The Rowing Ireland Recreational Committee organised its final one-day tour for the 2021 season on Saturday 25th September. This time, it was a return to the east coast, with a round trip tour of the Liffey from Islandbridge to Dublin Port.


The rowers launched from Dublin City Council’s Municipal Rowing Centre for the 12km round trip to the East Link, Thomas Clarke Bridge in Ringsend. St Patricks Rowing Club facilitated the tour by providing the use of their slip for switching coxes and comfort break at the halfway point. The wonderful recreational amenity of the famous Anna Livia was on show during the gloriously sunny September Saturday afternoon as the tour met up with some other river users enroute, members of the Dublin Currach Collective and a group of kayakers under instruction at the famous Ha’penny Bridge.


The group enjoyed the sights, the changing surroundings from the sylvan environs of Islandbridge, to the magnificent quay walls by St James’ Gate brewery, the bustle of the city centre with the shouts and jibes from the Dublin characters along the Millennium Boardwalk to the Google Docks of North Wall Quay and Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, and the to the working port. The tour passed under a total of 20 bridges – three pedestrian, three rail and fourteen for vehicular traffic.


The transporting of the five tour boats over the weir at Islandbridge was a first-time experience for many, and unique experience for the visitors to the capital. Thanks to the volunteers from Phoenix who assisted in the logistics on the weir.


The 25 rowers from Phoenix RC, Neptune RC, St Michaels RC Limerick, Killorglin, Bray and Carlow on this tour were supported by volunteers from the Irish Underwater Search and Rescue Council.
Thanks to the Rowing Ireland Recreational Committee for such a successful tour season in what was a most difficult year for all, the recreational rowing community is thriving and looking forward to 2022. Particular thanks are extended to Una Hogan for extensive efforts to ensure this was a safe and enjoyable event.