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heritage · Friday 31 July 2026 · See website for times 
Skiffie Fest 2026
At Delamont Country Park · Delamont Park Road, Killyleagh, Co. Down BT30 9RD
At Delamont Country Park · Delamont Park Road, Killyleagh, Co. Down BT30 9RD
Every summer, Delamont Country Park on the shore of Strangford Lough becomes the base for one of the most distinctive sporting spectacles in Northern Ireland. Skiffie Fest draws rowing clubs from across Ireland, Britain and the Netherlands to compete in the St Ayles Skiff Regatta - a format that has grown rapidly in popularity since Strangford Lough hosted the Skiffie Worlds back in 2016. More than 1,100 rowers took part in 2024, and the 2026 edition runs across three days from 31 July to 2 August. Entry is free, the location is spectacular, and you do not need to know anything about rowing to enjoy a day out here.
The St Ayles Skiff is a traditional four-oared open rowing boat, originally designed in Scotland and now used by coastal rowing clubs all over the world. At Skiffie Fest, crews race on the Lough over two days, with the Race Village on land providing a full programme alongside the water action. Children can try hands-on activities including making their own model boats and learning traditional rope-making techniques - crafts that connect directly to this coastline’s long working relationship with the sea. Food and drink vendors are on site throughout, and the atmosphere in the park during race days sits somewhere between a village sports day and a proper competitive regatta. The Down Coastal Rowing Association organises the whole event in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Killyleagh sits on the western shore of Strangford Lough, roughly 8 km north of Downpatrick on the A22. From Belfast, allow around 45 minutes via the A7 and A22 through Saintfield. From Downpatrick, it is a short drive north along the lough shore. Delamont Country Park has its own car park off Delamont Park Road - follow signs for the park from the Killyleagh village centre. There is no direct train service to Killyleagh; the nearest rail connection is Downpatrick on the heritage railway (not a commuter line), so most visitors come by car. If you are travelling from further afield, Downpatrick is also served by Translink bus routes from Belfast, and Killyleagh is a short taxi or drive away from there.
Killyleagh itself is worth a wander - the castle that rises above the village centre is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Ireland, and the village has a compact, unhurried feel that makes it easy to pair a morning at the Skiffie Fest with lunch in the village. There is more to see in Killyleagh and across Co. Down.
Heading to Delamont Country Park in Killyleagh? Down has plenty more to see. Read the Killyleagh area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.