Crowds flock in their droves to enjoy best of Galway’s Docklands Festival

The festival ran alongside the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, and the Galway RNLI Open Day – with a packed programme of free, family-friendly activities.

There were boatbuilding talks and rigging demonstrations celebrating Galway’s traditional sailing culture – as well as boat trips with Galway Bay Boat Tours and an opportunity to meet the crews of the Galway Hooker Sailing Club and Galway RNLI.

Visitors enjoyed the maritime workshops, including knots and skills demonstrations- and the displays from the Emergency Services, who make sure all are safe on dry land and the water.

The focus was on family fun – with face painting, balloon art and live music throughout the day – but with the underlying theme of a unique collaboration between Galway’s maritime community, seafood producers, emergency services and local businesses, all coming together to showcase the best of the area’s heritage.

Pictured: Sonaí hOibicín and Cuisle Ní hOibicín from Leitir Murú try out the Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit jetskis at the Galway Docklands Festival organised by the Galway Hooker Sailing Club in partnership with Galway Bay Seafoods and Galway Bay Boat Tours. This volunteer run celebration of Galway's unique maritime heritage is in its fourth year and raises vital funds for the RNLI and local community groups. Photos: Brian Harding.