SeaFest, Ireland’s biggest and most spectacular maritime festival, will return to Galway in 2018. SeaFest 2018 will take place from 29th June to 1st July – a weekend of fun, family friendly events not to be missed.
Marine Institute’s Celtic Explorer at Galway Docks
More than 100,000 visitors flocked to Galway Harbour to enjoy a host of activities and entertainment on and around the water for SeaFest 2017. World Champion Flyboarders performed breath-taking aerial acrobatics in the heart of Galway’s ship-filled harbour, there were open tours of the tall ship The Phoenix, Irish naval vessel LÉ Ciara, and the Marine Institute’s research vessel RV Celtic Explorer. Visitors also took to the water and gave kayaking and sailing a go with the Irish Sailing Association offering disabled access to budding sailors. It was very much a festival for the whole family.
Showcasing marine pollution at the BIM tent
BIM and Bord Bia hosted a showcase of Irish seafood with live cookery and fishmongery demonstrations, as well as interactive exhibits and displays of live fish and shellfish species. A huge display from the Defence Forces was popular with the young and the young at heart. The LookWest.ie Marquee hosted talks from marine-inspired entrepreneurs based in the West of Ireland.
Sea Science Gallery at the Galway City Musuem
The dedicated Kids Zone kept little hands busy with art and craft workshops, storytelling sessions and face-painting. The festival programme also included the interactive gallery, The Wild Atlantic – Sea Science, at Galway City Museum and an exhibition on polar explorer Roald Amundsen at NUI Galway.
SeaFest deepens our knowledge and appreciation of the ocean, celebrates our maritime heritage and also generates awareness about Ireland’s abundant marine resources. SeaFest 2018 will aim to build on the entertaining and educational experiences offered at this year’s festival.
SeaFest is coordinated by the Marine Institute, on behalf of the Marine Coordination Group. For more information, follow SeaFest on Facebook and Twitter.
