Fun for all the family too . . .

SAILING/FESTIVAL: IN ADDITION to world-class sailing, a public festival of events and free entertainment to celebrate Ireland…

SAILING/FESTIVAL:IN ADDITION to world-class sailing, a public festival of events and free entertainment to celebrate Ireland's hosting of the Four Star Pizza ISAF Youth Worlds will take place along Dún Laoghaire harbour, with most of the activity taking place on the weekend of July 13th-15th.

Spectators will get the chance to explore sailing vessels including an Irish Navy ship and the Tara, which is used for international scientific discovery, and view the marine scientific exhibition on the East Pier.

There will also be a festival market, classic car and bike fun run and a festival céilí.

Entertainment for children, including performances from street bike freestyler Mattie Griffin, will take place on Carlisle Pier. Children can also enjoy a number of exciting rides at the event’s fun fair and take part in the nautical treasure hunt at the harbour plaza on Sunday afternoon.

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Sailing lessons, street entertainers and a Four Star Pizza festival outlet on the East Pier will be available throughout the weekend.

The opening ceremony starts at 7.30pm on Friday, June 13th, with an Olympic-style parade of nations which will march to the harbour plaza led by Celtic drummers Extreme Rhythm.

The week-long international sailing event will end on Friday, July 20th, with an onstage ceremony at the harbour plaza starting at 9pm, with an official medal ceremony and entertainment by U2 tribute band The Joshua Tree and a spectacular fireworks display.

For further details see www.dublinbay2012.comand www.isafyouthworlds.com

David O'Brien

David O'Brien

David O'Brien, a contributor to The Irish Times, is a former world Fireball sailing champion and represented Ireland in the Star keelboat at the 2000 Olympics