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sport · Saturday 12 September 2026 · Event time to be confirmed 
The Great Fjord Swim 2026
At Killary Fjord · Killary Fjord, Leenane, Connemara, Co. Galway
At Killary Fjord · Killary Fjord, Leenane, Connemara, Co. Galway
The Great Fjord Swim is Ireland’s original open water swimming event in a truly extraordinary setting - Killary Fjord, the country’s only true fjord, cutting deep into the mountains on the Galway-Mayo border near Leenane. Organised by Gaelforce Events, who have been running endurance events in the west of Ireland for years, this one draws swimmers of all levels: first-timers who want a tick on the bucket list, regular sea swimmers looking for a structured challenge, and seasoned iron-distance athletes chasing something with more drama than a pool or a bay. Three distances mean there is a realistic entry point for almost any swimmer with open water experience.
Swimmers are ferried out into the fjord by boat before the swim back to shore begins - a detail that makes the event feel different from a standard mass-start race. For the 750m distance, the famous mussel boat carries you to the Mayo side of the fjord, where you jump from the deck and swim back across to Galway. The 2km option uses the Connemara Lady, bringing you further out into the fjord proper. The 3.9km distance is full Ironman distance and is aimed at confident, experienced open water swimmers.
Water temperatures in Killary in September average around 14-16°C - cold but swimmable. All swimmers must wear a tow-float (available to rent on registration or on the day), and GPS trackers are issued to every participant for safety. A team of kayakers, safety boats, and a medical crew cover the course throughout. Wetsuits are mandatory for the 750m and optional for the longer distances. The scenery is genuinely striking: Mweelrea, the highest peak in Connacht, rises to the north, and the Twelve Bens and Maumturk Mountains frame the south. This is also the final event in the Gaelforce Great Swim Trilogy - if you swim the River Shannon and Lough Derg earlier in the year, completing Killary earns an exclusive finisher’s gift.
Killary Fjord is about 60km west of Galway city, reached via the N59 through Clifden or the R336 through Maam Cross and into Leenane. The drive through Connemara takes roughly 75-90 minutes and is scenic enough to justify the journey on its own. There is no direct public transport to Leenane; most participants drive or arrange lifts. Event parking is available at the site - arrive with time to spare for registration and kit checks, especially on race morning when the roads around Leenane can be busy.
Leenane itself is a small village worth a few hours before or after the event - the Sheep and Wool Museum is a quick stop, and the drive around Killary through Delphi is one of the better mountain roads in the country. Galway city, an hour and a half east, has everything you need for the night before or after. There is more to see in Galway and across Co. Galway.
Heading to Killary Fjord in Galway? Galway has plenty more to see. Read the Galway area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.