Co Mayo Archives - Mayo Dragon Boat

Try Dragon Boating on Lough Lannagh – Something Different! A new way to get fit and have fun

Feb,2025

Press Release 3/2/2025

Looking for something different? Want a change from your usual workout routine and try an exciting outdoor activity? Castlebar’s Gráine Mhaol Dragon Boat Club is inviting the public to experience a free “Come and Try” session on Lough Lannagh this February.

Dragon Boating, originating from ancient China, is a team sport where a 22-person narrow boat—comprising 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a helm—work together in perfect rhythm. It’s an invigorating workout that builds strength, endurance and coordination, especially in the upper body, while allowing you to train outdoors in nature.

Picture yourself paddling in sync with a team, enjoying the fresh air and gliding across the stunning waters of Lough Lannagh—it’s fitness, camaraderie and fun all in one, offering a unique alternative to traditional exercise.

The Gráine Mhaol Dragon Boat Club was established in 2015 as a cancer survivors’ club, but over time, it expanded to welcome friends and family of survivors, creating a supportive and inclusive community. In February the club is launching a recruitment drive for 2025.

The club offers two types of paddling sessions, Regatta & Fitness Sessions – for those looking for a competitive and more intensive training experience. And Social Paddling Sessions – a less strenuous but still engaging way to stay active and have fun.

The club paddles on Saturday morning and Tuesday evenings from February to November. Throughout the season, members also enjoy social outings, nights out, coffee mornings and home and abroad regattas.

The Gráine Mhaol Dragon Boat Club is open to both men and women, aged 18 and over and beginners are welcome. Paddlers are provided with buoyancy aids so just bring yourself and a sense of adventure!

Come and Try Sessions: Saturday, February 15th & 22nd

To book your place, call Louise at (087) 225 0704 (spaces limited)

www.mayodragonboat.com

Press Release for Connacht Telegraph and Mayo News 3rd February 2025

Dragons in the Valley – Loop Walk Achill

Jun,2023

Valley Loop Walk Achill Sunday 9th July 2023

The Social Committee (Helen/Maura/Teresa) would like to invite club members on the afternoon of Sunday 9th July to a delightful event filled with Sea, Sand, Faeries and Folklore on the beautiful beaches and headlands of the Golden Strand Beach, Dugort, Achill Island.

If you would like to partake of a swim before the walk , please arrive At 3pm to Masterson’s Bar Car park. We will then proceed at 4pm with an enchanting one hour walk across the beautiful beaches and head for the infamous Valley House where refreshments are available. There while resting/dining you will listen to the history of the house and the area especially the tales of “The Playboy and The Yellow Lady”, a tale of intrigue, arson and murderous intent.

You can also visit the magical woodland Faerie Trail with Irish folk tales, faerie villages, faerie rings, leprechauns and much more (cost €3pp).

We will then proceed on the loop walk back to the parking area of Masterson’s Bar. The Valley Loop Walk is 8.5km and classed as easy. Please say “yes” if you would like to join us on this wonderful magical experience.

Upcoming Club Events

Apr,2023

APRIL 15th : Julie Doyle from IDBA will run a Helm Training day for the club in Lough Lannagh. 4 members will attend and 2 previously trained helms are due to be signed off.

This course was made possible by Mayo Sports Partnership, who we are very grateful to for their sponsorship of the training.

APRIL 30TH : Gráine Mhaol Dragon Boat Club take part in the first IDBA regatta of the year, which will be held in Athy. A super fun filled day out with loads of craic.

Mayo Dragons will take part in the first IDBA regatta of 2023 in Athy, Co Kildare. A very popular regatta on the Mayo Dragons annual schedule. This year 17 members are expected to attend.

JUNE (date to be decided) : Annual social hill walk on the Grainuaile Loop Walk , Achill followed by lunch at Alices in The Sound. Great day expected.

SEPT 11TH : Gráine Mhaol Dragon Boat Club will take part in the last IDBA regatta of the year. This year the club are making a weekend of it and staying in the locality of Lough Rinn.

See EVENTS page for full yearly schedule here