Banagher Chosen for Heritage Boat Celebrations
Banagher Harbour is the venue chosen by the Heritage Boat Association to celebrate their tenth anniversary – HBA 10 @ Banagher.
Moored in this historic site, from Saturday May 28th to Sunday June 6th 2011, will be the largest gathering of heritage boats in a harbour, since the end of commercial traffic on the Irish inland waterways. On offer throughout the week are events to appeal to everyone in the community.
Over twenty of the Grand Canal Company (GCC) barges together with many other regenerated heritage barges and boats will be on display in the Harbour. Many of these are the old commercial boats that moved large and heavy goods along the canals, rivers and lakes, the motorways of their day. Also in the harbour will be rejuvenated wooden boats, steam tugs, steam yachts, sailing barges and other historic boats.
Each evening in the Crank House starting at 19:30, there will be a different talk on various aspects of the Shannon, her heritage and her historic boats. Entry is free and the public are most welcome.
During the week there will be daily boat trips by Silverline Cruisers with a Birdwatch Ireland Guide on board, to explore the flora and fauna of the River. Newgrange Currach will demonstrate how to build a currach and local teams will compete to build the best one. There are fishing and photographic competitions.
Shannonside Sub Aqua Club’s sponsored Fin Swim will be followed by a BBQ open to the public with fun for all the family.
Full details are available from the HBA Website www.heritageboatassociation.ie.
