Arklow RNLI to Celebrate 200 Years of Saving Lives with Lifeboat Station Open Day
- Pat Nolan
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Thursday 23 July 2026
Arklow RNLI marks a remarkable milestone this year as it celebrates 200 years of lifesaving service with a special Lifeboat Station Open Day on Sunday, 2 August 2026.
Established in 1826, Arklow Lifeboat Station has been at the heart of the local community for two centuries, with generations of volunteer crew members answering the call to save lives at sea. To commemorate this historic anniversary, the station is inviting the public to enjoy a day of celebration, entertainment and family fun from 12.30pm to 5.30pm.
The bicentenary celebrations will begin the evening before with a Lifeboat Bingo Night in aid of Arklow RNLI. Taking place on Saturday, 1 August at 8.00pm in Árus Lorcáin, the event promises an enjoyable evening while raising vital funds to support the RNLI's lifesaving work. Organisers are encouraging the local community to come along, enjoy the entertainment and help kick off the station's 200th anniversary celebrations in style.
The Open Day itself promises something for all ages while showcasing the RNLI's proud heritage and its vital role in keeping people safe along the Wicklow coast.
Visitors can look forward to a packed programme of attractions, including the traditional Blessing of the Fleet, a Show and Shine car show, live music, a BBQ, craft fair, face painting, Hook-a-Duck and a Wheel of Fortune. The Pirates Express Train will be in full steam providing train rides or have a jaunt on a Horse and Trap. There will also be displays from the RNLI Museum, a model boat exhibition, the RNLI Sea Safety Team, a free lifejacket clinic and an RNLI pop-up shop.
Families can enjoy an International Dog Show, whether you have a playful puppy, a loyal companion, or a four-legged friend with star quality, we'd love to see you take part. The Little Warriors and their sensory bus will be supporting neurodiversity, social inclusion and acceptance in our community.
Subject to operational requirements, representatives from Arklow Fire Service, Arklow Community First Responders, An Garda Síochána Water Unit, the Courtown/Arklow Coast Guard Unit, and the Customs and Excise Canine Detector Dog Team will be in attendance, giving visitors the opportunity to meet personnel and learn more about the important role each service plays in keeping people safe.
Speaking ahead of the event, Pat Nolan, Fundraising PRO at Arklow RNLI, said:
"Celebrating 200 years of Arklow Lifeboat Station is a proud milestone, not just for our volunteers but for the entire community. This station has a long and proud history of saving lives at sea, made possible through the dedication of generations of volunteer crew and the incredible support of the people of Arklow."
"We would love everyone to come along, meet the crew, enjoy the day and help us celebrate this special anniversary while learning more about the RNLI's lifesaving work and water safety."
The Open Day will not only celebrate Arklow Lifeboat Station's rich history but will also provide an opportunity for the public to meet the volunteers who continue the station's lifesaving tradition today. Since opening in 1826, countless crew members have dedicated their time, skill and courage to responding to emergency callouts in all weather conditions, continuing the RNLI's mission of saving lives at sea.
Organisers hope the weekend will bring together the local community, visitors, former crew members and supporters to recognise two centuries of service while raising awareness of the RNLI's work and the importance of water safety.
As the RNLI is funded almost entirely through voluntary donations, both the Bingo Night and the Open Day offer people the opportunity to support the charity while learning more about the work carried out by Arklow's volunteer lifeboat crew.
Everyone is welcome to attend what promises to be a memorable weekend celebrating one of Ireland's oldest lifeboat stations and an important chapter in Arklow's proud maritime history.
