Jack Norris (28), from the Cavehill area of the city, was part of the Emerald Expedition crew who arrived in Bangor on Wednesday evening after 32 days sailing around the island.
He was joined by fellow Northern Irish men Aidan O’Reilly and Ciaran Breslin and Wexford native Ryan Davin.
The crew arriving back in Bangor after 32 days
The journey, which was in aid of the PIPS Suicide Prevention charity and was sponsored by Forward Emphasis, saw the four men set off on Saturday, June 15.
They overcame numerous challenges along the way, including an eight-day period anchored at the Aran Islands.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Jack said he was first inspired by the film Losing Sight Of The Shore, which follows a crew attempting to sail from San Francisco to Australia.
In addition to rowing, the team are no strangers to endurance athletic events, with members having completed Ironman triathlons, the Marathon des Sables and cycling the length of the UK.
Jack later chatted with those involved in the film, which is when he “decided to do it”, making the plans for the journey around four years ago.
“It’s a lot to take after being at sea for over four weeks,” he said.
“Coming in yesterday and seeing everyone was almost like sensory overload. But it’s just a deep sense of satisfaction.
“It’s been over three years in the making… There is just a huge sense of pride and achievement and relief.
“When you’re out on the ocean you’re not in control… You can only do what the ocean allows you to do. So to be safe at home, having completed it, is amazing.”
Ryan Davin and his family
The journey wasn’t made easy by Ireland’s notoriously chaotic summer weather, with Jack explaining “it was terrible”.
“The weather patterns were messed up. The sea was hotter than it’s ever been and the wind was blowing against us the whole time,” he recalled.
“It still hasn’t sunk in. My head and legs are still feeling weird… To be the first people to row around your country is incredible.”
During one perilous moment, brutal winds forced the crew to stop for around eight days.
“We had a 23-hour weather window from Galway Bay to the Aran Islands, to do 65 miles,” Jack explained.
“It was a big push, but the waves were 3.5 metres high, so we had to do three people rowing, on and off, for 24 hours.
“The winds then went against us… meaning we had to anchor for eight days on an eight-metre boat.
“Eventually we made it, and kept the boat moving for 80 hours non-stop to get home.
“We are just so thankful for everyone who supported us, especially Forward Expedition and our friends and family.
“This meant a lot to us — but it was overwhelming knowing how much it meant to everyone else.”
Ryan with his girlfriend, reunited afer 32 days at sea