Salthill Community to host two-day gathering of traditional currachs and rowers at Ladies Beach in Galway.

The Galway Hooker Sailing Club, in partnership with The Salthill Village, Blackrock Cottage, the Gráinne Mhaol Rowing Club, and Galway City Council is excited to announce the revival of An Tóstal, meaning The Gathering, a celebration of Galway’s maritime life and seafaring customs. The traditional racing currachs and rowers will gather once again at Ladies Beach in Salthill for the first time in 10 years. The foundation for this gathering was laid out in the early 1950s, and Tóstal na Gaillimhe of 1953 marked the beginning of the All-Ireland Currach Racing Championships. Dignitaries and thousands of spectators gathered to witness the rowers compete for championship titles and glory.

For 2023, the two-day gathering will take place on May 6th and 7th and will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the original Tóstal na Gaillimhe. The event will feature male, female, and junior traditional currach racing rowers alongside sliding seat rowers. The currachaí will be provided by Cóiste Lár na gCurrachaí for the duration of the festival and we are delighted to have the support of the previous festival director of 2011-2013, who is working closely with us to ensure the success of An Tóstal 2023.

In addition to the thrilling races taking place on the water, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities and entertainment on shore throughout the weekend. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food and drink options from local vendors, and kids can take part in crafts, sandcastle building competitions and other fun activities. Live music performances by local artists will also be featured, adding to the festive atmosphere. With something for everyone, An Tóstal is a free event that promises to be a fun-filled weekend for the whole family.

The revival of An Tóstal promises to be an exciting event, one that will bring the tradition and customs of Galway life alive.