Try Dragon Boating on Lough Lannagh – Something Different! A new way to get fit and have fun
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
Athy, First Regatta of the Year
Our Ukrainian friends help with preparations for Athy, pictured with the ornate Dragon’s Head for the bow of the boat.
The first event of the year, the Athy Dragon Boat Regatta took place on Sun, 5th May 2024. The Athy Regatta is held on the River Barrow, Emily Square, Athy, Co Kildare. The Gráine Mhaol club attend this regatta every year.
The weather in Athy was fabulous and the day was very enjoyable. The Club had a great performance this year and continue to improve each year.
A large selection of photos were taken of preparing for the regatta and in Athy. Photos were taken by paddlers and our member, Adrienn Hártó. The photos are now available for viewing on our website PHOTO GALLERY.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS HERE
CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS
Videos- Advanced Paddling Course
Below are the training videos taken on the day of the Advanced Paddling course by Julie and her husband Mick.
The Club looks forward to Advanced Paddling Workshop
With the support of Mayo Sports Partnership, the Club has extended an invitation to Julie Doyle, Vice President of the Irish Dragon Boat Federation, to conduct an Advanced Dragon Boat Paddler Workshop. The course has received an overwhelming response, reaching full capacity quickly and necessitating the creation of a waiting list due to high demand.
31 Gráine Mhaol Dragons will take part this Saturday (April 13th) this has been made possible by Mayo Sports Partnership.
Members will participate in an extensive course. It will commence at 9.00am and run until 4.30pm on Saturday. To maximise numbers, paddlers will be rotated in and out on the day.
There will be classroom/land sessions and water based sessions. Julie will cover paddling techniques, timing accuracy, land drills and paddling drills. Other areas will include:
- What makes a boat go faster?
- Pushing yourself to the limit / Pain Tolerance
- Mind over matter
- Dragon boat start sequence
Julie will video groups of paddlers on the boat and review each individual’s paddling technique. She will also run a run a Helm Test on the day.
Soup and sandwiches for lunch will be provided at no charge to members.