Camlough gears up for A Giant of a Weekend

With a £3M investment Camlough Lake and and following a year of closure,Camlough Lake is all ready to make a big splash again with the launch of A Giant of a Weekend from 3- 4 June, supported by Newry Mourne and Down District Council.

Kick starting with the return of the Crooked Lake Triathalon on Saturday 3 June at 2pm, the sporting event is hoped to be the biggest yet with over 400 local and international competitors registered.

 Lake side activities on Saturday include ‘Giant’ Arts & Crafts, face painting and other family activities based on Cowan’s Yard, while entertainment, BBQ and Spit Roast Pig take place in The Yellow Heifer, Doyles and Trainors that evening.

Sunday is a Giant Family fun day from 11-4pm with Lake Side Swims for adults and juniors, free water based activities, giant Climbing Wall, Puzzle zone and archery with BBQ, Trad sessions, music and entertainment in Camlough village that night.

The weekend is the combined effort of Camlough Lake Water Festival and Feile Chamlocha and hopes to see visitors flock to the area to join in the fun. 

Congratulating the organisers, Chair of Newry Mourne and Down District Council Gillian Fitzpatrick said she was thrilled to see the Lake reopened following essential repairs to the Dam. “Camlough Lake is one of our region’s fantastic resources and is a great hub for sport and community – attracting thousands of international swimmers annually. Newry Mourne and Down District Council are very proud to support this event to officially reopen the Lake.”

One of the organisers Catherine Murphy said: “The improvements to the lake have been finished so well and with great care for the beauty of the area.  The new raised viewing areas and the walkway around the lake will significantly enhance spectator and competitor experience. The lake has always been a real focal point for the local community so this ‘Giant’ family focused weekend is very apt way to celebrate its reopening.

“We’re very grateful to Newry Mourne, Down District Council, to our sponsors First Derivatives, Synge and Byrne and Cathedral Eye Clinic and all the local business and the local community for their continued support,” Catherine added.

For more information on events, to register for the Triathalon or Sunday Swim session, see Camlough Lake on Facebook and Visit the Mournes and www.clwf.eu