Lagan Currachs team member Tim shows young boys how to steer a currach on the River Lagan, Belfast - photo 9245.

Rowing on the Lagan.

While meeting new people can seem daunting, when you’re all pulling together, and rowing a curragh on the River Lagan, the nerves get put well and truly on the back burner.

And we did that last weekend, on the Bout Yeh Lagan Currachs Row, from Belfast’s Lagan Weir Lookout to the weir just south of Cutters Wharf, where we stopped on the river for a picnic, before returning to where the journey began.

Once the nerves had calmed, and we managed to sync our rowing, we enjoyed the cameraderie, and the sights and sounds of Northern Ireland’s capital, from our ancient form of transport.

Many thanks to our hosts Tim and Naimh, of Lagan Currachs, who also provided light refreshents on the trip.

Feel free to subscribe on their web site lagancurrachs.com and Facebook profile, for updates of their rows – which are open to the public for a small donation.

Story by Bout Yeh photographers Belfast

Happy faces of people who took part in the Bout yeh Lagan Row - photo 9201-06.

Pictured at Lagan Weir are (back from left) Jasmin, Bout Yeh photographer Stephen, between Lagan Currachs big kahuna’s Tim and Niamh, with Jasmin and (middle from left) Lynne, Sharon, Fran, and (front, from left) Mairead, Kelly and Sheena.

Photography: Stephen S T Bradley, for Bout Yeh

Lynne taking part in the Bout Yeh Lagan Currachs row - photo 9213.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was great to meet new people, learn about Lagan Currachs and see Belfast from a completely different perspective. Best of all, it was a great workout while being great fun.

LYNNE (Drumbo)

Enjoying a row during the Bout yeh Lagan Currachs row - photo 9209.

A heron takes to the air. As seen from the Bout Yeh Lagan Currachs row - photo 9235.

Kelly and friends enjoying the Bout Yeh Lagan Currachs row - photo 9223.

I really enjoyed the row because it offered the opportunity to see my city from a completely different perspective. It was lovely to connect with new people and to learn from Niamh and Tim about the process of building the Currach. Very impressive story!

My three boys and husband really enjoyed the row too and the kids were over the moon at getting the chance to steer and row for themselves.

Overall, a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon, get some exercise and enjoy Belfast from the river.

KELLY.

A man sits on the side of the River Lagan feeding birds, as seen from the Bout Yeh Lagan Currachs row - photo 9219.

Sharon smiles for the camera, while taking part in the Bout Yeh Lagan Currachs row - photo 9228.

It was great to see Belfast from the Lagan. I’ve never rowed through my city before, and going out country bound in the sunlight and then back again as it was getting dark was lovely.

SHARON

Belfast wall mural depicting the words How can quantum gravity explain the origin of the universe, seen from the Bout Yeh Lagan Currachs row - photo 9248.

Mairead enjoying the Bout Yeh Lagan Currachs row - photo 9215.

Thanks Bout Yeh!

It was great to be able to zone out and take in the sights of Belfast from a different perspective.

Having no rowing experience it was a challenge to keep going for the 2 hours, but floating on the Lagan having tea, biscuits, and taking in the views made the blisters worth it.

MAIREAD

Gloved up Fran gives it her all, at the Bout Yeh Lagan Currachs row, Belfast - photo 9225.

Rowing on the river Lagan, having grown up in Belfast, gave me the chance to see Belfast from a completely different perspective.

My love for the city, has only grown bigger. Best place ever!

FRAN

Harland and Wolff cranes and TMN graffiti photographed from the River Lagan, Belfast - photo 9250.

Jasmin strikes a pose during the Bout Yeh Lagan Currachs row - photo 9216.

Great row! There were several things I enjoyed about the row including the fresh air, exercise and company, but the most enjoyable part of the row was being able to see Belfast from a different perspective, as we rowed along the picturesque meandering river .

A calm escape in the middle of a city, on a vessel made with such skill and craftsmanship from many moons ago.

An experience I’ll never forget.

JASMIN (Carrickfergus)