For the very first time, Northern Ireland is set to host a leg of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2024 when the breathtaking global event heads to Ballycastle, County Antrim next weekend.
The beautiful Causeway Coast will become a new kind of sporting battleground and will provide the backdrop as the world’s best cliff divers battle it out on the fourth stop of the series.
Nestled within the Glens of Antrim, an area of outstanding natural beauty, the choppy Atlantic waters of Ballycastle will prove as dangerous for those competing as they are delightful when the action gets underway at 4pm on Friday, July 19th and Saturday, July 20th.
Free to the public, tens of thousands of people will be expected in Ballycastle to witness a spectacle like no other.
A stone’s throw from the legendary Giant’s Causeway, this stop comes at the mid-season point of the series and divers will be expected to contend with challenging conditions that will push them to their absolute limit.
Preparation underway today (Thursday 11th July 2024) at Ballycastle Harbour ahead of next weekend’s event. (Images: Anne Kelly)
Positioned in the World Series calendar as a major mid-season shake-up, the fourth stop of 2024 has multiple take-off spots lined up throughout the event – a challenge that will surely test the divers to their limits.
In the opening rounds, dives will launch directly off the cliffs. The competitors will then wrap up the final two rounds by diving from the purpose-built platforms constructed in Ballycastle Harbour.
A roster of 24 male and female divers will have to face down fearsome winds, before diving and twisting through the air from heights of up to 27 meters, plunging into the cold Atlantic at over 85 kmph.
In what is the 15th season of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, all eyes will be on reigning champions Rhiannan Iffland (Australia) and Constantin Popovici (Romania), but there are sure to be plenty of thrills and spills throughout the season as the divers battle to claim the coveted King Kahekili Trophy.
With coastal conditions prone to throwing challenging conditions into the mix at any given time, expect the mid-season stop to serve up plenty of twists and turns and dramatic battles, as the divers fight for cliff diving supremacy.
Event FAQs
• Is a ticket required to attend the Causeway Coast stop of Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series on 19 and 20 July?
No ticket is required. This is a FREE event. Attendees may watch the spectacle along the beachfront in Ballycastle. Videowalls and a sound system will be positioned in several locations throughout the event site to ensure good visibility.
• Will viewing areas be seated or standing?
The viewing areas will all be standing only.
• Where will the event take place?
The event will take place in Ballycastle Harbour on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th of July.
• What time will be the event start and finish?
The event will begin at 4pm on each day and finish at 7pm.
• Will there be an Accessible Viewing Area?
There will be an accessible viewing area for both days of the event. Space will be limited and must be requested in advance, please contact the team at: rebullcliffdivingni2024@gmail.com
• Will there be parking available in and around Ballycastle Harbour?
There will be designated car parking facilities in place within walking distance to the event.
• Where do I get more information on Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series and in particular, the Causeway Coast stop?
Visit the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series website for information, news and updates.
• Will it be broadcast on TV?
Yes. All of the 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series stops will be broadcast live on Red Bull TV.
