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festivals · Saturday 1 August 2026 · Various 
Arklow RNLI Maritime Festival
At Arklow Quays · South Quay, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
At Arklow Quays · South Quay, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
Arklow RNLI Maritime Festival takes over the town’s quays every August Bank Holiday weekend, with the 2026 edition running from Saturday 1 to Monday 3 August. The festival began as a fundraiser for Arklow lifeboat station, the first RNLI station in the country, and has grown into a weekend of boats, stalls and family entertainment along the South Quay. Past years have brought naval and RNLI vessels alongside the quay for viewing, and the festival remains free to attend, with collections on the day going to the RNLI.
Vessels berth along the quays for the weekend, in past years including an Irish Naval Service ship, a vintage tug, research vessels and historic RNLI lifeboats, giving visitors a rare chance to see working and heritage boats up close. Arklow’s own lifeboat station usually runs an open day as part of the weekend, with a traditional Blessing of the Fleet, a classic car show, a barbecue, live music and a DJ, a craft fair, and children’s activities such as hook-a-duck and face painting. The station’s small RNLI museum and shop are open to visitors, and there is often a model boat display. Exact timings and which vessels attend vary year to year and are confirmed closer to the date on the Arklow RNLI Maritime Festival’s Facebook page.
Arklow’s quays run along the Avoca River in the town centre, a short walk from Main Street and from the Bus Eireann stop. Arklow sits on the N11/M11, about an hour south of Dublin by car, with parking available around the town centre.
The festival sits right beside Arklow’s Maritime Museum, which covers the same seafaring history year round, and the Riverwalk follows the Avoca upstream from the quays. There is more to see in Arklow and across Co. Wicklow.
Heading to Arklow Quays in Arklow? Wicklow has plenty more to see. Read the Arklow area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.
In town for Arklow Quays? These Wicklow tours book out in summer.