On Sunday, June 30th, from 12-2pm, the East Pier at Dun Laoghaire Harbour will provide quite the nautical spectacle with The Grand Parade of Classic Sail as part of Coastival 2024. The "synchronised sailing" format for the event is simple but has never previously been practised in Dún Laoghaire, say the organisers. It is designed to introduce the sailing craft to pier walkers, who otherwise only see vessels sail out at distant marks. The one-design yachts and dinghies will gather in tight groups to sail past the Bandstand on the East Pier, where yachting historian Hal Sisk will give a commentary describing each class. The craft will then sail out the harbour, past the East Pier, over to the Roger Casement statue, towards the Martello Tower at Sandymount. They will return to the harbour to provide a great spectacle.

Coastival, organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, unleashes a wave of excitement and family fun in Dún Laoghaire from June 29th to July 7th with art, history, games, culture, sailing, family fun, music and more to the shore. Visitors can also Soak up ‘Atmosphere’ on Sunday, June 30th, with balloons, kites, and a flight from Newtownsmith from 1pm. New additions to the festival include Cruises with Dublin Bay Cruises, The ‘Stronger By The Sea’ Fitness Programme. ‘Dance and Dip, Roller Rebel Skating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding and ‘Yoga by the Sea’ in association with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership.

An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Denis O'Callaghan, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Arthur O Reilly (6) pictured at the launch of the Grand Parade of Classic Sail whcih takes place on Sunday June 20th as part of Coastival in Dún Laoghaire from June 29th to July 7th.

Throughout Coastival, a series of historic and nature walks will take place with fantastic guides to bring us back in time to the construction of the harbour and rich history of our maritime county capital. There also will be lots of fun activities for little ones with the Coastival Family Fun Day, Ollie the Octopus’ Picnic Party’ and ‘Room to Explore’ at dlr LexIcon. On Sunday July 7th the Festival closes with an action-packed day including Coastival Community Music and Dance in the Park and the Emergency Services Open Day in association with Childline will take place at St. Michael's Pier. Outdoor Movies on the Green will bring the sparkle of the silver screen with an eclectic mix of all-time family favourites at 2pm, 4.15pm and 7pm on the Green at Irish Lights.

"Following a hugely successful first year, Coastival is back to celebrate Dún Laoghaire with even wider range of events and activities. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Dún Laoghaire between June 29th and July 7th." said An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Denis O'Callaghan, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council looking forward to the event said “It is great to see Coastival return to the town after the excitement it generated in 2023. New events this year include the grand classic sail parade and the Coastival Community Music and Dance in the Park. We hope locals and tourists alike visit in great numbers and avail of the entertainment and hospitality that Dún Laoghaire has to offer.”

Coastival is organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and full details of all events are here

In July, a new classic boat/yacht parade is planned for Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

This event is being arranged in association with Dun Laoghaire's Coastival Festival, a week-long series of events and activities that culminates in the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta.

"Classic" in this context is any vessel that was designed 50 or more years ago.

Sailing classes invited to participate include the iconic Dublin designs - Water Wags, Dublin Bay 21s, IDRA 14s, Mermaids, and Glens.

Other classic keelboats include Ruffians, Shipmans, Squibs, and Dragons, while there will be a number of classic dinghies, including Fireballs, Lasers and Wayfarers.

Sailing Instructions for the parade of classic sail will be issued in due course.

Further information is in the attached poster and available from Hal Sisk by email: [email protected]