Events

Hobbler's Challenge - 21 August 2010 - The Original Rowing Race

Between the 18th and 19th centuries the hobblers of Dublin Bay invented the original rowing race. The skiffs would leave Dún Laoghaire, Ringsend and other nearby harbours to meet ships arriving into Dublin as far away as the Kish bank. The first crew to the ship would win the business of pilotage and unloading.

The Hobbler's Challenge is a memorial row that follows the original rowing race of the hobblers. It is a straight skiff race out from Dún Laoghaire Harbour, round the Kish lighthouse and return to Dún Laoghaire. This is a total distance of approximately 25km.

In the same way as the hobblers, the first skiff returning past the finish line will win the challenge and the Hobbers Challenge cup.

Fundraising on the day will be in aid of the RNLI who have supported the oarsmen of Dublin bay since the days of the hobblers.

We are determined to make the Hobbler's Challenge a hugely enjoyable day out. There is still some planning remaining and further details will be posted on here as they become available.

We are still accepting registrations from clubs interested in participating.