Flyboarding and seafood cooking demos, free kayaking, sailing, films and talks by Emmy and BAFTA-award winning underwater cameraman Doug Allan – all this and more at Galway’s SeaFest 2018!
SeaFest – Galway’s annual maritime festival – will hit the docks for its second year from June 29th to July 1st for a weekend full of free sea-based events and activities, including talks by one of the world’s best underwater cameramen.
Winner of eight Emmy Awards and five BAFTAs Doug Allan‘s previous work has included the BBC’s The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, and Ocean Giants.
Allan will present seven talks over the weekend, sharing his experiences from filming at some of the wildest and remote places on the planet at the festival’s purpose-built marquee The Atlantic Theatre.
Another special guest is Joan Mulloy, the first Irish female sailor to compete in the world-famous Solitaire du Figaro race, who will share how she will be undertaking this sailing challenge.
The festival aims to celebrate the amazing ways our oceans and seas enrich our lives.
Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute said “SeaFest showcases Ireland’s maritime resources and also conveys an important message about the value of our oceans. Not only a source of food and transport, our oceans also support diverse ecosystems and provide opportunities for tourism and leisure.
“No matter how far you live from the shore the ocean affects our lives. SeaFest is a great opportunity to celebrate our marine resource, and get people talking about keeping our oceans healthy, as it’s a resource we all depend on.”
RTÉ documentary Ireland’s Deep Atlantic will be screened at the festival as well as Academy Award-nominated Irish animation Song of the Sea.
World-champion flyboarders will spin and spiral high into the air performing amazing tricks and flips three times a day in the heart of Galway Harbour.
More than 800 free harbour kayaking sessions are set to take place over the three days, with keelboat trips on Galway Bay and motorboat trips to the Claddagh as well as sailing sessions from Irish Sailing also available.
Galway Harbour will also welcome one of the newest vessels in the Irish Naval fleet, the LÉ William Butler Yeats – which will be free for visitors to climb aboard and explore.
The Marine Institute’s marine research vessel RV Celtic Explorer and the Commissioner of Irish Lights vessel the ILV Granuaile will also be docked and open for tours as well.
There will be dynamic exhibits of live fish and shellfish species, and an under the sea virtual reality display where visitors can meet the creatures of the deep.
Ireland’s top chefs JP McMahon, Michael O’Meara and Oliver Dunne, and BIM’s Young Fishmongers of the Year will show festival-goers how easy it is to prepare fish and seafood at home through a series of live demonstrations.
And there will be plenty of creative and educational activities for kids – and parents – at a dedicated Kids Zone.
Through the Explorers Education Programme, children can discover Ireland’s marine life at touch tank displays, and learn about marine litter through a number of games and interactive activities.
“SeaFest 2018 is truly a family festival,” said Dr Heffernan. “The range of exciting activities and attractions on and around the water aim to engage the young and the young at heart, in the magic and mystery of the ocean.
“All events and activities taking place over the weekend are free, making it possible for the entire family to enjoy the festival experience.”
Supporters for SeaFest 2018 include Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Bord Bia, Commissioners of Irish Lights, Department of Defence, Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Galway Harbour Company, Irish Coast Guard, Irish Sailing, the Marine Institute and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
To view the full festival programme visit seafest.ie. To stay updated on all festival announcements download the free SeaFest Festival App and follow SeaFest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
