
- PARKING
- INFORMATION DESK
- REGISTRATION
- TOW FLOAT HIRE
- GETTING READY AND BAG & KEY DROP
- TOILETS AND WATER
- LAKE SWIM ROUTES
- EVENT DETAILS
- SAFETY
- EVENT RULES
- CONTACT DETAILS
Welcome to Gaelforce Great LAKE Swim
Below is everything you need to know to enjoy your race day, from arrival times to the finish line celebrations. Whether this is your first Gaelforce event or one of many, we are delighted to have you with us.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: ALL DISTANCES
LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE
Location: Portumna Swimming Area, Shannon Road, Fairyhill, Co. Galway Google Maps
PARKING
Main parking (P1) is here: Google Maps Once it's full, the marshals will direct you here (P2): Google Maps Please bring €5 cash with you. This fee will go to local community groups. Please make sure you have cash as they have no card facilities. There is no parking at the start/finish line. Please do not drive to the start line as you will be turned away.
INFORMATION DESK
The information desk is open from 9:45am on race day ONLY FOR:
- International competitors
- Race packs NOT received in the post
- On-the-day entries: entry fee €100 for 3.9km and 2km distances | €95 for 750m distance, card (QR code)
- Those who emailed in and were asked to come in
- Anyone who wants to change their distance or wave (please, make sure to email in beforehand)
- Collect or hire a tow float
- Key drop
International competitors, or anyone whose race pack has not arrived, can collect their pack from the information desk 40 minutes before their start briefing time on event day.
REGISTRATION
- By post
- Race pack will arrive by 9 July 2026
- Race number available on your dashboard and sent by email to you 1 week before the race
- Race number texted to your phone the day before the race
- If you are an international competitor or your race pack did not arrive, go to the information desk 40 minutes before your briefing time on event day
TOW FLOAT HIRE
Tow floats are mandatory for this event. You may bring your own or hire one from us on the day.
- On-the-day hire €15
A €20 cash only deposit is required at collection and will be refunded on return.
GETTING READY AND BAG & KEY DROP
There are limited changing facilities at the finish line. You can change in the tent or arrive already changed and drop your bag. Please make sure it is compact and closed securely. All items are left at your own risk. We are not responsible for lost items. Valuables can be left in your own envelope, clearly labelled with your name, race number, and mobile number, and handed to the information desk.
TOILETS AND WATER
There are toilets and water at the start/finish line area.
LAKE SWIM ROUTES
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: ALL DISTANCES
- LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE
- PARKING
- INFORMATION DESK
- REGISTRATION
- TOW FLOAT HIRE
- GETTING READY AND BAG & KEY DROP
- TOILETS AND WATER
EVENT DETAILS
RACE NUMBERS & EVENT INFO POINT Race Packs
- Race packs are sent by post to the address provided when entering online
- Your race pack includes your swimming cap, which contains your timing chip & race number. Please wear it on the outside of anything else you may be wearing on your head and ensure it is clearly visible at all times during the event.
- International competitors, or anyone whose race pack has not arrived, can collect their pack from the information desk 40 minutes before their start briefing time on event day
You must be registered to take part. Please know your race number, wave and start time when you arrive onsite.
EVENT KIT Mandatory:
- Tow float – you will not be allowed to take part without a tow float.
- Gaelforce Great Lake Swim hat – this contains your timing chip & race number.
Recommended:
- Wetsuit – optional but due to water temperature we highly recommend you wear one. Wetsuit/non-wetsuit classification
- Goggles
- Finish line bag with towel & warm clothes for changing into after the race
Not allowed
- Fins or flippers of any kind
- Headphones or earphones
RACE LOCATION FACILITIES
- There are male and female changing tents at the start/finish line. You may leave your bag there ready to collect when you finish.
- There is a key drop area at the information desk. Please bring your own envelope, clearly labelled with your name and mobile number.
- Changing tents and key drop close at 3:45pm sharp.
All items are left at your own risk. We are not responsible for lost items.
- Toilets are located at the start/finish line
SPECTATORS
- Spectators are very welcome at the start and finish lines but please note there is no parking at these areas
- For their own safety, spectators may not pass the start line gantry nor the finish line barriers
- Post race refreshments are for competitors only
FINISH LINE After crossing the line, collect your finisher goodies, refreshments and merch at the information desk and food tent. There will be live music on site, along with donation buckets in aid of our charity partner Jigsaw. 100% of donations go directly to supporting their work. GAELFORCE GREAT LAKE FESTIVAL This year's Gaelforce Great Lake Swim Festival brings together open water swimming, water wellness, family fun and local entertainment for a vibrant weekend in Portumna. Alongside the main lake swim events, visitors can enjoy Tai Chi, yoga, sauna and dip sessions, boat trips, stand up paddle boarding, pedalos, kayaking, family fun activities at the swim area, live music at the finish line from The Amazing Apples, market stalls and live music across the town.
PRIZES Prize giving is at the finish line. You must cross the finish line first to win, regardless of wave or time. Prize giving times:
- 3.9km: 1:00pm
- 750m: 2:00pm
- 2km: 3:30pm
RESULTS & EVENT PHOTOS Event results will be available on our website the day after the event. Photos of the event will be posted on our Facebook page on Tuesday after the event.
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: ALL DISTANCES
- LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE
- PARKING
- INFORMATION DESK
- REGISTRATION
- TOW FLOAT HIRE
- GETTING READY AND BAG & KEY DROP
- TOILETS AND WATER
- LAKE SWIM ROUTES
- EVENT DETAILS
- GAELFORCE GREAT SWIM TRILOGY
SAFETY
A dedicated safety team will be on the water at all times during the event, with a medical team based at the finish line. Although it’s July and water temperatures should hopefully be up to 16 degrees Celsius, hypothermia is still a risk, especially for anyone swimming in skins. It is essential that swimmers monitor how they feel in the water. If in doubt, act quickly and alert our safety staff on the water who will ensure you get the treatment you need. HOW TO ALERT THE SAFETY TEAM: If you need the safety team, stop swimming, hold on to your tow float and put your hand in the air. If at any time our safety team does not feel that you are capable of meeting the cut off time, or they are concerned for your safety, you will be removed from the water. These decisions are always made with your safety in mind. The Water Safety Director’s decision is final. If you have a medical condition that we need to be aware of, please email us in advance at info@gaelforceevents.com. You are responsible for your own safety. We advise that competitors organise their own personal insurance.
EVENT RULES
For reasons of fairness, safety, and responsibility, all competitors are expected to abide by our Event Rules. We ask all competitors to:
- This is an unsupported race. You may not receive food, drink or equipment from spectators or helpers during the event, unless permission has been granted by the Race Director for medical reasons.
- Follow all event rules, instructions & signage.
- A tow float must be worn at all times. You will not be permitted to race without one
- No headphones or audio devices are permitted
- Respect the environment and local inhabitants. We are very fortunate to have access to these stunning routes
- Do not litter anywhere on the route. Any littering will result in immediate disqualification, with no exceptions
- Respect and support your fellow competitors. You are all in this together
- Listen to and follow the directions of event marshals. They are there for your safety
- On entering, competitors agree to a declaration to waive liability, confirm acceptance of the rules & agree to the release of personal images to the media and for event promotion purposes.
- International competitors must have the appropriate travel documents, visas & comprehensive medical insurance in place for this event.
- The Race Director’s decisions are final.
Rules may be modified to deal with unforeseen circumstances, at the discretion of the race organiser.
HAVE A GREAT RACE!
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: ALL DISTANCES
- LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE
- PARKING
- INFORMATION DESK
- REGISTRATION
- TOW FLOAT HIRE
- GETTING READY AND BAG & KEY DROP
- TOILETS AND WATER
- LAKE SWIM ROUTES
- EVENT DETAILS
- SAFETY
- EVENT RULES
- GAELFORCE GREAT SWIM TRILOGY
CONTACT DETAILS
GAELFORCE EVENTS Leenane, Co. Galway, Ireland, H91 PY61.
info@gaelforceevents.com www.gaelforceevents.com
JIGSAW
We are proud to work with Jigsaw as our exclusive Charity Partner. Jigsaw provides free, confidential mental health supports for young people aged 12 to 25 in communities around Ireland. Support them at your next Gaelforce event.
Set up your Jigsaw EveryDay Hero Fundraising Page
GAELFORCE GREAT SWIM TRILOGY
Dive in! Experience the best of Ireland’s iconic waterways. Swim all three to complete your Gaelforce Great Swim Trilogy journey. Great Lake Swim | Dive in at Lough Derg | 11 July 2026 Great Fjord Swim | Dive in at Killary Fjord | 12 September 2026
Be part of Gaelforce Great Swim Trilogy 2027, enter now! Great River Swim | Dive in at Lanesborough | 15 May 2027 www.gaelforceevents.com
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: ALL DISTANCES
- LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE
- PARKING
- INFORMATION DESK
- REGISTRATION
- TOW FLOAT HIRE
- GETTING READY AND BAG & KEY DROP
- TOILETS AND WATER