Join us at The Driftwood for the launch night of the 16th Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival as we officially open this year's celebrations. Meet the visiting choirs and performers, enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, and welcome the distinguished guests and dignitaries who will formally launch the Festival.

It promises to be a fantastic evening of music, community, and maritime spirit to begin the weekend's festivities.

This race is truly unique and has something for everyone. It puts a team of a runner and a rower together in an epic race. Firstly, runners will start opposite what was Hackett's bar on the promenade where they will sprint to the pier to the awaiting boats. There, the rower comes into their own as they row their runner to Oyster Island where the runner will then run around the lighthouse and back. Once onshore again at the pier in Rosses Point, the runner runs right up the pier where at the top they turn left for Beach Road then left on the Beach Road and down onto The Scenic Walk before coming through the finish line back at the pier once more.

The 'GAYP Cup' is in honour of the McGowan family.

Prepare for the Pirate Parade by creating your own costumes and props at our Creative Pirate Workshop. There'll also be a scenic photo setting where you can capture the perfect pirate picture in costume.

The RNLI Lifeboat Station will be open for all to visit, offering a chance to explore the station and learn about the lifesaving work of the crew.

The Irish Community Archives Network (iCAN), a national initiative from the National Museum of Ireland, The Heritage Council, and County Councils, helps communities share local history online. Rosses Point has recently joined — come explore and help preserve the area's rich heritage.

A workshop on the original shanty singers, the way they sang them and what today's shantymen need to do to improve their voices. Led by renowned maritime song and shanty singer John Horsey.

Join local historian Eddie O'Gorman for a fascinating discussion on the tragic events of the Spanish Armada at Streedagh Beach in County Sligo. Widely regarded as the site of one of the greatest disasters in Armada history, Streedagh witnessed the wrecking of three Spanish galleons — La Lavia, La Juliana, and Santa María de Visón — during violent storms in September 1588. The tragedy claimed the lives of approximately 1,100 Spanish sailors and soldiers along the Sligo coastline.

Through stories, history, and local insight, Eddie will explore the legacy of this dramatic chapter in Ireland's maritime past.

A personal tour of Rosses Point, led by John Ryan, focusing on maritime history, shipwrecks, sailors, and local stories.

Hosted by our RNLI Water Safety team, the stand will offer practical sea safety advice, lifesaving information, and interactive activities for both children and adults. Visitors can explore the vital work of the RNLI and learn how to enjoy the coast safely and responsibly.

A special Sailors' Mass will take place in the local Catholic Church as part of the 16th Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival celebrations. This meaningful service will honour seafarers past and present, offering a moment of reflection, music, and community during the Festival weekend.

The RNLI Lifeboat Station will be open for all to visit, offering a chance to explore the station and learn about the lifesaving work of the crew.

The Around Oyster Island Race is a popular local sailing event celebrating the tradition of sailing on Sligo Bay. Taking competitors around the famous Oyster Island mark, the race combines skill, scenery, and friendly rivalry on the waters of Rosses Point and Sligo Harbour.

A simple but poignant ceremony at the Waiting on Shore statue commemorating all those from the area who have lost their lives at sea. Local clergy then come together at the Pier to give a blessing of the boats.

Gather at the Lifeboat Station for a lively parade through the village and on to the Marquee, where entertainment awaits from the Time Travel Theatre group. Everyone is warmly encouraged to dress up and join in the fun.

An entertaining motor boat race, the Maugherow Cup is hotly contested each year. The rules are simple — any boat under 10 horsepower can take part. Boats are handicapped in accordance with their engine size and speed. The course is from the pier, round January Perch and then the Metal Man twice. There is a sub-category for boats that are four horsepower and under.

Bring the whole family along to the Shanty Marquee after the Pirate Parade for a fantastic performance by Time Travel Theatre. Full of fun, adventure, and entertainment for all ages, it's the perfect way to keep the celebrations going after the parade. Don't miss this lively show as part of the 16th Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival weekend festivities!

A personal tour of Rosses Point, led by John Ryan, focusing on maritime history, shipwrecks, sailors, and local stories.

This race sees two rowers working in tandem from the pier to January Perch and back again as they use teamwork and skill to navigate the channel.

This is one for the kids but also something which the adults will enjoy. Buy a duck and see it race down the channel and all for a good cause — the RNLI. Ducks will set off on their journey from the Lifeboat Station at the Rosses Point Pier and finish outside of Harry's.

Join us for the closing night of the 16th Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival as we bring another fantastic weekend to a close. The evening will feature the prize presentation, plenty of craic, and, as always, a few spontaneous shanties breaking out among friends old and new.

It's the perfect way to celebrate the music, memories, and community spirit that make the Festival so special.