Galway Hooker Sailing Club prepares for Galway Docklands Festival 2023
By Lucy Murray
29 September marks the beginning of the Galway Docklands Festival, and Galway Hooker Sailing Club members are putting the final touches on the event ahead of an exciting weekend.
Working in association with Galway Bay Boat Tours and Galway Bay Seafoods, the three-day festival will showcase Galway’s maritime environment, celebrating sea-themed activities alongside local seafood and beers.
The iconic Galway Hooker sailing boats will be on display throughout the weekend, as festival organisers intend to excite audiences by displaying all the enjoyment that the art of sailing offers.
The festivities will be spread across the city, with activities running in the Galway Harbour, the Docks, and The Claddagh.
Ability West, alongside the Galway branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), will also benefit from the festival as they receive proceeds towards their causes.
Events include children’s workshops, sushi and seafood tasting, stimulating talks, quizzes, demonstrations, and more. Each day promises an experience that promotes Galway’s seaside sector while supporting charity.
The Galway Hooker Sailing Club boasts over 100 members working together to bring this festival to life. Collette Furey, a member of the club and volunteer for the festival’s organisation, believes this opportunity is the perfect way to “make sailing and boating more accessible and inclusive.”
Events To Check Out
Collette sees this festival as a chance to “encourage locals and students to experience the history” of the city’s rich past in the sector while celebrating present-day developments.
“The ultimate aim is to showcase Galway’s maritime environment to anyone and everyone.”
The festival begins on the 29 September, with events centred around Galway Bay Seafoods—which features talks with local fishermen and various sushi and seafood-tasting experiences. An opportunity to see restorations on the Galway Hooker ‘Easóg’ is an exciting moment that boating fans and curious festival-goers will want to look out for.
30 September is set to be an activity-filled day based in Claddagh Hall. The afternoon entertainment includes kids’ workshops, where arts and crafts take centre stage. In the evening, boat tours of Galway Bay and a unique chance to climb onboard the Galway Hooker Sailing Boats offer an enriching experience for all.
The final day of festivities on the 1 October caters to families, encouraging parents and children to get involved with the cause. It is a jam-packed day perfect for engaging kids, from magic shows to treasure hunts.
The full list of events can be found on the Galway Hooker Sailing Club’s Facebook.
