Write a commentDon’t miss the Carlingford Lough Maritime Festival with events taking place in Kilkeel, Warrenpoint, Newry, Carlingford and Greenore from Monday 24th to Monday 31st May 2010.
Celebrating the areas outstanding natural beauty around the Lough, the festival will bring together a range of heritage, sporting and cultural events not to be missed! The waterways will be a buzz of activity with visiting ships Artemis / Johanna Lucretia / Ruth and Phoenix which will be open to the public, giving visitors the chance to experience first hand what life on the ocean waves is like.
Along with the stunning ships the festival promises to be an array of colour including music, street entertainment, tastes of delicious French cuisine, water activities, heritage talks and exhibitions and historical re-enactments.
Mayor, Cllr John Feehan said he was delighted to welcome the Tall Ships back to Newry and he was looking forward to visiting all the events which will be taking place over this unique week of Maritime activities in Newry & Mourne and Carlingford Lough.
Cllr. Jim D’arcy, Louth County Council congratulated the committee on the organisation of the Cross Border Maritime Festival which would be a wonderful start to the Summer Festival season and felt that the activities on the Lough would provide an excellent programme to the food and music based events that were taking place right around the Lough from Carlingford and Greenore to Newry, Warrenpoint and Kilkeel.
Dr Gerard O'Hare of The Quays said ‘For far too long the Maritime history of this area has been marginalized. Yet there is a noble tradition of seafaring and shipping for centuries in Carlingford Lough and the Harbour of Newry. For centuries, this Lough has literally overseen the comings and goings of those leaving these shores for work; those who sailed the seas for trade; those who went to war and those who migrated to seek better lives. And yes it has also witnessed our visitors coming and going too –some by invasion and most by invitation. This Festival affords us the opportunity to re-connect with our maritime history and to enjoy, savour and partake in a range of fun activities that will bring out the richness of that history to life. This Lough, it marinas, our river, and our canal are the best of what man and nature can co-produce to enhance our environment. Our waterways should be features to be proud of and the unique traditions of being a coastal people should not be lost on future generations. I am pleased to play a small part in the renaissance of our maritime heritage by sponsoring this Festival.’
Heather McKee of the Community Safety Partnership said The Newry and Mourne Community Safety Partnership are working hard to ensure that visitors to our towns to work, shop and socialise are safe to do so. The Partnership is encouraging everyone to enjoy themselves at the Festival and to be responsible. Thinking about your safety and that of your belongings will ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and safe time at the Maritime Festival.
