Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration for Clogherhead RNLI

What to Expect

A Ukrainian Independence Day celebration takes place at Clogherhead RNLI Lifeboat Station on Saturday 22 August 2026, starting at 2pm. The event is being held in support of the station and the volunteer crew who carry out sea rescue off this stretch of the Louth coast, and it is billed as a chance to experience Ukrainian culture and traditions. Everyone is welcome.

Ukrainian Independence Day falls on 24 August, marking the 1991 declaration that ended Soviet rule, and it is the biggest date in the Ukrainian civic calendar. Since 2022 a substantial Ukrainian community has settled across County Louth, and this is their thank-you to a local volunteer service. Clogherhead RNLI operates from Port Oriel harbour and is one of the busiest stations on the east coast, running an all-weather lifeboat. The station sits right on the pier, so the setting is the working harbour itself.

Good to Know

• Saturday 22 August 2026, from 2pm
• Venue: RNLI Clogherhead Lifeboat Station, Port Oriel, Clogherhead
• Free to attend, everyone welcome
• Held in support of Clogherhead RNLI and its volunteer crew
• Ukrainian culture, food and traditions on the day
• Updates are posted on the organisers’ Facebook page at facebook.com/diknat
• Much of the site is outdoors on the pier, so bring a jacket
• The parish’s own Blessing of the Boats follows at the same harbour on Sunday 30 August at 3pm

Getting There

Port Oriel is at the seaward end of Clogherhead village on the Louth coast. From Drogheda take the R166 through Termonfeckin, about twenty minutes by car; from the M1 leave at Dunleer and take the R168 east through the village. The harbour car park is small and shared with the fishing fleet and the lifeboat station’s own access, so park considerately and keep the slipway and launch route completely clear.