The Cork Harbour Festival bid farewell to the majestic Galeón Andalucía on Monday (26 May) after its maiden voyage to Ireland.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the full-scale replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon docked in Cork city for the first time last week, offering visitors a unique glimpse into maritime history.
Constructed by the Nao Victoria Foundation and launched in 2009, the Galeón Andalucía has sailed over 70,000 nautical miles, participating in cultural projects across four continents. During its stay, the tall ship served as a floating museum, with crew members guiding guests through its storied decks.
As the Galeón departs, the Cork Harbour Festival shifts its focus to the highly anticipated Ocean to City – An Rás Mór, celebrating its 20th anniversary this Saturday 31 May.
This flagship event of the festival is Ireland’s largest multi-craft rowing and paddling race, attracting over 500 participants from Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands and beyond.
The race features a diverse fleet of 200 boats, including traditional currachs, gigs, Chinese dragon boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Spectators can enjoy the spectacle from various vantage points along the race course, including Cobh, Monkstown, Blackrock and Cork City.
The race commences at 3.30pm from Crosshaven, with the fleet making its way through the harbour and culminating at Lapp’s Quay in Cork City from 5.30pm. The event is free for spectators and promises a vibrant atmosphere with family entertainment and music at key locations along the route, including Cobh, Monkstown and Blackrock.
In honour of the 20th anniversary, the finish line festivities at Lapp’s Quay and Lapps Quay West will be more spectacular than ever, featuring an ‘Open Streets’ event from 2pm to 9.30pm.
Attendees can enjoy watching kayak polo, take part in a unique micro raft race, enjoy river-inspired games (on dry land), live music performances and family-oriented activities, or simply sit back and watch the race participants cross the finish line while they enjoy the food from the market stalls.
The Cork Harbour Festival runs until next Monday 2 June and features over 100 events across Cork city and county, celebrating the region’s rich maritime heritage. For more information and a full programme of events, visit corkharbourfestival.com.
