Waterways Ireland Presents the Fermanagh Seaplane Festival 2009

On Sunday 24th of May, the skies over Fermanagh, shall be taken over with the unique sight of 10 Seaplanes from all over Europe.

Waterways Ireland are presenting the Fermanagh Seaplane festival at the Share Holiday Village, in Fermanagh, where a selection of Cessna’s, Maules, and J3cub aircraft from as far as Holland shall wow visitors from far and wide.

The Fermanagh and the Lough Erne water system is some 300 sq miles and has a famous seaplane heritage and was once  described by a Canadian pilot as being “One of the most beautiful runways in the world”.

Waterways Ireland and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure have played a major part in financially supporting the Fermanagh Seaplane Festival 2009, their valuable support has enabled residents and visitors to the area a once in a lifetime experience.
 
In world war II, -Catalina’s and Sunderland seaplanes, were built by Short Bros. Belfast, and where based in Fermanagh, the Atlantic Bomber Command, where they went out over the Atlantic to protect the convoys coming into UK from the USA.

Steve Powell, pilot and one of the organiser’s from Lake & Air Events said “Having travelled across the world flying Seaplanes I have been lucky enough to see some great flying events, but it always baffled my wife and I why this had not been done before, Fermanagh is perfect for this event and it enables visitors from all over the Island of Ireland and further afield, to come and see such unique aircraft. There has been huge demand from Seaplane pilots to come here, we know this is the beginning of a superb regular event for Northern Ireland.”

Families, enthusiasts, and those seeking adventure shall have the chance to see the seaplane’s operating in Fermanagh again and event better, get the chance to fly in them and see Fermanagh from the air, they  can also take  helicopter rides; watch the model seaplane displays and if you’re not a flyer take part in the land & water based Share Holiday Village provides.

While the Seaplanes are in the area they shall Fly along the ‘Donegal corridor’, landing at Lough Esk. The Donegal corridor is part of the Seaplane heritage here; it’s the route the seaplanes took during World War 2, which crossed the Republic of Ireland to the Atlantic Ocean, saving them considerable time and fuel.

Adding to this superb event will be a WWII themed evening dinner, at Share Centre on Saturday 23rd May, with WWII enthusiasts dressed for the occasion and live music from the era,  it promises to be a superb night, to  top it off, after dinner speaker Ted Jones, who was based in Fermanagh in WWII will tell  guests, pilots and other VIP’s about his time and experience of flying the
 
Seaplanes in WWII. It is also rumoured that the WWII enthusiasts shall be bringing along a selection of land based vehicles from the era.

Steve Powell, continued “ We know not everyone wants or can go up in the planes or helicopters, so we have worked hard to celebrate the heritage of the seaplanes in Fermanagh, and are very grateful for Ted to come and share his stories of the past. We have also made sure that there is lots to do on the ground and water, so families can come a very special affordable day”.

Unique Hospitality and sponsorship opportunities at the Festival are still available at minimal price, offering you and your company the chance to entertain guests and employees on land and air.
 
The First ever seaplane event ever to take place on the Island of Ireland, this festival promises to become a regular and spectacular event attracting visitors from all over Northern Ireland, Ireland, UK and Europe.
 
For Tickets to the evening WWII themed dinner, or get info on the unique Hospitality and sponsorship opportunities contact: Tel/Fax 0044 (0)28 6634 6861 - Unit 7, St Angelo Airport, Trory, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, BT94 2FP or Email: info@corkercommunications.co.uk