Everyone is welcome to Seafest 2019

By Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Mick Finn

“‘A safe harbour for ships’ is Cork’s motto and forms a centrepiece of our coat of arms. The sea, the river, the harbour are all intrinsic to what we are as a city and who we are as a people. SeaFest is a public celebration of that and will help connect communities with the water.

Many groups are already doing such work, including Meitheal Mara, Cork Dragons and of course all our rowing clubs, so this is just another means of maximising our maritime resources and opening them up to individuals and communities.

No other city or county in Ireland has the maritime history and facilities that Cork has. From our connections to Titanic and Lusitania, to our modern-day links with passengers from all over the world who visit us on cruise ships, Cork has it all.

There is a great programme of free events lined up for the festival this year — and for the next three years — to ensure that people connect with the river, the harbour and the sea.

SeaFest will be at the core of European Maritime Day next year when 1,000 European delegates will descend on the city to focus on serious issues relating to our oceans, our climate and environment. 2020 is also the year we will celebrate 300 years of the Royal Cork Yacht Club...the oldest such club in the world.

We invite everyone to take to the water and get involved from 7-9 June; attend the free, fun events and help focus on keeping our oceans healthy, useful and vibrant.”