Volvo Ocean Race Finale
3rd - 8th July 2012
Recently voted Ireland’s top holiday destination, Galway welcomes yet more visitors when the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012 reaches its dramatic conclusion on Tuesday July 3rd, 2012. This mammoth nine-month race began in Alicante, Spain, on October 29th, 2011, forging its way through the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans before charging to its scheduled finish in Galway on July 3rd.
From July 3rd to 8th, the medieval city will become one giant festival venue, anchored by the Race Village and the Global Village. The Race Village will offer such entertainment highlights as Maverick Sabre, Dara O’Briain, Ryan Sheridan, and the Saw Doctors, while the Global Village will feature an Innovation Hub, The Sustainable Way green platform, a Food Pavilion, Ocean Wealth Show Case, fashion shows, and much more. The Global Village is also a haven for children, with an adventure playground, ice rink, and funfair.
This is truly a water-lover’s paradise. Feel the excitement of the world’s most prestigious offshore race and go to Salthill, where you can watch Pro-Am racing in Galway Bay on Friday, July 6th, and In-Port Racing on Saturday, July 7th. These events attracted crowds of some 200,000 people last year, so get there early and enjoy the atmosphere. If you prefer a more hands-on approach when it comes to the ocean, avail of free sailing daily, or take advantage of reduced-rate windsurfing lessons.
For landlubbers, there are cooking demonstrations and a craft quarter in the Global Village, street entertainment on every corner, and a glorious fireworks display on Wednesday, July 4th. The most challenging sailing event on the planet deserves the most spectacular finale possible, and Galway is the ideal candidate for it!
If you harbour dreams of visiting Galway during the Volvo Ocean Race Finale celebrations, or at any other time, check out hotels in Galway with GoIreland. All our properties are ship-shape, and they don’t go overboard on prices!
