Emerald Star helps light up the River Shannon in support of Culture Works and Waterways Ireland

Light Ballet: 13-20 June 2021

Emerald Star, operated by Le Boat, is the No.1 provider of boating holidays on Ireland’s beautiful inland waterways, bringing together 50 years of experience, expertise and memories. As part of the Arts Council of Ireland’s Brightening Air | Coiscéim Coiligh, a ten-day season of arts experiences, Emerald Star and Waterways Ireland are supporting Culture Works with its latest creative project Light Ballet, which will transform the skies and surrounding landscapes of eight Irish counties with a dazzling floating display on the River Shannon, 13-20 June 2021.

Created by Light Artist Mick Murray and Lighting Designer Matthew Cregan, Light Ballet is a light installation that will travel the River Shannon aboard a specially converted Magnifique boat, which normally accommodates Emerald Star holidaymakers. The display will be visible each evening from up to seven kilometres away and will be accompanied by a newly composed soundscape by the musician David Kitt.

Each evening from dusk, local residents will be able to view the light installation from the banks of the Shannon, with audiences able to access the soundscape via the Culture Works and the Brightening Air websites. The light installation and soundscape are synchronised in real-time allowing audiences to experience the soundscape at home, along the edgelands or those in-between places through their phones, tablets or computers. In all, Light Ballet will dance through the skies of Clare, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary and Westmeath. Light Ballet will be documented with videography and photography throughout, allowing anyone to watch and engage with the installation online afterwards.

Cheryl Brown, Managing Director of Le Boat says “There is no doubt that the last year has given us a lesson in what’s truly important. Spending time with family and friends, enjoying the great outdoors and exploring new places were things we sometimes took for granted, but now we all appreciate them that little bit more. Emerald Star boating holidays are all about these simple, but cherished moments. They are the ideal experience in a world where we are even more conscious about personal space and getting away from it all. Our boats offer the perfect sanctuary and a welcome opportunity to spend quality time together, with our Shannon cruising routes allowing our customers to appreciate the region from a more authentic perspective. With many more of us holidaying at home in Ireland, we encourage all those looking to escape the crowds to book their holiday now, so that they can secure the dates and boat of their choice. Emerald Star operated by Le Boat is thrilled to be partnering with Waterways Ireland and Culture Works. As life on the Shannon begins to return to normal this summer, what better way to celebrate than with this innovative light and sound installation. We believe that Light Ballet will thrill, entertain, and inspire all those that are able to view it.”

For holidaymakers wishing to follow in the footsteps of Light Ballet, a self-drive river cruise on the Shannon with Emerald Star means crystal clear waters, lush green landscapes, beautiful wildlife and exploring monastery ruins, medieval churches, stately homes and more. A seven-night self-catered boating holiday in 2021, starting and finishing at Emerald Star’s base at Carrick-on-Shannon, is priced from €679 per boat. Transport to and from the base not included.

More news

Emerald Star is delighted to announce that its 2022 programme has now gone on sale, with next year’s Irish boating season set to take place between 14 March and 31 October. An early booking discount offer of up to 20% is available on holidays taken in 2022 of seven nights or more, and of 15% on breaks of 3-5 nights. The incentive, which is valid on bookings made by 1 September 2021, is applicable to holidays on the Shannon, but also to holidays in Emerald Star’s other boating regions in the UK France, Germany, Holland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Canada.

To plan your Emerald trip: Call 071 962 7633 or visit www.emeraldstar.ie

Download the Emerald Star 2021 brochure