Galway Powerboat Festival

The success of the Volvo Ocean Race last year gave Galway experience in organising a maritime-based festival and one that has more going on than sailing. Starting today and going on until June 12th, the city plays host to the Galway Powerboat Festival so the bay will be noisy with the sound of these super-sleek super-fast boats – it’s all very James Bond.

The festival is family-friendly with plenty of things to do from the sandcastle challenge on the beach in front of the Salthill Summer Market on Monday from 11am-4pm to the children’s disco today from 1-3pm on the main stage in the Festival Race Village.

The Galway Simon Community will be holding a photo treasure hunt where contestants have to first decipher some clever clues and then take a photo of the object listed on the treasure scroll. A brilliant idea – more details at the festival information tent. Events to look out for include today's gymnastic display from the Tuam All-Stars – most recently seen on the All Ireland Talent Show. They will be performing next Saturday at 3pm on the main stage in the race village.

For the entire week there will be free entertainment from troupes of buskers and street theatre performers – look out for the always fun Random Acts of Macnas on the docks today at 3pm.

See aroundireland.org