The Irish Maritime Festival 2018 – Family fun in Drogheda
On the weekend of 15-17th June Drogheda Port and town will come alive for one of the best Maritime festivals in the country. There is something for everyone with this jam packed programme of events which is hosted by Louth County Council and Drogheda Port Company in conjunction with Virgin Media. For more information on the event check the festival website www.maritimefestival.ie.
Beautiful boats at the Maritime Festival
The festival kicks off on Friday afternoon with the Parade of Sail as the beautiful ships sail in procession to Drogheda Port. From 11am on Sat 16th the Maritime Learning Zone throws open its gates. There will be boat, power kite and sand yacht displays and a chance to meet the crews from the RNLI, Inland Waterways Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard and many more. Children and adults alike can learn all about our seas and how to protect them from the crew of Seastainability. Ships coming to port include magnificent tall ships, and the Brocklebank tugboat and French Navy vessels. You can climb aboard from 12.30 – 4.30pm each day.
Magical music sessions
There will be music for all tastes both on and offshore throughout the festival. The unique Stowaway Sessions on board the Earl of Pembroke Tall Ship are sure to be a sell-out. Onshore there will be two live music stages. The Fleadh stage will have a sneak preview of some of the best traditional music before the musicians head to the Fleadh in August. On the Ballast Key Stage there will be a huge line-up of musical treats from rock to gospel.
Contented children
As well as the chance to climb aboard actual ships and boats, there will be lots of children’s activities throughout the festival. Magic shows are sure to be a huge hit. And in the Art Zone, as well as exhibitions from local artists, the kids can hands-on with the kids Art and Craft sessions. Finn McCool’s Fairground will have lots of rides and the giant sandpit might unearth some buried treasure.
Fabulous food
The food zone at the festival will feature A Taste of Ireland’s Ancient East. You can taste some of the best of local food. Or enjoy cookery demos from some of the region’s top chefs. No-one will go hungry with such a variety of foods on offer. The only difficulty will be trying to decide what to go for first.
And don’t forget
On Saturday afternoon there will be over 200 brave swimmers racing for 2.7 km down the Boyne River. They will definitely deserve cheering on from the river bank. There will be yacht and boat races over the weekend. And with places for picnics and relaxing, this promises to be a fantastic family day out.
For more fun ideas for family days out over the summer be sure to check out www.inspireme.ie
All information was correct at time of publication, but please be sure to check with the Maritime Festival organisers before you travel.
