Wexford Town is located on the estuary of the River Slaney, where this beautiful river meets the Irish Sea. A maritime town, the maritime festival not only remember Commodore John Barry, founder of the American Nave who hails from Wexford, but allows all the marine and land based rescue services to show the public what they do and how with live demonstrations and hands on activities.

The massive Quays were crammed with stalls and activities for the festival and there was an atmosphere of relaxation. The weather was fantastic with the sun energising the crowds. The beautifully restored “SV Brian Boru” sailing ship and the RNLI Trent Class Lifeboat were tied along the quays as were a number of local mussel dredgers reminding you that this town is a maritime town. The Festival raises much needed funds for the continued operation of the Lifeboats around the Irish Coast.

The largest Marquee was taken up by the local food producers. Its fantastic to see so many high quality foods on display and the stall owners were run off their feet providing some sample tasting and a chance for many to try out the delights first hand. Home made cakes, the ever popular “crêpes” filled with marshmallows, chocolate, strawberries…just writing this I can feel my Cholesterol levels rising! Fresh fruits from Ballycross Farm, fresh potatoes and veggies from Larry Whelan’s Potatoes, Home made Preserves, yogurts and cheese, Artisan Chocolates, ice creams, cured bacon, seafood’s and strawberries.

It was great to see so many og  local rescue services demonstrating their roll within the community when unfortunate accidents occur. It is only then that realisation their roll and their training and  expertise comes to the fore. But gladly, for most of us we may never have to experience this welcoming sight when these men and women arrive on scene to an incident to perform what they know best.

The RNLI were there in forc demonstrating their inshore lifeboat and also had one of its larger off shore lifeboats, a Trent Class. Wexford Marine Watch provides a voluntary Suicide Prevention Patrols along Wexford Quays and Harbour. A fantastic innovation in these times where suicide is so prevalent.  The Coast Guard, with an overall objective to reduce the loss of life on Ireland’s sea’s, lakes, waterways and rivers, coastal and remote areas. The Wexford Civil Defence a humanitarian organisation, also made up primarily of volunteers, provides, dedicated to assisting  to the community in a variety of ways, but particularly in lessening human suffering in times of crisis. The Order of Malta was there providing medical support to the festival on site with their ambulances and bike first responders.

It was great to see so many og  local rescue services demonstrating their roll within the community when unfortunate accidents occur. It is only then that realisation their roll and their training and  expertise comes to the fore. But gladly, for most of us we may never have to experience this welcoming sight when these men and women arrive on scene to an incident to perform what they know best.