This weekend in Wexford, thousands of visitors are expected to attend the two day festival to commemorate one of its most famous sons, Commodore John Barry, the founder of the American Navy.
Wexford-born Captain John Barry offered his services to George Washington at the beginning of the American Revolution in the support of liberty and independence.
Given command of the Lexington, on 7th April 1776, Captain Barry and his Lexington crew captured HMS Edward following a gun battle, bringing this prize, the first victory by the US Navy, up the Delaware River.
The two day John Barry Maritime Festival which takes place this Saturday the 23rd and Sunday the 24th of June from 11am each day. With rowing, sailing, kayaking races, helicopter and lifeboat rescue demonstrations and maritime exhibitions, visitors can try their hand at kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rock climbing, raft racing, sumo wrestling and much more.