Thousands of Kilkenny people are expected to make the trip down to neighbouring county Waterford over the next few days, for the Tall Ships Races festival, which takes place this weekend.
In the past few years the festival has become a popular destination for the residents of neighbouring counties – as well as further afield – who are looking for a weekend of excitement and entertainment just a few minutes drive from their own doorstep.
With an estimated 500,000 people expected to attend over the course of the weekend, the festival looks set to be as popular as ever this year, in spite of both the economic climate and unpredictable weather.
The Tall Ships is Ireland’s biggest quayside festival – with parades, fireworks, live music, and of course, the option of actually seeing some of the ships and chatting to the crews.
The festival began on Thursday with a ceremony attended by the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny. Events continue until Sunday July 3.
Deputy John Paul Phelan welcomed the return of the Tall Ships Races to Irish shores, saying that it represents a valuable boost to revenue in the south east.
“This global event is a major revenue spinner for the South Kilkenny region, and is a welcome boost, at a time when we badly need more visitors and greater tourism spin-off,” he said.
“Bringing the Tall Ships back has been no mean feat, and the efforts of the voluntary and statutory authorities, sponsors, and agencies must be commended. The port of Waterford Company, which is based in Belview in South Kilkenny, has had a key role to play in preparing for this global event”.
“This is one of the most inspiring festivals in the world and I would encourage anyone in South Kilkenny, and in the county as a whole, to make sure that they go along,” Deputy Phelan said.
With the large numbers anticipated, the festival’s organisers are encouraging visitors to avail of the park and ride system in place. People travelling from Kilkenny are asked to use the blue or red park and ride facilities, on the Ferrybank side of the city. There will also be additional train services operating between the two counties for the weekend.
