As Afloat reported, the Dublin City Council Liffey Festival, which explores the river and its quays with fun-filled activities, is to take place this weekend (12-13 September) along the Docklands quarter.
So come along to the inaugural festival’s fantastic programme of activities, performances, maritime experiences, and family-friendly entertainment along the quays in the heart of the capital.
The festival is free of admission to attend (from 12 noon to 6pm), though a small number are paid activities, some of which can be booked in advance soon at dublinliffeyfestival.ie
Step aboard visiting tall ships (see below), try a new sport, follow the historic Liffey Swim, join walking tours, discover the stories of the river, watch spectacular aerial and jetpack displays, enjoy live music and street theatre performances, and gather along the quays for Sunday’s Dublin City Council Liffey Festival Flotilla (as detailed further below).
Cheer on the 106th Liffey Swim
One of Dublin’s great sporting traditions will open the Dublin City Council Liffey Festival on Saturday as the 106th Dublin City Council Dublin City Liffey Swim takes to the water. Swimmers will race through the heart of the city from the start at Rory O’More Bridge to the finish at the steps of Custom House Quay.
Try a new sport
Take to the water to experience the river. HQ2O Watersports will offer discounted pre-booked opportunities to try out a katakanu, currach, or hydrobike. The on-water activities include a variety of paddle activities in conjunction with Canoeing Ireland.
Visiting Vessels: Historic Tall Ships and a brand-new Customs Cutter
The following three vessels (and more to come) will be open to the public on both days, free of charge, and no booking is required, so just turn up at Sir John Rogersons Quay.
The impressive Class A trainee tall ship Pelican of London, which Afloat highlights, brings young people sailing opportunities and science-based voyages. It is a regular to Irish ports and shores and will be open to public tours. The vessel is part of a partnership fleet that collaborates with Sail Training Ireland.
The ‘Pelican’ originally started its role in 1948 as an Arctic trawler, Le Pelican, and over several years was converted into a sail training ship between 1995 and 2007. Its rig, which is a mainmast barquentine, along with its black and white hull, presents a striking presence.
Another Class A tallship, the Swedish-flagged trainee vessel Gunilla, which Afloat tracked off Scotland yesterday, having sailed from Lerwick, Shetland Islands.
In addition, the tall ship is to be joined by the Revenue Commissioners' brand new customs cutter RCC Cosaint Irish for 'protection,' which patrols Ireland’s coastline, which will be among the visiting vessels along Sir John Rogerson’s Quay. This will be a rare opportunity to take a glimpse of the vessel that protects our coastline from illegal activities.
The €9 million hybrid-powered 18-knot patrol cutter, RCC Cosaint, as Afloat also reported in October, had just entered service when it used Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Later in the same month the 35m cutter was officially named and commissioned at a ceremony in Kinsale, Co. Cork.
The 204 gross tons cutter with a range of 750 nautical miles is operated by the Revenue’s Maritime Unit, having replaced the smaller R.C.C. Suirbhéir, the Revenue Commissioners' first cutter, and operates along with the almost identical twin, R.C.C. Faire.
So why not take a step aboard these selected ships for free public visits. Further visiting vessels will be announced ahead of the festival.
Also on the river will be a former Liffey Ferry, No.11, which will become the centrepiece of a weekend of vessels, watersports, displays, and the festival flotilla finale as below.
Enjoy history, heritage, and storytelling at Live at the Liffey
A varied programme of talks will explore the many layers of the river’s story, from Dublin’s maritime and archaeological heritage to the lives and memories of its dock workers and the social history of the city.
Dublin Port’s Heritage Director Lar Joye will present “Dublin Port: Unlocking Our Maritime Heritage - Fostering Inspiration and Innovation," while archaeologist Dr Niall Brady, director of the Archaeological Diving Company, will explore the archaeology of the river and estuary.
Representing the Dublin Dock Workers Preservation Society will be Declan Byrne and John Miley Walsh, who will share stories and memories of the dock-working communities.
The renowned Dublin historian and tour guide, Pat Liddy, will present “The Liffey: The River that Made Dublin." The author is also known for his illustrated scenes of the capital, ‘Dublin Today,' featuring the built environment but also the former Guinness ‘stout’ ships loading the ‘black stuff’ from road tankers on the cobbled quays of the aforementioned Sir John Rogerson’s Quay.
While the historian, author, and broadcaster Donal Fallon will present “Hidden Histories of Dublin’s Docklands: Diving Bells and Dockers and Dublin and the Great Hunger: The Jeanie Johnston and Other Stories."
The programme will also bring the past to life through storytelling with Candlelit Tales, alongside further sessions exploring themes including the biodiversity of the Liffey and Dublin’s Viking heritage.
Explore and discover hidden histories
Guided tours will take the story beyond the stage and onto the waterfront. The Liffey Waterfront: From Boom to Decline and Back Again will reveal the characters, landmarks, and hidden histories that have shaped the river and its quays.
Immerse yourself in Live Performances
Watch spectacular aerial and jetpack displays on the River Liffey, sing and dance along to live music, and experience enthralling street theatre along the quays.
Friendly fun for everyone
With craft workshops, fairground attractions, face painting, and food and drink, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy.
Festival Flotilla Finale
Everyone is invited to line the quays for a fitting finale as the river becomes the main stage for the Dublin City Council Liffey Festival Flotilla.
Local boats, rowing clubs, and community vessels will gather at Custom House Quay before travelling together along the Liffey towards Dublin Port, with Glasshouse Ensemble providing an eight-piece orchestral and vocal performance.
For further programme information, additional visiting tall ships, and details of activities requiring advance booking, they will be announced shortly on www.dublinliffeyfestival.ie
