Strangford Skiffie Worlds Success

Strangford Skiffie Worlds Success 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council played host to the Skiffie Worlds in Strangford Lough this week – an international rowing event which has attracted thousands of enthusiasts to the region.

Strangford was chosen by the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association as the host venue for this world-class rowing event for the first time with the racing activity based at Delamont Park, Killeagh.

Dundrum Rowing Club won out against 50 ‘Skiffs’ and 1000 international participants from the Netherlands, Tasmania, USA, Scotland, Wales and Ireland to take the title of Skiffie World Champion 2016.

The Skiffs are traditionally styled colourful rowing boats, each one carefully crafted by the community of rowers and many have carved features representing their region, such as Donaghadee’s Light house and Dundrum's Seal. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council worked closely with organisers and local rowing clubs to develop an appealing programme around the Skiffie Worlds to mark the area as a premier tourism destination on the island of Ireland. Events across the week included children’s ‘Skiffie inspired’ art workshops, street theatre, craft exhibitions, an Artisan Food Fayre, live music and entertainment. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “This is very significant event and the Council are very proud to work with the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association and our neighbouring Council in Ards and North Down as well as Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership to bring this to fruition. It is fantastic to see so many visitors coming to explore and enjoy our region this week and the feedback has been very positive.”