Dublin City Liffey Odyssey Takes Place on the River Liffey

The Dublin City Liffey Odyssey 2026 takes place today, Sunday 19th April, bringing paddlers onto the River Liffey for a unique recreational journey through the heart of Dublin city.

The Liffey Odyssey is a recreational paddling event on the River Liffey, starting at 2pm on the outskirts of Dublin city and continuing through the historic core of the capital before finishing at the mouth of Dublin Bay. Today’s event features an 8‑kilometre paddle, beginning at the Dublin Municipal Rowing Club at Islandbridge and finishing at Dublin City Council’s Docklands Sports & Wellbeing Centre (HQ20).

The event is hosted by Lucan Kayak Club and supported by Dublin City Council, Canoeing Ireland, Dublin Port Company, Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership and Active Cities.

The Dublin City Liffey Odyssey is run as a participative event rather than a race, with a strong emphasis on active participation, enjoyment and personal achievement. Participants paddle together in a managed flotilla, supported by Kayak Rescue and powercraft to ensuring a safe, well‑organised and sociable experience on the water. The event is aimed primarily at club paddlers and those with some paddling experience. All participants are required to demonstrate that they have the appropriate ability, access to suitable craft and the necessary safety equipment.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, welcomed the event taking place today and said: ‘The Dublin City Liffey Odyssey is a terrific example of how our capital can celebrate its natural heritage while inviting people to be active, embrace wellbeing and deepen their connection with the heart of our city. The River Liffey has shaped Dublin for centuries. It has carried our history, defined our landscape, and connected communities across the city. Today’s event gives people a chance to experience that great river in a way that is memorable, meaningful, and full of life.
 

After the disappointment of last year’s cancellation because of adverse weather, it is especially welcome to see the Liffey Odyssey return today. This event has already captured the imagination of Dubliners in previous years, and its popularity shows the strong appetite that exists for initiatives that bring people together, celebrate our city and encourage people to experience Dublin in new and exciting ways.’

This year all of of the registration fees will be donated to Barnardos Ireland Children’s charity. The aim of this charity is to change the lives of children affected by poverty, neglect, homelessness, and loss.

Funding for the Dublin City Liffey Odyssey is provided by Dublin City Council’s Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership through its Active Cities initiative and Dublin Port Company. Active Cities aims to create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport and physical activity and is funded by Sport Ireland through the Dormant Accounts Fund.

ENDS