Connacht Senior Long Course Championships

The Connacht Senior Long Course Championships is the provincial senior championship for the western region, held at the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre in Dublin. The 2026 edition runs 22–24 May and covers the full senior programme in 50m long-course format. For senior and youth swimmers in Connacht, this is the direct qualifier for the Irish Summer National Youth & Senior Championships.

The National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown is Ireland's premier swimming facility — a 50m competition pool with a separate 25m warm-up pool and extensive spectator seating. The format is heats and finals over three days. The atmosphere is competitive — senior provincial meets attract club swimmers, college swimmers, and aspiring internationals. Sessions are well-paced with electronic timing and live results. Unlike the age group provincials, the senior championship has a more focused feel with smaller fields per event but faster overall pace. Coach access to poolside is standard. The NAC hosts the biggest meets in the country, so swimmers get to race in the same venue used for nationals.

Entries through clubs via HY-TEK. Check Swim Ireland Connacht for qualifying times and deadlines. Entry closes typically 2–3 weeks before competition. Swim Ireland club membership required.

Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre, Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 (D15 PC63). The NAC is off the M50 motorway, well-signposted from Junction 6. Free parking on site. Blanchardstown Centre (5 min drive) has hotels and restaurants. Dublin city centre is 30 minutes by car or bus. Public transport via Dublin Bus routes from the city centre.

Swimmers who perform well here progress to the Irish Summer National Youth & Senior Championships at the same National Aquatic Centre venue in July. The Connacht Age Group Championships (May, UL Sport Arena) covers the younger age groups. The Irish Open (April) is the higher-level meet for swimmers already holding national qualifying times.