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Displaying items by tag: Galway Docklands Festival

Galway Docklands Festival has become an established event on the west coast maritime calendar, after a successful event last weekend.

Restoration work on various vessels, knot-making, and walking tours of the Claddagh area were among the themes of the three-day festival.

 The Nora Bheag sails by Nimmo's Pier celebrating Galway's Maritime Heritage during the Galway Docklands Festival Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy The Nora Bheag sails by Nimmo's Pier celebrating Galway's Maritime Heritage during the Galway Docklands Festival Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy

Port of Galway Sea Scouts and students were among the participants.

The event was held in aid of the RNLI and Ability West.

Anna Oliver celebrating Galway's Maritime Heritage at the Galway Docklands Festival last weekend Photo: Joe O'ShaughnessyAnna Oliver celebrating Galway's Maritime Heritage at the Galway Docklands Festival last weekend Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy

Published in Galway Harbour

The heart of Galway's maritime heritage comes to life with the much-anticipated Galway Docklands Festival, taking place from September 29th to October 1st, 2023.

As Afloat reported earlier, the three-day festival promises an unforgettable experience celebrating Galway's rich marine industry, all while supporting charitable causes.

Boat Restoration

Kickstarting the festival, Friday's activities will take place around Galway Bay Seafoods. Dive into the world of seafood with mouthwatering tastings while engaging in enlightening short talks about Ireland's fishing industry. Visit the Galway Lifeboat and meet boat builders working on restoring Galway’s maritime heritage.

Claddagh Hall Adventures

Saturday's action-packed schedule is centred around Claddagh Hall. The morning begins with a burst of activity within the hall, followed by an enjoyable afternoon of sailing and boat tours. The evening will be topped off with a public quiz, promising fun and friendly competition for all.

Family Fun Day

Sunday is a family-oriented day. Bring the kids along for entertainment, face painting, and delightful treats from the ice cream van. Explore the magic of family boat tours and step onboard an authentic Galway Hooker to experience a piece of maritime history up close.

Throughout the entire festival, visitors will have the opportunity to visit the Galway Hooker Sailing Club's restoration project, experience local history with guided walking tours, learn knots, visit stands from Galway Aquarium, Corrib Beo, Water Safety Ireland and much more. It's a chance to connect with the maritime heritage of Galway like never before.

Worthy Causes

Organisers say all funds raised during the festival will be dedicated to two noble causes – the Galway branch of Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Ability West. 

Published in Maritime Festivals

About Currachs

A currach is a type of boat unique to the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland. Traditionally, currachs have a wooden frame over which animal skins or hides are stretched. These days, the wooden frame is more likely to be covered in canvas, which is then painted with tar to make it waterproof.

"Naomhóg" is the name given to the type of currach which used by coastal communities in Cork and Kerry. Currachs differ from each other from region to region. Naomhógs are slightly longer than the currachs used in the West of Ireland.
 
Some believe that currachs first came to the Dingle Peninsula in the early 19th century. They say this type of boat was introduced from Clare, where currachs are known as "canoes". 

Currachs are a unique type of boat that can be found on the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland. These boats are traditionally constructed using a wooden frame over which animal skins or hides are stretched. While this practice is still observed by some, many modern currachs now feature a canvas covering which is painted with tar to make it waterproof.

In coastal communities located in the Cork and Kerry regions, a specific type of currach is used which is known as a Naomhóg. Naomhógs are slightly longer than other types of currachs used in the West of Ireland. It is believed that currachs were first introduced to the Dingle Peninsula in the early 19th century, having been brought over from Clare where they are known as "canoes".

Despite the fact that currachs have been in use for centuries, the different regions in which they are used have developed their own unique variations. As such, currachs can differ from one another significantly depending on their geographic location. Nonetheless, these boats remain an integral part of coastal communities, serving as a reminder of our shared maritime heritage.