Celebrate the 200 year anniversary of the Donaghadee Harbour with us
Let's celebrate the 200 year anniversary of the Donaghadee Harbour together!
Take a look at the range of events, exhibitions and tours which will be taking place in Donaghadee throughout the week.
Information kindly supplied by Donaghadee Local History Forum, Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company and Robin Masefield. Programme subject to change.
Tuesday 20 July – Friday 13 August
Donaghadee Harbour 200th Anniversary Exhibition
Donaghadee Library, 5 Killaughey Road
Opening times:
Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 10am-5pm
Thu 10am-2pm
Sat 10am-1pm
Sun Closed
This exhibition explores the long history of the harbour from Montgomery’s Pier in 1618 to the construction and dedication of the North and South Piers built 200 years ago, which you still see today.
Friday 30 July – Sunday 1 August
Donaghadee: The Beacon on the Coast Exhibition
Donaghadee Community Centre
Opening times: 8.30am-9.30pm daily
This exhibition explores the fascinating history of Donaghadee from its humble beginnings in the 1600s to the present day. From its illustrious landowners to historical buildings and its royal harbour to the parish church, this exhibition highlights the places, people and events that made the town what it is today. This exhibition will move to North Down Museum from 7 September – 21 November 2021.
Please check Museum opening times in advance.
From Friday 30 July
A Brief History of Donaghadee Exhibition
Public Conveniences, The Parade
Opening times: 8am-9pm daily
An exhibition in a toilet? What better place to learn something new about the history of the town! A new permanent exhibition will grace the walls of the entrance hall of the public toilets on the Parade – destined to become a talking point of the town.
The Donaghadee Local History Research Forum presents: The History of the Harbour with Dr Robert Neill
Donaghadee Sailing Club | 6.30pm (Bar open 6pm-8pm)
This illustrated talk will provide an insight into the building of the iconic harbour and its importance to the development of the town. Immerse yourself in stories from 1600 to the present day and learn about the Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat, which rescued survivors from the MV Princess Victoria in 1953.
Tickets: £5 (A donation from ticket sales will be given to the Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat fund)
The MG and Morris Minor Club | Classic Car Cavalcade
6pm
Participating cars should assemble on the hard shoulder opposite Mullaghbuoy Nursing Home on the Warren Road before parading through Donaghadee to Copeland Plaza.
Shop Local Day
Participating shops in the town centre will have special ofers and free gifs for customers.
Donaghadee Sailing Club 2021
Regatta Morning Races First Gun: 10.40am
Afternoon Races First Gun: 1.20pm
A spectacle to be viewed from the land, Donaghadee Sailing Club will host their annual regatta to coincide with the harbour bicentenary celebrations.
Watch the competitive action unfold from Shore Street and the harbour
Taste Ards and North Down Food Market
Lemon's Wharf | 10am - 5pm
Featuring producers that you usually never get to meet, along with some local favourites, you will find everything from fresh breads, cheeses, homemade chutneys, jams and sauces to fresh meat, eggs and hot food, alongside caked and ice-cream for those with a sweet tooth. With over 30 stalls on the day, there is something for every palate.
The Donaghadee Local History Research Forum presents: A walking tour of Donaghadee with Dr Robert Neill
Tour departs on foot from Donaghadee Harbour | 10am–1pm
This guided walking tour will provide participants with an insight into the building of the iconic harbour and its importance to the development of the town. You will have an opportunity to visit the harbour and the current lifeboat station. Learn about the Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat, which rescued survivors from the MV Princess Victoria in 1953. You will also explore the history of the Moat and streets and Churches in the town.
Tickets: £5 (A donation from ticket sales will be given to the Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat fund)
Book now
Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company – Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat Open Day
Marina Car Park | 12noon–4pm
The Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat shelter will be open to allow visitors to walk around the ‘Kelly’ and view a pop-up exhibition charting the history of this very special lifeboat.
Local Variety Market
Lemon’s Wharf | 11am–5pm
A variety of 30 stalls selling a wide range of products including jewellery, candles, woodcraf, handmade beach art and much more.
Commemorative Service and Time Capsule Burial
Donaghadee Harbour | 2pm
To mark the 200th anniversary of Donaghadee Harbour Elected Members and invited guests will participate in the service led by the Mayor of Ards and North Down. As part of the ceremony the Mayor will place a bronze capping plate over the 2021 time capsule that will be buried at the entry to the pier to mark this historic occassion.
Please note, access to a small part of the harbour will be restricted between 12noon - 3pm.
