Maritime History

Local historians Andrew O Brien and  Jimmy Cleary give a Maritime talk on Wicklow Harbour at the Castle during the Regatta Festival.The rain did not dampen the spirit of both men as they recalled ship wrecks some which took place a short distance from where we stood and other historical facts about the harbour and its sailors , this is the 3rd year they have given the talk and it is well worth going to,  the historians are members of the Wicklow Historical Society and publish a yearly journal packed with well researched history of our town and surrounding area.

30/07/08

A Wicklow Rowing Club skiff crew train in Wicklow bay

Island Shipping's HUSKY return's to Wicklow harbour.

25/07/08

New Research vessel

The T BURKE operated out of Wicklow harbour for a few weeks on a mussel seed survey along the coast . The research vessel launched this year after being built in Kinsale will be used for inshore surveying, particularly gathering information for use in developing the mussel industry for the national fisheries board (BIM)

22/07/08

Wicklow RNLI Open Day

Sean Olohan (right) and AVOCA onboard the RNLB ANNIE BLAKER , Sean wrote a song called 'Saving Lives' and released it on CD , over the Summer it entered the Irish download charts , the song was inspired by the work of Wicklow RNLI volunteer crews over the last 150 years , The band played the song at the lifeboat Open day . The CD is available at Track One in Wicklow.

Wicklow Fire Service and Ambulance put on a display during the RNLI Open Day , 

The lifeboat crew and Army , during the Open day

Coast Guard helicopter 'Mike Echo Sierra' makes a flypast of Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station during the Open day

20/07/08

Sailing vessels visit Wicklow

LEADER is no stranger to Wicklow , having made a few calls in the past .

Leader is a former Brixham sailing trawler, one of the largest of her type ever built. She is the largest, and oldest, of Trinity's three vessels and was built in 1892 at the boatyard of A. W. Gibbs in Galmpton on the river Dart. She fished in UK waters until 1907, when she was sold to new owners in Scandinavia. She remained there as a working vessel until the 1960's, when she became a sail training vessel under the flag of the Swedish Cruising Club.  In 1985, she was taken to the West coast of Scotland, where she was used for sailing charter holidays. In 1996 she was brought home to South Devon, and operated from Dartmouth until 1999, when she became part of the Trinity fleet, and returned to Brixham. 

click here for more details

Island Shipping's HUSKY inbound to Wicklow Harbour

The Brixham Ketch LEADER and the Ocean Youth vessel JOHN LAING at the East Pier , both vessels were on passage to Liverpool for the Tall Ship's Festival

John Laing is a Shipwright 70 design. She was custom built for the Ocean Youth Club in 1990 specifically as a sail training vessel.

For details about the Ocean Youth Club click here

15/07/08

The SEA STALLION of GLENDALOUGH

The SEA STALLION of GLENDALOUGH gets underway by sail , she would spent the next 2 days at sea , rounding Lands End and finally going into port for a well deserved rest , according to the website the crew were treated very well by the people of Wicklow and were delighted for the hospitality. After a eventful voyage the longship arrived home in Denmark on August 9th.To visit the website click here

The sail is raised and the crew prepare to head south.. 

Wicklow Sailing Club Yachts escort the longship out into Wicklow Bay

Wicklow Mayor John O Brien watches as The SEA STALLION of GLENDALOUGH leaves the port

Approaching the open sea again..

A Large crowd gathered to watch the departure

The power of over 60 oars ease the vessel out of port

The SEA STALLION of GLENDALOUGH

The UNION MERCURY saluted the longship by sounding her horn as she passed by.. 

The journey home continues... hopes were high of sailing around Land's End ! no mean feat in a open vessel ..

After spending a few days in Wicklow waiting for favourable weather conditions , the Captain prepares to give the order to let the ropes go.

06/07/08

The longship spends her first night in Wicklow

CABLE ONE lies at anchor off the Black Castle in Wicklow bay illuminated by the setting Sun

Shortly after arrival , a well deserved meal is prepared for the crew ...

Its not often you see a Viking ship alongside the South Quay

Preparing to go alongside the South Quay.. the nearest harbour to Glendalough the location she is named after..

working in unison  ,the sight of so many oars was unreal , l have never seen a vessel make such a impressive arrival in the harbour.

Entering the harbour , as crowds gather on the East Pier

Passing the Black Castle

With the sail down ,  and no mechanical power , the strenth of 60 people with oars will bring the fine vessel  into Wicklow

Summer Wind from Wicklow Sailing Club escorts the Longship into port

CABLE ONE was acting as guardship for the journey home , the vessel a former English trawler is now converted for various tasks , some will remember her operating out of Wicklow port a few years ago , while working on cables from the Arkilow Wind Farm.

But first she will call at Wicklow , which has not seen a Viking longship visit in well over 1000 years.. 

  Wicklow Head is in sight ...