Irish Celts - First Festival of the Sea

by Cruising Editor on 29 May 2006 Ireland's first ever Maritime Festival on the North Coast - The Celtic European Festival of the Sea - is running now and will culminate on the 4 June 2006 along the North Coast of Ireland, from the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal to Cushendall in Co. Antrim.

Festivals of the Sea are very ancient traditions that predate history and religions as we know them and stretch back into the legends of many lands. There is nothing more splendid today as watching the entire sailing or fishing fleet of a village participate in an annual festival of the sea.

Six tall ships are sailing between Portrush, Coleraine, Ballycastle, Derry, Greencastle and Moville for the duration of Festival. Each ship offers facilities for day sails, and, even if you don’t take a day sail, they will make a splendid sight along the coastline

The areas of Coleraine, Derry, Donegal, Limavady and Moyle are involved in the Festival; and will each be hosting their own programme of ‘Mini Festivals’. Some of the key highlights will be the 25th Anniversary of the Raft Race at Portrush, the French Markets in Ballycastle and the GP14 International championships at Moville Boat Club.

Sean Scott, Festival Director, said: 'The Celtic European Festival of the Sea is Ireland’s first ever maritime Festival held on the North Coast. There will be a programme of events at the Festival that will cater for both sea and land lovers, ranging from concerts, BBQs and fireworks displays right through to street entertainment, traditional boat building, parakarting, raft races, boat trips, Ceildhs, art exhibitions, maritime talks, family fun days and fishing competitions.

From the programme of activity it is clear that we are incorporating a number of artforms to encourage a wide spectrum of the general public to participate. We have an innovative ‘Walk the Plank Theatre Ship’, which will be hosting a number of workshops designed specifically for children that are both educational and entertaining.

Sean Continued 'The Festival has a strong international appeal with a number of visitors attending from Norway, France, Canada and Argentina and we hope it will provide an opportunity for the North Coast to showcase what it has to offer.'

The festival will be an opportunity to celebrate the rich past, present and future maritime heritage of the North West. It will culminate in a parade of sail along the River Foyle from Derry City to Moville in Co. Donegal on Sunday 4 June 2006. It is anticipated that over 100 boats of all shapes and sizes will participate in the finale.

Sunday June 04. If you are anywhere near Northern Ireland, put it in your diary and don’t miss it.

www.sail-world.com/send_message.cfm!Click_Here!same to write to us about this article