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The What & The Why
The Challenge
Looping the Loop is a major open-water rowing challenge being organised by Loop Head Rowing Club. We will know the exact date about 3-5 days in advance.
The plan is to row around the Loop Head peninsula, starting out on the Atlantic side at Kilkee, rounding the headland beneath the lighthouse, and then pushing up along the Shannon Estuary to Carrigaholt.
This is not flat-water rowing. Crews will face Atlantic swell, shifting winds, and powerful tidal flows. It is a serious undertaking involving Atlantic conditions and strong tides. This is the Wild Atlantic Way and the clue is in the name!
The event is weather dependent. The Atlantic decides when it happens but the planning team are experts in reading charts and forecasts and will be taking no chances. We are aiming for a date in July but we keep reminding ourselves that “The Atlantic decides”. We are very much a club that is focused on safety and that is our priority.
There has been extensive planning and safety preparation, including route planning, safety boats, and protocols. It is ongoing and intense.
A crew from Kilrush’s Seol Sionna Sailing & Rowing Club will also take part in their St Ayle’s Skiff “Éalú”. So too will the rowers of West Clare Currachs, highlighting strong collaboration between local clubs.
Why We’re Doing It
The idea came from Marty Fennell, inspired by the parallels between the unpredictability of the sea and living with MS. Marty is a very active member of Loop Head Rowing Club. Marty lives with MS and is passionate about raising awareness in a way that feels real and honest. He often reminds people that no two days are the same, and no two experiences of MS are alike. Just because someone looks well does not always mean they are feeling well, and that is why he values understanding, open conversation, and simply being heard.
Over 10,000 people in Ireland are living with MS. In Co. Clare, 205 people are known to MS Ireland, although the true number is likely higher, as not everyone has yet made contact.
MS is a lifelong condition affecting the central nervous system. MS Ireland provides vital support, programmes, and advocacy to those affected, and their families, including counselling, physio, and community outreach.
Funds raised by our event will primarily support services in Co. Clare, while also contributing to the wider Mid West Region, including Limerick and South Tipperary.
Funds raised will support Multiple Sclerosis Ireland, with a focus on local services in West Clare and the Mid-West.
Donations can be made via iDonate or through club members who will be fundraising too for a range of prizes.
About MS Ireland
MS Ireland is the national organisation providing information, vital services, and to the MS community. They offer a wide range of specialised services and resources at national, regional, and local levels. Services include: Regsupportional Community Worker programmes for one-to-one support, physiotherapy, symptom management courses, newly diagnosed sessions, and the MS Information Line—one of the first services accessed in the time leading up to or following a diagnosis. They also operate the only national respite and therapy centre for people with MS in Ireland.
More than two-thirds of the 10,000 people living with MS in Ireland access these resources. Everyone affected by the condition relies on MS Ireland to advocate on their behalf on issues that impact their quality of life.
MS Ireland provide a range of services throughout Ireland in their 10 regional areas.
The team in the Mid-West cover counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary North. They provide a range of services and activities to people with MS, their families, health professionals and others interested in or concerned about MS. Services are provided by professionally trained staff.
In the Mid West region, they also have voluntary Branches offering local support and contact.
Telephone No: (061) 303802
Email: midwest@ms-society.ie
Make an Impact Today.
Make an Impact Today.
Scan the QR code or click this link to go to our iDonate page.
Sponsors Are Welcome!
Sponsors Are Welcome!
Partner With The Challenge
Looping the Loop is more than an endurance row. It is a powerful community-driven challenge along one of Ireland’s most dramatic coastlines, raising funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. We are inviting businesses to become part of the journey through sponsorship and support. By partnering with the event, sponsors will align themselves with resilience, community spirit, local pride, and a unique Atlantic adventure that will capture attention across Clare and beyond.
If you would like to get involved, please contact us via email, or DM/PM us on Instagram or Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Looping the Loop is planned for a suitable weather window in July or August 2026. Because this is a serious open-water Atlantic row around Loop Head, conditions must be right before any launch can take place.
Safety comes first at all times. Wind, swell, tides, visibility, and sea state will all play a role in determining the final date.
In simple terms: the Atlantic decides.
Rest assured though, the challenge will go ahead. Updates will be shared regularly across our website and social media channels as conditions develop.
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Unlike a land-based event, this challenge depends entirely on sea and weather conditions along one of Ireland’s most exposed coastlines.
The route involves Atlantic waters around Loop Head before entering the tidal Shannon Estuary, so flexibility is essential for the safety of all participants and support crews.
Rather than forcing the row into unsuitable conditions, we are working within a planned weather window to ensure the safest possible opportunity for the challenge to take place.
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Yes. This is a demanding endurance challenge requiring careful preparation, experienced crews, support planning, and close monitoring of Atlantic conditions.
The route involves open water, changing tides, swell, wind exposure, and long-distance rowing along a rugged coastline.
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Yes. A community landing event is planned in Carrigaholt to welcome the crews home following the challenge.
We hope it will be a memorable occasion filled with music, food, celebration, and community spirit.
Full details will be announced closer to the event.
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The best place to stay up-to-speed with it all is via our Facebook and Instagram. Always feel free to reach out to us!
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Due to the nature of the challenge and the safety requirements involved, participation in the row itself is limited to selected members of Loop Head Rowing Club and associated crews.
Looping the Loop is a demanding open-water Atlantic endurance challenge requiring extensive preparation, training, safety planning, and familiarity with the route and conditions.
While the row is not open to public participation, there are many other ways to get involved, including supporting the fundraiser, volunteering, attending the landing event, sponsoring the challenge, or helping us spread the word.
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Yes, where safely possible. We hope to provide updates throughout the event and encourage the public to follow the journey online and join us for the landing celebrations in Carrigaholt.
More details will be shared closer to the time.
Why donate?
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Make A Difference
Your donation helps create real, measurable change in the lives of those with MS and in the lives of their families.
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Support A Cause That’s Local
Back Grassroots Community Action. This event is driven by volunteers, local support, and people giving their time, energy, and belief to something bigger than themselves.
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How Your Donation Helps
Funds raised will provide vital services, advocacy, information, and support, strengthen services locally in Clare, while also supporting the wider Mid-West region.
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Support A Unique Atlantic Challenge
Looping the Loop is more than a row. It is endurance, teamwork, respect for the sea, and a community coming together behind something meaningful.
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Fund Grassroots Work
Support local, hands-on efforts that make a difference where it matters most.
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Inspire Others
Your generosity can motivate friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.