Displaying items by tag: Kingstown200

11th April 2017

Dun Laoghaire 'Gateway to Ireland' Exhibition Runs In Lead-Up to Bicentenary of the Pier

#Gateway2Ireland – In an exhibition that covers two hundred years since Dún Laoghaire proudly became the ‘Gateway to Ireland’, the flagship dlrLexicon Library that aptly overlooks the harbour explores the theme of travel and travellers to Ireland.

Utilising material from the Local Studies collection, the exhibition highlights how Ireland was presented during that time. A stranger’s fresh eye on Ireland shows much that was unseen and much that has changed.

Looking at these accounts, which attempted to present Ireland to a foreign audience, we can see afresh, through its beauties and the popular observation of its conditions, the Ireland of the past. Ireland’s famous ‘welcome to the stranger’ became, in time, a way for us to review and present ourselves to the world.

The exhibition Gateway to Ireland which began earlier this year concludes on 30 April, so now is the time to visit and get closer to this major aspect of the harbour’s history. Just over a month later, President Micheal D. Higgins will be attending the historic event to celebrate the harbour’s Bi-Centenary on 31 May.

On a related note, another exhibition: Bicentenary of the Pier (15-May-30 June) also takes place in the Lexicon. This exhibition will provide a fascinating account of the pier's past 200 years. The pier later became the East Pier, following the completion of the West Pier to form the completed harbour, though the original plans for a 'place of refuge’ proposed constructing just a single pier.

Colin and Anna Scudds of the Dun Laoghaire Borough Historical Society have carried out the research that includes numerous images of the East Pier from the 19th century to more recent times.

For further details of these exhibtions and events click here

Published in Dublin Bay

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Dun Laoghaire to Welcome 100,000 Visitors to Celebrate Harbour Bicentenary

#dlharbour200 - To mark the 200th anniversary of Dun Laoghaire Harbour (formerly Kingstown) a summer of celebrations have been organised. The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Bicentenary Steering Group has announced its programme of activities to coincide with the milestone event.

The Opening Ceremony will be officiated by President Michael D Higgins & the groups Patron Minister Mary Mitchell O Connor on 31st May. Other featured events include an International Harbour Food Festival featuring over 25 unique vendors (4th & 5th June), The Kingstown 200 Classic Boat Race (8th July) and a live Viking Invasion re-enactment with longboats as seen on the hit TV Show ‘Vikings’ (20th August).

100,000 visitors are expected to visit the harbour this summer to participate in the free public events. The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company in collaboration with a range of local stakeholders have put in place a schedule of exhibitions, workshops, lectures and events to mark the Bicentenary. For further information visit www.dlharbour200.ie

Gerry Dunne, CEO of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company: said “the programme of events throughout the summer reflects the cultural and historical role the harbour has played not just in Dun Laoghaire but in its wider environs over the past 200 years”. Thanking all those who worked tirelessly on the project, Mr Dunne said “the Bicentenary will bring a welcome boost to the local economy and reinforce the sense of public pride in one of the country’s greatest landmarks”.

Published in Dun Laoghaire Harbour News

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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.