Louth set for maritime history as replica of Columbus ship arrives in county
Its arrival will make Drogheda one of the 30 ports it will visit this year
The Nao Santa María, a replica of the historic ship that played a decisive role in the event that changed the course of world history—the discovery of the Americas—is arriving at Drogheda Port, where it will stop off as part of its new historical outreach tour.
Its arrival will make Drogheda one of the 30 ports it will visit this year, thanks to Huelva Provincial Council.
During its stay, the Nao Santa María will open its decks to visitors of all ages, allowing them to explore the ship’s interior, discover life on board in the 15th century and learn about the details of the greatest nautical feat ever achieved.
A unique cultural and educational experience that transports visitors back to the era of the great navigators. The visit will take place from 17 to 26 July, continuously from 10:00 to 20:00, and is aimed at both the general public and schools and associations, which may book organised visits.
Drogheda has a long and proud history of trade with Spain. During the late 1600s, consignments of beef, butter, herring, cheese, and biscuits were exported from Drogheda to Cádiz and the Canary Islands. Archaeological excavations carried out in Drogheda in 1981 also uncovered fragments of eight early 16th-century dishes originating from Valencia, highlighting the longstanding connections between the two regions.
Those links continue today, with Drogheda maintaining strong trading relationships with the Spanish port of Vilagarcía de Arousa, home to one of Drogheda Port’s largest customers, Finsa, based in nearby Santiago de Compostela.
Visitors can take advantage of discounted advance ticket prices by booking online before 16 July. Organisers advise that if online tickets sell out, no additional tickets will be available at the box office.
The Nao Santa María will be open to the public at Fiddle Case Pier, Drogheda Port, from 17 to 26 July, between 10am and 8pm daily.
Advance online tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for children aged five to 10, while a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) is €25. Children under five go free when accompanied by an adult.
Tickets purchased on the day are priced at €12 for adults, €6 for children aged five to 10, and €30 for a family ticket.
Tickets can be booked online at ticket.velacuadra.es or purchased on board, subject to availability.