PRESS RELEASE
22nd March 2017
Dun Laoghaire Harbour to welcome 100,000 visitors to celebrate Bicentenary
Dun Laoghaire is set for a summer of celebrations to mark the Harbours 200th anniversary. The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Bicentenary Steering Group has announced its programme of activities to coincide with the milestone event.
The Opening Ceremony will be officiated by President Michael D Higgins & the groups Patron Minister Mary Mitchell O Connor on 31st May. Other featured events include an International Harbour Food Festival featuring over 25 unique vendors (4th & 5th June), a live Viking Invasion re-enactment with longboats as seen on the hit TV Show ‘Vikings’ (20th August) and The Kingstown 200 Classic Boat Race (8th July).
100,000 visitors are expected to visit the Harbour this summer to participate in the free public events.
The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company in collaboration with a range of local stakeholders have put in place a schedule of exhibitions, workshops, lectures and events to mark the Bicentenary.
Gerry Dunne, CEO of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company: said “the programme of events throughout the summer reflects the cultural and historical role the Harbour has played not just in Dun Laoghaire but in its wider environs over the past 200 years”. Thanking all those who worked tirelessly on the project, Mr Dunne said “the Bicentenary will bring a welcome boost to the local economy and reinforce the sense of public pride in one of the country’s greatest landmarks”.
More information can be found at www.dlharbour200.ie .
ENDS
Contact: Alan Cantwell @ 086 8147855. cantwellmedia@gmail.com
Note: Steering Group members include Dun Laoghaire Business Improvement District, National Maritime Museum of Ireland, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, The Pavilion Theatre, RNLI, The Coal Harbour Users Group, Irish National Sailing School & The Combined Dun Laoghaire Yacht Clubs.