Displaying items by tag: Foynes Irish Coffee Festival

29th May 2013

Foynes Irish Coffee Festival Has Distinct Maritime Flavour

#FoynesFestival – This year's Foynes Irish Coffee Festival takes place this coming Bank Holiday weekend (31 May-2 June), writes Jehan Ashmore.

The history of the 'Irish' Coffee which started 70 years can trace its origins back to the flying boats that flew across the Atlantic. It was along the banks of the Shannon Estuary that the Irish Coffee was invented as a unique treat to visitors during their en-route stopover between the continents.

The highlight of the festival will culminate on the final day (Sunday 2 June) when the Powers Irish Coffee Making Championship Final 2013 takes place at Foynes Flying Boat Museum.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the same venue in March opened a new Maritime Museum charting the history and role of shipping along the Shannon from the mouth of the estuary to Limerick Docks.

On the Saturday and Sunday are the Munster Mermaid Championships at the Foynes Yacht Club from where RIB tours will run into the estuary as part of the festival. In addition public tours of the Naval Service CPV L.E. Ciara (P41) are available during the weekend.

In addition to nautical events, the three-day festival includes other activities for all the family, visit the festival website for details of times of the full programme.

Published in Maritime Festivals

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Foynes Irish Coffee Festival

#FUN ON THE SHANNON – Today is the last day of the Foynes Irish Coffee Festival, where there is still plenty to do and see during this afternoon's line-up of the festival programme.

In port the public will be able to visit the Naval Service coastal patrol vessel L.E. Orla (P41) between 2–5pm.

Keeping to matters nautical, the Munster Mermaid Championships is been held in the Foynes Yacht Club which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion there will be a series of competitions and a fun day held on the water.

There is a Food and Irish Craft Fair, Pet Farm, a Ceile Mor, historical walks of the town and a McFaddens Carnival, for further details of times and locations see the events guide.

During the mid-afternoon there will be Irish Coffee making demonstrations in the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, where current Irish Coffee Making Champion Roisin Sweeney will be there.

In the evening the festival culminates when finalists will be competing for the Powers Irish Coffee Making Champion 2012. The event will also be held in the museum which features a replica of a flying boat that once served the mid-west hub airport.

Published in Shannon Estuary

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.