Wow, that year flew by, but luckily we’ve got another fantastic year ahead of us full of great events and festivals all around the coast. Hopefully this mild weather will keep up for a while, so make the most of it and get out and about the coast this January!
Here are our top picks for coastal events this month:
Celebrate New Years at Hook Lighthouse | 1st January, Wexford
Ring in the year with a centuries-old tradition at Hook lighthouse. With the help of Dunbrody Archers the ‘arrow ceremony’ will take place at Hook lighthouse Tuesday afternoon at 3.00pm. This unique ceremony has roots dating all the way back to 1687. The event is open to the public and free to attend.
Vessel Tour LÉ George Bernard Shaw | 1st January, Galway Docks
The latest member of the Irish Naval fleet LÉ George Bernard Shaw will be open to the public on New Year’s Day in Galway Docks. Free guided tours of the vessel by the ship’s crew will take place from 2 pm -5 pm.
First Fortnight Festival Sea Swimming Event at the Forty Foot | 12th January, Forty Foot Sandycove, Dublin
As part of the First Fortnight festival, Clean Coasts in conjunction with Grown is hosting a Sea Swimming event which will take place on the 12th of January at 12 pm. Research has shown the benefits sea swimming can have on our mental health. Why not take this opportunity to reconnect with yourself and embrace the sea!
Post swim there will be providing hot refreshments and if possible bring your own cup to cut down on needless waste!
IWDG On the Trail of the Whale Library Tour | Launches 14th January Dun Laoghaire Lexicon
In May 2018, the IWDG embarked on an expedition to Iceland on board the research vessel Celtic Mist in search of humpback whales, one of the most enigmatic species in the world’s oceans. The voyage lasted six weeks travelling 4,500 km around the Icelandic coast and even into the Arctic Circle before returning back to Dublin via the Faroe Islands and Scotland. The ‘Trail of the whale’ library tour is an account of the voyage featuring a collection of images and videos presented by the crew. It will start Dun Laoghaire on the 14th January and travel around the country finishing in Nenagh Arts Centre on 28th March
DLR Winter Heritage Events 2019 | starts 21st January
Explore the rich history of Dun Laoghaire and the surrounding areas with this fantastic programme of heritage events. The programme includes lots of great free tours including the national Maritime Museum and the James Joyce Tower
Galway Astronomy Festival |26th – 27th January Harbour Hotel, Galway
Ireland’s largest astronomy festival has quickly become an essential gathering of amateurs and professionals alike. This year there will be a special screening of the Farthest, displays of astrophotography and meteorites, lectures and talks from leading astronomers, workshops, an evening astro-dinner and a fiendishly difficult table quiz.
Attraction of the month Mizen Head Signal Station
Mizen Head Signal Station is the perfect spot to stretch the legs, blow off the cobwebs and get started on those New Year’s resolutions. Mizen Head is Ireland’s most south-westerly point, and the signal station is a fantastic place to enjoy the sea air and exhilarating views of the wild Atlantic way. There’s a fantastic visitor centre, you can cross the iconic bridge and watch out for some of the amazing marine life that live off the coast.
Got an event on and you want us to share it? Get in touch with us – info@coastmonkey.ie
