Irish Dragon Boat Association
New Kids on the Block!!![]()
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We wish to extend a warm welcome to Blackwater Dragons, our newest member to join the Irish Dragon Boat Association. The Blackwater Dragons officially launched their new boat in early July 2026 at Villierstown Quay on the River Blackwater in County Waterford. The all-inclusive club for adults over 18 was established with support and equipment funding from local groups like the Waterford Sports Partnership and assistance from the Waterford Dragon Boat Club. ![]()
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We wish the new club the best of luck and look forward to meeting them on the racing circuit next year.
River Barrow Paddle Adventure!![]()
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A fantastic day of club bonding on the River Barrow for the Kilkenny Dragons, Dublin Vikings and Carlow Dragons.![]()
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Kilkenny and Dublin crews set off from Athy, paddling downstream to Carlow Town for a well‑earned bite of lunch before continuing towards Bagenalstown. At the same time, the Carlow Dragons powered upstream to meet them just before Levitstown Lock — the perfect rendezvous.![]()
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From there, all three crews paddled back to Carlow sharing river miles that strengthen friendships across clubs. Days like this remind us why we paddle: community, connection and the joy of moving together on the water.![]()
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Thank you to Ken Boland for organising.![]()
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#IDBA #clubbonding #kilkennydragons #dublinvikings #carlowdragons #riverbarrow #StrongerTogether #WaterwaysIreland
We are building not one, but TWO Liquorice Allsorts teams for the Lough Rinn DBR on Saturday, 12th September 2026. One team will compete in the Open category and we are trying our best for the second one to compete in the BCP category. We have 29 athletes signed up so far! Why not come aboard?![]()
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If you want a seat, please email info@dragonboat.ie with:![]()
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Your name![]()
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The side you paddle![]()
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Your weight![]()
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Whether you are a BCP athlete![]()
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The entry fee is €25 per person.
Ireland to Send Strong Contingent to the 2026 IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival.![]()
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Between 24th and 29th August 2026, the International Breast Cancer Paddler’s Commission (IBCPC) will host its four‑yearly Participatory Dragon Boat Festival in Aix‑les‑Bains, France. This global gathering is a non‑competitive, celebratory event dedicated to breast cancer paddler teams who use dragon boating as part of their physical, emotional and social rehabilitation following a breast cancer diagnosis.![]()
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The festival is recognised worldwide as a powerful symbol of survivorship, solidarity, and the transformative impact of sport in post‑diagnosis recovery. Thousands of paddlers from every continent will come together on the Lac du Bourget to celebrate community, resilience and the shared spirit of dragon boating.![]()
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Due to the proximity of this year’s host city, Ireland will be proudly sending one of its largest contingents to date. Representing the nation with strength, unity and unmistakable Irish spirit will be teams from:![]()
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Plurabelle Paddlers![]()
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Lagan Dragons![]()
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Nore Dragon Paddlers![]()
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Suir Dragon Paddlers![]()
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In addition, several Irish paddlers will join a composite crew with the Tampa Bay Pink Dragons, further highlighting the international friendships and connections that define the breast cancer paddling community.![]()
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The Irish Dragon Boat Association extends its warmest wishes to every paddler travelling to France:![]()
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We wish all our Irish teams the very best of luck and hope you enjoy every moment of this extraordinary experience. May the festival bring joy, connection,and memories that last a lifetime.![]()
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Paddle with pride — Ireland is behind you all the way.![]()
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About the IBCPC Festival![]()
Held every four years, the IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival is the largest global event of its kind. It is non‑competitive by design, focusing instead on participation, camaraderie and the celebration of life after breast cancer. The festival honours a tradition that has become a cornerstone of rehabilitation for thousands of survivors worldwide.