On the waterfront Boat shows are often held in the dead of winter, usually somewhere like the RDS, which seems more than a little ridiculous, so it is good to see that our growing sea-faring classes now have a new, bona fide outdoor show to go to with boats bobbing up and down in their natural habitat: in this case, Malahide Marina, where more than 180 boats, including an 82ft luxury cruiser, will be on display next weekend.
A challenge for our Naval services, that cruiser.
There will also be water-skiing and wake-boarding demonstrations, and hold-on-for-dear-life races on ZapCat inflatables on Bank Holiday Monday. Stalls will be set up at the marina selling everything from chandlery to clothing, and there will be information of sailing training courses and holidays afloat.
Restaurants abound in and around Malahide: try Cruzzo's (more for its location) or Danielli's overlooking the marina or any number of less expensive Italians including the child-friendly Giovanni's Pizzeria in Townyard Lane - always jammed. Traffic and parking may try your patience, so take the DART if you can (and take your new boat home in a taxi). Patsey Murphy
Lombard On The Water Boat Show, Malahide Marina April 28-1 May 1. Tickets can be purchased on arrival. See also: www.dublinboatshow.com