Cork to host EU flagship event celebrating Ireland's maritime heritage

Cork will play host to this year’s edition of the EU’s flagship maritime event, with a free family-friendly programme of activities and a two-day conference later this month.

The free event, entitled ‘European Maritime Days to Play’, is a celebration of the Irish maritime industry, taking place on May 23 and 24 across Cork’s quaysides.

The celebration coincides with both the European Maritime Conference, taking place from May 21 to 23, and the return of the Cork Harbour Festival, which will run from May 24 to June 2.

The two-day event includes a range of activities from cooking demos to interactive science exhibitions and the opportunity to explore an aquaculture classroom on wheels.

Attendees will also be given the chance to tour some of the country’s naval, research, patrol and buoy laying vessels on the city’s quaysides.

There will also be some creative activities from street performances to live music.

Honoured

“Cork city is honoured to be hosting European Maritime Day which will see up to 1,000 maritime professionals visit Cork to network, discuss and outline joint action on maritime affairs and the sustainable blue economy,” Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle said. 

“To celebrate this event and Cork’s rich maritime heritage, people of all ages can enjoy the free and fun ‘European Maritime Days to Play’ which will increase understanding around how our river, harbour, seas and oceans enrich our lives.”

The event is funded by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Cork City Council, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Eirgrid, the marine environment section of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the maritime regulator, MARA.

Registration to attend the European Maritime Conference will remain open until May 10.

For more information on the ‘European Maritime Days to Play’ event, visit: https://www.corkcity.ie/.