Viking Boat Race

Our objectives for 2004 were to put the town on the map! We believe we certainly achieved that.

Friday night at Ringdufferin golf club was fantastic, with about 130 people listening (and joining in) with the fabulous Blarney Boys. Saturday at Delmont saw about 250 locals, competitors and Vikings get together for a great night of Vikings, Venison and Verse.

The parade through the town on the Sunday led by the Killyleagh Cheerleaders, with the Under 10 football team, who had won a cup that day, was a spectacular sight. The Royal Irish Regiment and The Frank Rainey Memorial Band gave us the music and structure a parade needs and the 150 competitors and our own local Vikings, the school children added the colour. The cavalcade of vintage cars and tractors rounded of what was a truly spectacular launch to the racing. It was great to see such a large and enthusiastic crowd come out to welcome the parade.

It was also great to see the harbour packed to watch the boat racing, with enthusiasm whipped up by our DJs from East Down College. Some of the local competitors believed nothing had been seen like this in Killyleagh since the 1950s. At the same time at the Gocean over 500 people visited the fete where we had a huge variety to offer, from paint balling to some spectacular crafts. Food and beverages were also on sale and everyone said they had a good time.

Some of the visiting teams rated us as "the best ever Viking Event", not bad for our first year!

A full update of the events of the Killyleagh Viking Boat Race will appear here soon. If you have pictures or memories to be included on this website please send them to or contact Liz or Joan on 028 44 821 461.