Galeón Andalucía arrives in Derry ahead of Foyle Maritime Festival
Derry waterfront turns back the clock as an iconic Spanish tall ship docks for a limited five-day exhibition.
Derry’s waterfront is set to be transformed as the Galeón Andalucía, an imposing, historically accurate replica of a 16th-century Spanish galleon, has arrived for its first-ever visit to the city.
The spectacular 55-metre-long tall ship will be moored at Meadowbank Quay, and open its decks to the public from Wednesday, June 24 until Sunday, June 28 2026, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore maritime history firsthand.
Managed by the Fundación Nao Victoria, the vessel is a floating museum meticulously crafted from iroko and pine wood. It features six decks and seven sails covering nearly 1,000 square metres of canvas. The ship serves as a global ambassador for Andalusia, Spain, representing the legendary fleet that pioneered globalization by linking Europe, the Americas, and Asia for over three centuries.
Having already logged hundreds of thousands of nautical miles across four continents - including high-profile stopovers in London, Shanghai, Singapore, New York, and Quebec - the Galeón Andalucía arrives in Derry as part of its grand 2026 European tour.
During the five-day stopover, the public can climb aboard to walk the decks, interact with the crew, and discover what daily life was like for the mariners who sailed the world's oceans centuries ago.
Tickets can be booked in advance at tickets.velacuadra.es. Schools and organisations are advised to book their visit by emailing [email protected].