River Moy Swim 2026 — Ballina Mayo

The River Moy Swim, scheduled for July 18, 2026, is a river-based event hosted in Ballina, County Mayo. Organized under the Swim Ireland banner, the race typically offers distances ranging from 500m to 1500m, catering to both competitive swimmers and those seeking to build experience in a fluvial environment. Registration fees are set between 15 and 50 EUR, reflecting the logistical requirements of managing safe access points along the river. Wetsuits are permitted, though they must be declared upon entry, with distinct prize categories maintained for both wetsuit and non-wetsuit (skins) participants. All entrants receive an official swim hat, which must be worn for the duration of the event.

The river environment

Ballina takes its name from the Irish 'Béal an Átha', or 'mouth of the ford', signifying the town's historical importance as a transit point. As you navigate the current, the landscape is framed by the dramatic elevations of the Nephin Mountains to the west and the Ox Mountains to the east. The river is a corridor for Atlantic salmon, and it is not uncommon for swimmers to share the path with these migratory fish during the summer months. Passing through the local stretches, you will observe the ancient Rathnaconeen ringfort, a landmark situated on the hill overlooking the water that has watched over this crossing for centuries. The area’s character is further shaped by the heritage of sites like Belleek Castle, a manor famously curated by the adventurer and sailor Marshall Doran during the mid-20th century. For those managing their season, the Coleman Electronics Swim in June offers a coastal alternative just prior to this river challenge. The water conditions in the Moy are characteristic of a major salmon-fishing river, requiring swimmers to remain aware of the natural flow that defines this historic ford.