Skiffie Worlds to set sail in Killyleagh!

The Skiffie Worlds Festival 2016 is to set sail on Strangford Lough, Co. Down, later this month - just a stone’s throw away from Dufferin Coaching Inn! The festival, which will take place from 24th – 30th July, is a colourful celebration of coastal rowing and will bring with it the St Ayle’s World Championship races which will be held at the stunning Delamont Country Park over five days.

In the run up to the festival and throughout the week commencing there will be activities for the whole family in villages surrounding the Lough, including castle tours, shore walks, open air music, food stalls, playgrounds and face-painting, to name just a few. So don’t miss out on the highlights of the nautical festival - here are some dates for you diary!

Make a splash on Tall Ship Johanna Lucretia (Sunday 17th July – Sunday 31st July)

Take a step back in time with a cruise on the Topsail schooner Johanna Lucretia to get a taste of how sailing the high seas would have felt in the late 1800s.  Set sail from Eisenhower Pier in Bangor and take in the County Down Coast in one of the many 4-hour cruises offered by the ship’s crew while she visits Northern Ireland.  Advanced booking is essential.  Tickets can be purchased for £15 for adults and £7.50 for children under 15 online here.

Photo credit Nigel Jamison Photography

Sink your teeth into the Artisan Food Fair at Delamont Country Park (Friday 29th July)

Enjoy the very best of local eats at the Artisan Food Fair, which will take place in the Walled Garden at Delamont Country Park.  From locally-grown produce to artisan baked goods and sweet treats for the kids, this market will offer something for everyone and will take place against the picturesque backdrop of Delamont and the World Championship races.             

Cheer on your favourite teams at the Open Rowing finals (Saturday 30th July)

Get in on the exhilarating rowing action by cheering on your favourite teams at the Men’s and Women’s Open Rowing Finals at Delamont. This will be followed by the Skiffie Worlds Closing Ceremony and Strangford Lough Festival which will feature 50 skiffs, the tall ship Johanna Lucretia, canoes and yachts as they celebrate the success of this year’s Skiffie Worlds and the bonds formed among this year’s competing teams.

For more information on the Skiffie Worlds at Strangford Lough visit www.strangfordlough.org/skiffieworlds