Foyle Maritime Festival – Derry, Northern Ireland 2026
Overview
The Foyle Maritime Festival 2026 returns to Derry~Londonderry’s iconic River Foyle waterfront, transforming the historic quayside into a vibrant hub of nautical adventure and cultural celebration over four days. Organized by Derry City and Strabane District Council, this biennial event draws on the city’s rich maritime heritage—from its role as a key emigration port to a WWII U.S. Navy base—featuring international tall ships, on-water spectacles, and family-friendly activities that attract over 100,000 visitors.
Set against the backdrop of Ireland’s only completely walled city, the festival blends thrilling parades of sail, live music, street food markets, and interactive exhibits, fostering a sense of community and seafaring spirit. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and economic boost, it’s a perfect summer escape celebrating Derry’s enduring connection to the sea.
Event Highlights
- Main Performances: Parade of Sail with tall ships and navy vessels on the River Foyle, live music stages including Maritime Melodies, and the Beyond Blue showcase featuring pyrotechnics, lights, and music.
- Special Features: On-water activities like boat tours, river races, and taster sessions with the Loughs Agency; urban beach relaxation zones and Lego Sea Creatures challenges.
- Unique Attractions: First-look exhibits at the DNA Museum preview (opening 2026), sensory-friendly quiet sessions at vintage funfairs, and Foyle Sailability for adaptive sailing experiences.
About This Event
- Biennial four-day festival since 2012, celebrating Derry~Londonderry’s maritime history on the River Foyle.
- Produced by Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with Ulster University and the Loughs Agency.
- All-ages event with family zones, attracting 100,000+ attendees; emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility.
- Features tall ships, on-water demos, markets, and cultural installations across the riverfront.
- Supports local economy and heritage through free entry and community involvement.
- Includes eco-initiatives like sustainable food stalls and proceeds benefiting regional causes.
Why Attend
The Foyle Maritime Festival 2026 is an exhilarating riverside revelry that captures Derry~Londonderry’s seafaring soul, offering everything from majestic tall ship parades to hands-on boat races, all in a welcoming walled city brimming with history and hospitality. It’s a chance to step aboard historic vessels, savor street food under the stars, and witness the Beyond Blue light show that turns the Foyle into a canvas of wonder—ideal for families, history buffs, or anyone craving summer adventure.
What elevates this festival is its heartfelt nod to the city’s resilient spirit, from emigration tales to WWII echoes, blended with modern inclusivity like sensory sessions and adaptive sailing. Amid golden-hour fireworks and lively ceilidhs, you’ll forge connections in a place where the river’s rhythm meets community craic, leaving you with stories as timeless as the tides.
Date & Duration
- Dates: June 25 – June 28, 2026
- Duration: 4 days
Venue / Location
- City: Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland
- Main Venue: River Foyle quayside, including Ebrington Square, Queen’s Quay, and Strand Road for ships, stages, and markets.
- Notable Areas: Urban beach and on-water zones at Queen’s Quay; Heritage Tent for DNA Museum preview; Festival Family Hub at Council Offices for welfare and quiet spaces.
- Google Maps Address: Foyle Riverfront, Strand Road, Derry~Londonderry BT48 7PX, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Free general admission; some third-party events (e.g., premium boat tours) booked via official site or partners like Translink.
- Admission Type: Free.
- Ticket Pricing Range: $0 USD (minimum) – $50 USD (maximum).
- Special Seating/VIP Options: Accessible viewing platforms for fireworks (first-come); companion support via JAM cards and safety bands at info points.
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Contact Information
- Email: foylemaritime@derrystrabane.com (general inquiries); Caitriona.Doherty@derrystrabane.com (accessibility).
- Phone: +44 28 7125 3253 (main); +44 77 3909 2409 (inclusion officer).
- Website: https://www.foylemaritime.com (See Official Site).
- Social Media: @foylemaritime (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter), Foyle Maritime Festival (YouTube).
- Key Staff: Aeidin McCarter (Head of Culture); Caitriona Doherty (Access Officer).
- Press/Volunteers: Email media@foylemaritime.com (press); volunteer info via general email (TBD).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available.
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: City of Derry Airport (LDY), 8 miles from city center with Ryanair/Loganair flights from London, Liverpool, Glasgow.
- Public Transport: Translink hourly trains from Belfast (2 hours); Ulsterbus routes from Dublin/Belfast; late-night festival buses (e.g., 212 to Belfast, 148 to Dungiven) from Foyle St Station.
- Parking: Free at Ulster University Magee Campus (5 PM Friday–Sunday); paid at Strand Road/Quayside lots; accessible spots at Strand Road (no advance booking).
- Other: Aircoach shuttles from Belfast/Dublin Airports; Foyle Port Marina for boats (book berths via foyleport.com); taxis via City Cabs app (+44 28 7126 4466).
Accommodation Options
- Hotels: City-center options like Da Vinci Hotel (riverside, family rooms) or Everglades Hotel (budget-friendly, near walls).
- Airbnb: Walled City apartments or self-catering homes in Waterside for groups.
- Camping: No on-site; nearby options like Springtown Caravan Park (3 miles) or motorhome parking at Fort George (book online).
- Booking Tip: Book early via VisitDerry.com for festival packages; free parking at Magee Campus eases stays.
Reviews
- Absolutely buzzing with tall ships and fireworks—Derry’s riverfront came alive in the best way!
- Family heaven with free funfair rides and sensory spots; the light show was pure magic.
- Loved the boat tours and street food—such a warm welcome, can’t wait for more!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What can I expect from the main events at Foyle Maritime Festival 2026?
The festival kicks off with a Parade of Sail on Friday, featuring tall ships and navy boats gliding the River Foyle, followed by live music at Maritime Melodies stages. Saturday's Beyond Blue showcase dazzles with pyrotechnics, lights synced to music, and a fireworks finale over the water. Sunday wraps with family activities like Lego challenges and river races. On-water taster sessions via Loughs Agency offer kayaking and sailing demos. All free, but arrive early for prime spots—download the app for schedules. Expect 100,000+ crowds; weatherproof layers advised for riverside vibes.
Is the festival free, and are tickets needed for any parts?
Yes, general admission is completely free—no tickets required for core events like ship parades, markets, or the urban beach. Some add-ons, like premium boat tours or VIP fireworks viewing, may cost $20–$50 USD and book via foylemaritime.com or Translink. Safety bands and JAM cards (for extra time needs) are free at info points. Under-18s must be with adults; no capacity limits but queues form for popular spots. Check the programme PDF in spring 2026 for ticketed highlights. It's designed for drop-in fun, boosting local access.
How accessible is the festival for families and people with disabilities?
Fully committed to inclusion: accessible parking at Strand Road (first-come), drop-offs at Foyleview Apartments, and free shuttles if needed. Viewing platforms for fireworks (Saturday, Strand Road) and raised areas at stages; quiet/sensory rooms at Festival Family Hub and Guildhall (9 AM–8 PM weekdays). Changing Places facilities at Ebrington Square (24/7 key) and Foyleside Centre. Sensory-friendly sessions include noon funfair (Sunday) and Lego challenges (Saturday). Assistance dogs welcome; contact Caitriona.Doherty@derrystrabane.com for escorts. High noise/crowds noted—stewards in hi-vis vests help navigate.
What are the best ways to get around and explore during the festival?
The riverfront is walkable (flat paths from Ebrington to Queen's Quay), but taxis via City Cabs app are handy for longer hops. Translink boosts late buses (e.g., 143 to Limavady at 11:30 PM Saturday). Rent mobility aids from Shop Mobility Foyle (free scooters/wheelchairs, book +44 28 7136 8623). Ferries from Scotland (P&O/Stena) or Belfast docks arrive nearby; marina berths for boats via Foyle Port. Free motorhome parking at Fort George—book online. App maps guide you; combine with Walled City tours for full immersion. Public transport integrates seamlessly for eco-friendly travel.
Where can I eat and stay during the festival weekend?
LegenDerry Street Food Festival runs all four days with local seafood, vegan stalls, and global bites ($5–$15 USD); bars at quayside for craft beers. Family Hub offers baby-changing and teas. For stays, book via VisitDerry.com—options from Da Vinci Hotel ($100/night riverside) to Airbnbs in the walls ($80/group). Free parking at Magee Campus (5 PM–Sunday) suits campers. B&Bs like The Ebrington ($90, historic) or self-catering in Waterside for families. Festival triples demand—reserve 6 months ahead; packages include transport. Explore Sperrins hikes post-festival for nature escapes.
