Dublin to Host 2026 McCullagh International as Top Swimmers Compete

Swim Ireland is set to welcome over 600 swimmers from 90 clubs to the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre for an action‑packed weekend of racing at the 2026 McCullagh International, taking place Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd February.

The event marks one of the first major long‑course competitions of the season and serves as a key racing opportunity for Irish athletes preparing for the Irish Open Championships, scheduled for 8–12 April at Bangor Aurora, Co. Down. The Irish Open will act as a qualification meet for major Summer Internationals, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games (24^th – 29^th July) and the European Aquatics Championships (10^th – 16^th August).

The McCullagh International will showcase an exciting mix of emerging talent and world‑class experience. Ireland’s top swimmers set to compete include two of December’s European Short Course Champions Ellen Walshe and John Shortt, Olympians Conor Ferguson, Danielle Hill, Tom Fannon, and Grace Davison, while Paralympians Róisín Ní Riain, Dearbhaile Brady, Barry McClements, and Deaten Registe will also be racing.

They will be joined by international stars, including British Olympic gold medallists Duncan Scott and Jack McMillan, who headline a strong British contingent making the trip to Dublin for the meet.

The three-day meet will also provide Irish swimmers and clubs an opportunity to battle it out for national relay titles.

Speaking ahead of the McCullagh International, Swim Ireland National Performance Director Andy Reid said, “As the final domestic preparation meet before April, this event carries real significance. With strong international athletes joining Ireland’s leading swimmers at the National Aquatic Centre, the level of competition promises to be intense from start to finish. It’s a chance for athletes to fine-tune race strategies, build momentum, and test themselves against quality opposition as the countdown to the Irish Open Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials continues.”

Notes:

• Friday – Sunday schedule:
  Friday/Saturday: Morning Session: 9:00am Finals: 5:30pm

Sunday: Morning Session: 9:00am Finals: 4:30pm

 

• Live Results: http://live-timings.swimireland.ie/ or Meet Mobile App ‘McCullagh International Meet’
• McCullagh International Entries

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