01/07/2011 00:00:00
Ireland’s south-east corner is in the international eye this weekend as Waterford city hosts the first leg of the Tall Ships Races 2011.
An international fleet of up to 50 tall ships are the star attraction for an estimated 500,000 visitors to the quaysides of this city famed for its Viking past.
Gary Breen, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Operations in the South East, says the four-day festival is guaranteed to be keep visitors of all types entertained over the weekend. 
During the event, Waterford city centre will be alive with music events and performances while market stalls will stretch the full length of the riverbank. Visitors were treated to a firework display on the opening night along with food and craft markets as well as parades and street performances.
“Fáilte Ireland is investing heavily in festivals and events across the country in 2011 – providing opportunities to showcase not only Irish culture but the good nature, charm and invention of our people. An event of the calibre and scale of the Tall Ships will help to further build on the reputation of the South East region as a ‘happening’ destination.”
Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, is working with Waterford City Council on the development of the Viking Triangle, defining the historic centre of the city.
When completed, the area will offer a mix of heritage and cultural attractions interspersed with specialist shops, cafes and open-air communal areas. Fáilte Ireland’s funding will go towards the development of a Viking Museum in Reginald’s Tower, a modern museum in the refurbished Bishop’s Palace, a new medieval museum and public realm enhancements.
The Tall Ships is one in a series of signature events happening in Ireland this summer including the Irish Open in Killarney, the Dublin Horse Show taking place in the capital and the Solheim Cup, which “tees off” in County Meath in September.
Fáilte Ireland believes the Tall Ships event will leave a lasting legacy not just on Waterford but the South East region. Waterford, the waterways and coastline of the south east will reach a global audience of millions.
Prior to the event, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Mr Michael Ring TD said: “With 500,000 visitors expected to Waterford over the weekend and a further total global audience of millions watching, the event will create an opportunity for extensive media coverage and provide a fantastic shop window to showcase Ireland as a versatile and high quality holiday destination... An event like the Tall Ships will really put the wind back in the sails of Ireland Inc.”
On Sunday, 3 July, the ships will depart for Scotland and then Norway and Sweden for the later stages of the race series.
The Tall Ships return to Dublin city from 23-26 August 2012.
Image courtesy of Dylan Vaughan