Newry Festival of Water '16 Launched

Newry Festival of Water was launched yesterday at the Albert Basin by Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Mickey Ruane.

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The Festival takes place in Newry on Sunday 28 August 2016 and this years festival sees the return of the Raft race.  

Festival of Water 2016 will feature more events than ever before including a number of sporting events such as the only Half-Ironman competition in Northern Ireland, the DUNE Half-Ironman sponsored by O’Briens Sandwich Company, the Firmus Energy Newry City Triathlon which has been described by many as the fastest triathlon route in Ireland due to its completely flat route, The Festival will also see the Newry City Iron Kids cycling and running race for a range of age groups, this event is the perfect taster for budding triathletes.

The Newry Boat and Raft race will provide an opportunity for local businesses and community groups to construct a Boat or Raft to race down a 200 metre route on the Albert Basin to help to raise money money for local charities. This event is sponsored by the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland.

The Newry Festival of Water is a perfect opportunity for a family day out where they can enjoy the many water based activities on offer such as kayaking, Currach Boat races, Indian Canoeing and a range of other activities including the East Coast Adventure Climbing Wall and Banana Boat rides.

Visitors can also experience the Chip and Dip Floating Restaurant which will be situated in the middle of the Albert Basin and is sponsored by Pat’s Chip Shop, Abbey Yard, Newry. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane said, “The Newry Festival of Water is a fantastic event and has been a great success in recent years and with a number of exciting new activities being added to the schedule, this year’s event promises to be the best yet. I would like to thank the organisers of the Festival for all of their hard work and encourage the citizens of the District to come along to enjoy this fantastic family day out.”