About
Set sail for four unforgettable days of maritime celebration, live music, cultural traditions, and coastal fun at the Portaferry Sails & Sounds Festival 2025!
Now in its 9th edition, this unique festival first launched in 2016 combines the rich maritime and seafaring heritage of Portaferry with sea shanties, Ulster-Scots culture, and entertainment for all ages. Following a short break during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event returns stronger than ever and already looks ahead to its 10th anniversary in 2026.
Taking place in one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic settings Portaferry on the shores of Strangford Lough, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty this festival has something for everyone: from families and day-trippers to music lovers, maritime enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and international visitors.
🎶 2025 Sea Shanty Line-up:
Five acclaimed shanty groups from Ireland and the UK will perform across the festival weekend:
• The Molgoggers (Cobh, Cork)
• Hookes and Crookes (Waterford)
• All at Sea (England)
• Causeway Shantymen (Portrush)
• The Selkies (Portaferry’s own)
🌟 Festival Highlights Include:
⛵ Sailing Regatta & visiting boats from Carlingford, the Isle of Man, Scotland, and across the Lough
🌊 Paddleboarding & Canadian canoeing sessions on Strangford Lough
🚤 Family boat cruises and an evening tasting cruise featuring rum, vodka, whiskey & gin aboard the St. Brendan, in partnership with Copeland Distillery
🏴☠️ Pirate workshops, games, and the thrilling "Walk the Plank" pirate challenge with Mobile Team Adventure
🎨 Art & craft workshops, maritime-themed floral art, and archery
🚶♂️ Ulster-Scots walking tours, talks, dance, and exhibitions celebrating shared history and language
🧒 Children’s activities, street theatre, and family-friendly adventures throughout the village
💃 Highland & Irish dancing, marching pipe bands, and Valhalla Street Theatre’s immersive Viking performances
🎶 Live trad, folk, and maritime music in pubs, pop-up stages, and outdoor venues
🛍️ Peninsula Artisan Fair, local food stalls, and on-street performers
🧭 Open Days at Portaferry RNLI Station and Queen’s Marine Biology Station
🖼️ “Over the Bar” exhibition at the Portaferry Maritime Museum, hosted by P.A.S.T.
Trad music and dance by local groups
And lots more events and activities throughout the village at various venues, pubs fabulous restaurants, food outlets using local produce of the land and sea
🍽️ Delicious local produce from land and sea served in restaurants, pubs, and food outlets
📌 Festival hubs include the town centre, shoreline, Portaferry Sailing Club, and The Recreation Hub, with events and entertainment spread throughout the village.
🎟️ Some activities require advance booking secure your place here:
👉 Book via Eventbrite
🛳️ Whether you're into music, heritage, food, outdoor adventure, or simply soaking up the atmosphere in one of the most beautiful spots in Northern Ireland Portaferry Sails & Sounds 2025 promises something for everyone.
Proudly supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Ulster Scots Agency.
Ticketing Info | Find out more and book
Getting here | Car parks in the area. Catch the Strangford Lough Ferry from Strangford to Portaferry. Bus information can be found at Translink.
This event is Grant Aided by Ards and North Down Borough Council's Tourism Department.
