Foyle Port to celebrate 170 years of maritime history at festival
24 June 2024
This year Foyle Port celebrates a historic milestone as it marks 170 years at the heart of trade and industry on the River Foyle – and what better time to celebrate than at the Foyle Maritime Festival later this month.
Foyle Port staff will come together to mark the occasion in style with maritime themed festivities on the Foyle, a special quayside reception and family fun day.
The Maritime Festival provides an opportunity to look back and reflect on the remarkable history of the Foyle, as a key Irish port for transatlantic trade, a centre for emigration, and a strategic military base. Foyle Port has been integral to the city’s growth and development.
When the Port was first formally established in 1854, the Industrial Revolution was well underway and it accelerated in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Transatlantic shipping was a lynchpin in opening up trade routes and transportation to the United States and further afield and Foyle Port provided the ideal access point.
Today, Foyle Port operates as a vital bulk port, renewable energy platform and a supporter of cruise tourism, making essential contributions to the North West of Ireland’s economy.
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Barr, said the Maritime Festival offered the perfect backdrop to celebrate the pivotal role played by Foyle Port down through the decades. “The Foyle Maritime Festival celebrates the city’s rich maritime history, and Foyle Port has had a key strategic role since it was first established. Our river has always been central to our commerce, our culture and our heritage.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to acknowledge the important work of Foyle Port on this historic milestone. They have been integral to managing activity on the Foyle making it the thriving business that it is today. I want to thank the team and wish them all the very best for the future.”
Harbour Master and Operations Director Bill McCann said: “The Foyle Maritime Festival is a highlight of the year for us as it underscores our ongoing commitment to contribute to the positive impact of the Port in the community. This event would not be possible without the exceptional expertise of our marine team, safe waterways and the marine infrastructure we have in place. Our marine team are committed to the safe and efficient operation of all marine activity ensuring a secure environment for all.
“After 170 years as the maritime hub of the North West, Foyle Port continues to grow, thrive and evolve and what better way to celebrate these achievements and this landmark year, than by joining the party at the council’s giant maritime festival weekend on the quayside and on the water. We look forward to seeing generations of Foyle Port families joining in the celebrations, and to seeing tens of thousands of visitors enjoying the packed programme of activities, sharing the magic of the River Foyle and all that it showcases of this great city.”
Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the Foyle Maritime Festival over four days from Thursday June 27 until Sunday June 30, with a packed programme of water and land based activities. The quayside will become a bustling maritime village featuring vintage fairground rides, live music, the culinary delights of the LegenDerry Food Village, the Maritime and Merchant Markets, Big Wheel, water taster sessions and so much more.
The festival is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with key stakeholders Foyle Port and Loughs Agency and supported by a range of funders including TNI, Diageo and Ulster University.
Find out more about the full programme of events on www.foylemaritimefestival.com