Lagan Head of the River

Crews approaching the start area of Lagan Head of the River through the Queen’s Bridge and the Lagan Weir towards Belfast City Centre (left / County Antrim bank) and the Titanic Quarter (right / County Down bank). Thanks to Stewart Thomson Media.

The Lagan Head of the River is the climax of our annual Head of the River series. It is typically held in February or March, with the exact date dependent on the timing of the tides.

There are two processional races:

  • Albert Bridge to QUB Boathouse (2.7k)
  • Abercorn Basin to QUB Boathouse (4.2k)

Crews are set off one after the other and are timed from the start to the finish. The fastest crew in each event category wins. For masters events, times are adjusted based on the average age of each crew.

Men’s Masters Eight heading to the start through the Albert Bridge. The world famous Samson and Goliath cranes are in the background.

The race is popular with rowers across Northern Ireland and beyond, attracting those who just started in the sport all the way up to international athletes! These races are the culmination of up to six months training over the Winter, when crews have honed their technique and maximised their power and fitness.

There are plenty of locations for spectators to watch both races and everyone is welcome to enjoy some refreshments at our boathouse throughout the day. Bacon butties and a hot drink are always popular on a cold Spring day!

  • At the start with the Titanic Museum in the background. A new perspective on Belfast!
  • Crews patiently waiting at the start of the longer race. This is in the Abercorn Basin, beside the Titanic Museum.
  • Safety Launches
  • Safety Briefing
  • Women’s Club Double
  • Men’s Masters Eight
  • Women’s Junior Coxed Quad
  • Men’s Masters Eight
  • Women’s Masters Coxed Quad
  • Safety Launch marshalling two swans!
  • Men’s Masters Eight racing through the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge
  • Women’s Club Double
  • Men’s Masters Coxed Four
  • Women’s Masters Coxed Quad
  • Men’s Masters Eight
  • Safety Launch
  • Men’s Club Double
  • Women’s Club Coxed Four
  • Men’s Masters Coxed Four
  • Women’s Junior Coxed Quad
  • Safety launches following crews towards the finish
  • Men’s Masters Eight heading to the start through the Albert Bridge. The world famous Samson and Goliath cranes are in the background.

For more information on the next Lagan Head, including race information, start lists and results, please see the Rowing Ireland Events page (https://www.rowingireland.ie/regatta-hors/events/) or our social media channels.

We are currently seeking sponsors for these races and individual event categories, e.g. Men’s Masters Eights or Women’s Junior 18 Doubles. Pennants and medals are awarded to the fastest crews in event categories with three or more entries. Our trophies can also be sponsored, which include the following:

  • The Hammond Coppinger Cup (Fastest Club Men’s 8+)
  • The Festival Head Cup* (Fastest Junior Crew)
  • Beefeater Salver (Fastest Club Women’s 8+)
  • George Parsonage Trophy* (Fastest Sculler)
  • Belfast Harbour Commissioner’s Trophy (Fastest Men’s Crew)
  • The Cutter’s Wharf Cup (Fastest Women’s Crew)
  • The Visitor’s Perpetual Challenge Cup* (Fastest Visiting Crew)
  • The Harvey Jackson Cup* (Fastest Master’s 8+)

*Awarded to both Men’s and Women’s Crews

Lagan Head of the River Trophies and Pennants

If you have any questions about Lagan Head of the River, please get in touch using the form below. We particularly welcome entries from clubs based in GB and further afield!

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