Skerries Three Island Challenge currach festival returns this month

One of Fingal’s most popular summer events is set to return on June 20, between 2:30 and 5pm as currach crews, families and visitors gather once again for the 3 Island Challenge Race in Skerries.

Hosted by Currachaí na Sceirí, the festival has become a standout event on the summer calendar, bringing together traditional currach racing, music, food, culture and community spirit over a weekend by the sea.

Races: The main Island race on Saturday is followed by sprints in the harbour on the Sunday afternoon.

At the heart of the festival is the famous Three Island Challenge, a tough and exciting race around Shenick, Colt and St Patrick’s Islands that has earned a reputation as one of the biggest and most unique currach races in Ireland, now in its 8th year.

Crews from across Ireland and overseas are expected to travel to Skerries for the 2026 event, with competitors from Donegal, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin and beyond expected to compete.

The O’Donnell brothers from Cumann na gCurach Gaoth Domhair, Ronan, Michael and Simon are going for 4 in a row but face stiff opposition from nation-wide challengers.

The race itself is known for its mix of skill, stamina and unpredictability, as rowers take on open water, changing tides and the challenge of landing on Shenick Island before racing back to shore.

But organisers say the festival is about much more than competition.

“The Three Island Challenge has become a fantastic celebration of Skerries and our connection to the sea,” said Shane Holland, founder of Currachaí na Sceirí.

“There’s always a brilliant atmosphere on the beach. You have serious racing out on the water, but you also have families, music, local food, and people coming together to enjoy the weekend. That’s what makes it special.”

As well as the main race, the 2026 festival will include shorter currach races, youth events, music sessions and free family-friendly spectacle throughout the weekend.

The event has grown steadily since it first launched and is now recognised as one of the highlights of the Irish currach racing calendar, and the largest collection of currachs at any event in Ireland, helping to showcase both the sport itself and Skerries’ strong maritime heritage.

Some 18 currachs of all different classes, from racers to workboats, are expected.