The Galway Docklands Festival is set to take place this Saturday, September 28, from 12 noon to 4 pm at Galway Bay Seafoods, promising an exciting afternoon of maritime fun and family-friendly activities.
This year’s event will coincide with the RNLI’s Open Day as the organisation celebrates an incredible 200 years of lifesaving service. The Galway RNLI station will open its doors to the public, with all proceeds raised going to support the vital work of the Galway Lifeboat.
Visitors to the festival will be treated to a variety of unique experiences, including Galway Hooker workshop visits, where guests can explore the rich history of these iconic traditional boats and see one under restoration. Attendees will also have a chance to meet with expert boat builders to learn about the craft of traditional Galway Hooker restoration and building. There will also be rigging demonstrations where guests can step onboard and get to learn some essential sailing knots with the crew of Galway Hooker Sailing Club.
One of the highlights of the festival will be the chance to get out on Galway Bay and take a guided spin of the Claddagh and Galway’s waterways with Galway Bay Boat Tours.
For the food lovers, there will be sushi tastings by City Sushi, showcasing local seafood with a modern twist. Galway Bay Seafoods will host a Meet the Producer and visitors can learn about local fishing methods and learn how to fillet a fish. Meanwhile, younger visitors can enjoy an array of children’s activities including water games, boat floating, face painting, and much more.
In collaboration with the RNLI, festival-goers will have the opportunity to visit the lifeboat station, step onboard the lifeboat, and meet the heroic crew who keep Galway’s waters safe. The RNLI will also be running kids’ activities, ensuring fun for all ages while highlighting the essential work they do for the community.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the RNLI on this special day and to help celebrate their 200th anniversary,” said Ciaran Oliver, representative of the Galway Docklands Festival and Commodore of Galway Hooker Sailing Club. “This event is a wonderful way to celebrate Galway’s rich maritime culture, the iconic Galway Hooker and to support the vital role the RNLI plays in safeguarding lives at sea.”
All funds raised during the event will go directly to support Galway RNLI, helping them continue their life-saving work in the community. See Eventbrite or RNLI social media for details.
