Step aboard history as world-famous Spanish galleon docks in Coleraine for just five days

The Galeón Andalucía

A floating museum that has sailed some of the world’s greatest oceans is preparing to drop anchor in Coleraine later this month, giving visitors a rare opportunity to step aboard a full-scale replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon.

For just five days, from July 15 to July 19, the Galeón Andalucía will open its decks to the public at Coleraine Harbour, offering an experience that transports visitors back to the age of exploration, trade routes and global discovery.

The impressive vessel, described as a symbol of Andalusia and its maritime heritage, is regarded as one of the world’s most authentic reproductions of the historic galleons that connected Spain with the Americas and beyond during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

Visitors will be able to explore the ship while it is moored at Riversdale Quay, with access available via the main gate at the Rose Gardens.

A rare chance to board a 17th-century galleon

The Galeón Andalucía is far more than a static exhibit.

Built as a faithful reconstruction of the famous Spanish galleons that played a central role in international trade and cultural exchange, the ship has become a travelling ambassador for maritime history, visiting ports across the globe.

During the era of the Indies fleets, galleons were the backbone of some of the longest and most significant trade routes in navigation history, linking Europe with the Americas and helping shape centuries of commerce and exploration.

Now, for a limited time, local residents and visitors to the North Coast will have the chance to walk the decks of a vessel that recreates that extraordinary period of seafaring history.

A ship that has sailed the world

El Galeón was built between 2009 and 2010 by the Nao Victoria Foundation at the Punta Umbria shipyard in Huelva, Spain.

The project was designed and developed by Ignacio Fernández Vial, with the vessel launched on November 30, 2009 before its masts were installed in early 2010.

Since taking to the water, the ship has travelled more than 48,000 nautical miles and visited ports across four continents.

Its voyages have taken it across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Southern China Sea, Aegean Sea, the Bosporus Strait and the Caribbean Sea.

Over the years, the replica galleon has participated in numerous cultural projects and maritime events, welcoming visitors aboard in almost 100 ports around the world.

Everything visitors need to know

The Galeón Andalucía will be open to visitors at Coleraine Harbour from Wednesday, July 15 until Sunday, July 19.

The vessel will be berthed at Riversdale Quay, with entry via the main gate at the Rose Gardens.

Online ticket prices are:

• Adults: £12

• Children aged five to 10: £6

• Family ticket (two adults and up to three children under 11): £30

Visitors can book tickets online in advance through tickets.velacuadra.es, with organisers advising that online booking offers a discount compared to purchasing on arrival.

A unique addition to Coleraine’s summer calendar

With only a handful of opportunities to board historic replica ships of this scale in Northern Ireland, the arrival of the Galeón Andalucía is expected to attract interest from families, history enthusiasts and maritime fans alike.

Whether visitors are fascinated by the age of sail, looking for a unique family day out, or simply curious to explore one of the world’s most travelled replica ships, the visit promises a rare chance to step inside a piece of living history before it sails on to its next destination.