Two of the harbour’s largest events will bring a jam-packed holiday programme to the city and county this weekend as part of Cork Harbour Festival. An action packed Ocean to City Rowing race on June 4th is followed by a day of harbour exploration and adventure with Cork Harbour Open Day on June 5th.
Port of Cork Commercial Marketing Executive, Sara Mackeown, encourages everyone to support the festival and enjoy our greatest asset. “Cork Harbour, as we know has so many beautiful attributes to offer both on and off the water. Our task is to promote the harbour and all it has to offer for both locals and visitors, and by joining with Cork Harbour Festival, Cork Harbour Open Day has grown successfully. There really is something for everyone.”
Festivities tie in with the launch of the newly revamped Spike Island Experience, which celebrates its opening weekend after a €5million reinvestment project. Manager Tom O’Neill says, “The redevelopment has made whole new areas of the complex open to the public for the first time ever.” To mark the launch, special rates will apply all weekend, with a further reduction on ferry fees and free guided tours for visitors on Sunday June 5th.
‘Discover Oceans of Energy’ at the MaREI Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy is one of the festival’s ‘discovery day’ events. Aoife Deane, the centre’s Communications and Public Engagement Officer, says they are looking forward to opening their doors. “People can view our impressive new facilities and engage in some hands-on marine and energy themed activities. The Lifetime Lab will also be on site with their energy education programme, so visitors can expect lots of family fun!”
Across the harbour, East Cork communities can enjoy a bonanza of outdoor fun. Swell Surf School will offer special rates on surfing and coasteering lessons, Whitegate Rowing Club will host a coastal rowing regatta, and Aghada Eco Adventures will host an afternoon of free family fun with kayaking and water trampolining! For those with an archaeological interest, Neptune Kayak offer a unique tour to visit Ireland’s only inter-tidal megalithic tomb at Poulnalibe creek, Rostellan.
Crosshaven, Passage West and Cobh will all host events, with the Irish Navy offering a glimpse into life in the defence forces, with free naval vessel tours in Cobh. Cork Nature Network will lead a scenic harbour bird watching walk along Mahon Point, and Cork Singer’s Club will round off a busy day with a rousing evening of sea shanties and folksong at ‘Songs of the Sea’ in the Spailpín Fánach, Cork City. The full festival programme of over 50 events is available online at www.corkharbourfestival.com
