Dublin Lord Mayor and Dublin Port Continue 538-Year-Old ‘Casting of the Spear’ Tradition, Launching South Docks Festival
21 July 2026
The Lord Mayor of Dublin today continued the annual Casting of the Spear tradition in Dublin Bay, becoming the ceremonial Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port and officially launching the 2026 South Docks Festival.
The annual tradition dates back to 1488, when Lord Mayor Thomas Mayler cast a spear into Dublin Bay to mark the eastern boundary of the city. Today, the ceremony continues to symbolise the enduring connection between Dublin City and Dublin Port.
The Casting of the Spear also marks the beginning of the South Docks Festival, a project of St. Andrew’s Resource Centre with the support of Dublin Port Company. Now in its 39th year, the festival brings together local residents, community groups, schools and organisations to celebrate the culture, history and diversity of Dublin’s docklands.
This year’s festival theme, “Féile Linn” meaning Festival of Us, reflects the strength of community, belonging and shared experiences that have defined the South Docks for generations. Across the week, residents and visitors alike will enjoy family events, music, heritage activities, workshops, exhibitions and the ever-popular festival parade and Fair in the Square.
Speaking following the ceremony, Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron, commented “It is a real honour to continue this remarkable tradition and to become Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port. The Casting of the Spear reminds us of the deep historical ties between Dublin and its Port, while the South Docks Festival celebrates something equally important, our people. This year’s theme reflects the strong sense of identity and belonging that continues to define Dublin’s docklands. I congratulate everyone involved in organising another fantastic festival and encourage people from across Dublin to come along and take part.”
Michael McKenna, Harbour Master at Dublin Port, commented “Every year the Casting of the Spear reminds us that Dublin Port has always been about more than ships and trade, it is part of the life and identity of the city. ‘Féile Linn’ is a fitting theme because it recognises that the Port and the docklands people have grown together over generations. We are proud to support the South Docks Festival and to celebrate the people, heritage and traditions that continue to shape this unique part of Dublin.”
The South Docks Festival continues throughout the week with a packed programme of events for all ages, culminating in the annual parade through the docklands and the much-loved Fair in the Square, where local organisations, performers and community groups come together in a celebration of everything that makes the South Docks unique.
As Dublin Port continues to evolve to meet the needs of Ireland’s economy, traditions such as the Casting of the Spear serve as a reminder that the Port’s greatest strength remains its enduring connection with the city and the communities that have called the docklands home for generations.