PRESS RELEASE
30.06.16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Commissioners of Irish Lights Exhibition Launch, Granuaile Tours and Media Briefing at Seafest 2016
Safety at Sea Through War and Upheaval IRISH LIGHTS 1911 – 1923 is an exciting new historical exhibition that officially opens to the public for the first time on Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3 in the Galway Docks at SeaFest; Ireland’s annual Maritime Festival.
Irish Lights is a maritime organisation delivering an essential navigation and safety service around the coast of Ireland. Irish Lights has developed Safety at Sea Through War and Upheaval IRISH LIGHTS 1911 – 1923 to tell the story of how Irish Lights continued its mission; to ensure safety at sea for all, even through the daunting events of the First World War and a nation-defining revolution..
The historical exhibition has been developed in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy, and is an incredibly immersive experience that uses unique sources and pays homage to this island’s rich maritime legacy.
Commenting on the exhibition Michael Kennedy – Royal Irish Academy Executive Editor said;
“‘This exhibition reveals Ireland through the First World War and the revolutionary years as no one has ever seen it before. It is a ground breaking tale from a unique and previously untapped source into Ireland’s past.’
In addition to the exhibition, the public will be able to learn more about the work of Irish Lights today, with the opening of the famous Irish Lights’ Vessel; the ILV Granuaile,. The Granuaile’s 16-man strong crew will offer guided tours of the ship to the public on Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3, as the ship will be moored in the Galway Docks over the weekend.
This is rare and unique opportunity to see inside the 79-metre long working –service vessel, named after the famous Irish Pirate Queen; Grace O'Malley. As part of Irish Lights’ Aids to Navigation management and maintenance programme, the Granuaile maintains lighthouses, buoys and beacons all around the Irish Coast.
Commenting on the unique programme of events, Yvonne Shields – Irish Lights Chief Executive said;
“ Irish Lights is delighted to be associated with Seafeast and to have the opportunity to give the public both an insight into the history of our organisation and into the essential safety and navigation services we provide around the coast every day of the year. We invite you to come and see the past, present and the future. “
The all-island tourism initiative; Great Lighthouses of Ireland, will also be showcasing at SeaFest on Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3 in the Galway Docks.
Featuring twelve wonderful lighthouses in breath-taking coastal locations, Great Lighthouses of Ireland has been developed by Irish Lights and offers visitors the chance to visit or stay-in a lighthouse. Each Lighthouse offers visitors the opportunity to find out about their fascinating history, to appreciate the spectacular natural world around them, to discover the technology at work in lighthouses today and to meet the people who are passionate about these unique places
Great Lighthouses of Ireland will also host VIP Tours of the ILV Granuaile for media professionals, at both 11:00 am and at 12:00 noon on Saturday July 2 in the Galway Docks.
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Manus Weed Website and Social Media
Irish Lights www.irishlights.ie
Public Relations & Communications Officer Facebook: /commissionersofirishlights
Email: manus.weed@irishlights.ie Twitter: @irishlights
Tel: +353 (0) 87 690 3386 www.ria.ie
Facebook: /greatlighthousesofireland
Twitter: @gtlighthouses
