HISTORIC CANAL JOURNEY TO NEWGRANGE ON THE HORIZON
BOYNE BOATS ARE AHEAD OF THE PACK IN RIVER TOURISM
LAST weekend’s Irish Maritime Festival at Drogheda Port had a little bit of something for everyone - and some good news for those with a real interest in the waterways of the region.
The path is almost open for visitors to take a boat trip from a proposed pontoon close to Drogheda garda station, all the way to Newgrange.
Stephen Early from Inland Waterways said the area at Horse Bridge, close to Oldbridge House was being dredged at the moment and with the right equipment the stretch of the canal could be opened to the river.
It is hoped to open up the Staleen lock this year and then would open the route to Newgrange.
Captain Martin Donnelly confirmed that Drogheda Port were backing the project and would love to see it completed.
The river tourism idea could tie in Beaulieu as well. The whole idea of tourism and the Boyne was embraced by Boyne Boats three years ago with their Game of Thrones themed trips up and down the canal.
They added a second boat recently that can take eight people. They do everything from birthday parties to corporate days out.
Another great aspect of the festival was the work of artist Noel Kelly.
He took on the task of painting the giant buoy that had been down close to the former Sound Shop on the quays.
He is painting it, featuring a ship and will be adding a Fleadh look over the coming weeks.
The festival, which saw a visit from the French navy and a colourful march up Peter Street with Mayor Frank Godfrey on Sunday morning, also featured a popular Fleadh tent, the wonderful Purple Sessions and the Irish Coastguard helicopter, built for the St Patrick’s Day parade.
St John Ambulance were their usual professional best and other features were the Big Dig, the Virgin Media stand, Sarsfield’s Bar and of course, the boats, from Portsmouth to Liverpool and the ever popular Clogherhead Lifeboat.
The food and drink section was stunning, from the famous brown bread at the Lime Kiln Pantry, to Bellingham Blue cheese, Cockagee cider - and Applejuice, Gerry’s Fresh Foods and Tara Walker.
The event is hosted each year by Louth County Council in conjunction with Drogheda Port Company and proudly supported by Virgin Media.
Speaking on behalf of Louth County Council Festival Director Colette Moss said “The Irish Maritime Festival is a fabulous opportunity to showcase all that Drogheda has to offer. The river is such an important feature of the town and the Festival allows us to celebrate this. Tourism will be a key driver of economic growth in the region and it’s critical to build profile for Drogheda as the Gateway to the Boyne Valley.”
Colette continued “An event such as the Irish Maritime Festival just wouldn’t be possible without the volunteer community in Drogheda. Over 200 volunteers, on and off the water, play their part in making this event the success that it is. We deeply appreciate their support.”