{"id":29,"date":"2015-03-12T15:05:57","date_gmt":"2015-03-12T15:05:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.internetsolutions.ie\/iwai\/?page_id=29"},"modified":"2015-12-04T13:53:08","modified_gmt":"2015-12-04T13:53:08","slug":"activities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/branch.iwai.ie\/athlone\/activities\/","title":{"rendered":"Activities"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Shannon Boat Rally<\/strong> is a coming together of both the Athlone Branch and the Carrick Branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI). It is the most prestigious and well-attended boating event on Ireland\u2019s inland waterways. The main objective is to bring boaters of all types together to participate in a nine day long fun event for families and friends on the river.<\/p>\n From its origins in 1961, the rally has grown in popularity every year attracting up to hundred boats annually crewed by over four hundred adults, teenagers and children who participate in sports, games, water and boating competitions, quizzes, talent and music events while improving their boating skills and safety practices on our waterways. The spirit of the rally is to bring boaters of all experiences together to share in a common purpose to enjoy the waterways, to share boating know-how and improve ones boating skills. The rally has attracted many boaters to our inland waterways and promoted development of facilities along the navigation as well as bringing a great dynamic and valuable business to the towns and villages along the river and lakes. The rally also encourages responsible use of the waterways for the benefit of all waterway users and has a strong educational and safety theme throughout.<\/p>\n