POLARIS POPCORN is a tastefully refitted 17 meter Irish fishing trawler, however she couldn’t be further from her past!
Extensive use of polished mahogany and pastel timber panelling and solid timber decks - she is cosy, solid and spacious. Moored in our private historic Dock, on the iconic Long Walk in Galway City centre
Landlubbers! this is a REAL boat - independant of the land; it moves and it has a gangway - it is an experioence - not a hotel substitute.
The space
Polaris was built in Wexford in 1982, replacing a timber fishing boat during a period where Ireland struggled to modernise the offshore fishing fleet. Her crew would often spend weeks at sea pursuing the dream catch. Six fishermen could bunk down in the cabin that is now a shower room.
Polaris was later retired to a fish farm in Letterfrack on the West coast. She was abandoned in 2008, driven ashore and sank. We rescued her in 2015, refloating her and towing her to our Dock where she was transformed into a studio apartment. We gave her the daring pink livery and the canival deck cover – which reminded locals of a Popcorn stand – a name that stuck!
Polaris Popcorn rests well in her retirement in The Old Dock, with all mod cons and in impeccable condition – you will enjoy your secluded stay on board; far away from hard work and toil but only a short stroll from the City centre!
You have an exclusive, vast, glazed weather proof lounge deck with dining facilities.- (during the winter the fridge is not operational).
The wheelhouse is a glorious place to have morning coffee (we provide Roundhouse fresh ground). A hotel sized 'rain shower' room with a ship sized (small) toilet cubicle is located foward and below decks is the timber decked and panelled bright, spacious 'studio apartment' style cabin - with a fitted double bed (1.8M length) and 1000tc sheets, always professionally laundered and aired. I'm super fussy about cleanliness and request you contact me immediately if anything is out of place.
There is a fully fitted kitchen however I can not facilitate any frying or smelly cooking - due to the rotten smell - please get your oily fix ashore!
I have Blutooth sound system
Heating by Webasto air heater and is on your demand.
Electricity is by Solar and battery - so we kindly ask you are mindful about consumption - please don't leave lights ablaze etc and please let us know if you are bringing a hairdryer, sandwich toaster, heater - when the power is drained and there's no sun - the generator has to be run. Boooo
Polaris is a solid ship but bound by the weather; the Old Dock, built in 1690, protects her from the Wild Atlantic in most conditions but the South Easterly winds occasional in November tru March cause, at most, notable movement - the tidal wall protects the Dock for 6 hours each tide so regardless of the weather - its flat during those hours. 3 hours prior to high tide allows any SE swell into the Dock however most guests never notice any movement. Please note; she is a ship, afloat and some movement should be expected but we never charge extra for this!
IMPORTANT
Please remember - this is a BOAT - independant of the land and everything is self contained - despite our best efforts = stuff breaks down. It's not a hotel. George is my maintenance man and lives close by and any issue will be tended to within hours.
Galway is on the Wild Atlantic and beware - Polaris is floating on it. Your stay might co-inside with a Storm and if you cant enjoy the invigerating experience - get a hotel. Please DO NOT book the boat if you are any way inflexable, un-adventurous or sensitive - get a hotel room.
Shane, my cleaner man, has his yacht in the Dock and is usually always about, so if you have any issues or questions, he's always near by.
I'm sure you'll enjoy and remember your stay on Polaris and I look forward to piping you aboard....unless you should be staying in a hotel room.
Carolina
Guest access
After Karam; Visitors are not allowed on the boat.(I live on the ship next door)
Galway is a village - you can walk anywhere in 15 minutes.
Clampers operate will great zeal in the area - observe double yellow lines!
If parking is important to you I recommend you book your car park through PARKRIGHT at HYNES YARD which is within sight of the Old Dock. - we cannot be held responsible if you are clamped. Please be vigilant.
There is a great and extensive food market in Galway (St Nicholas Church) every Saturday 10am to 2pm
Other things to note
SAIL on an iconic traditional Galway Hooker (May-Oct)
Restored and maintained with the passion of the charitable trust 'Baidoiri na Claddagh'. The magnificent fleet of beautifully restored traditional (non motorised) craft are retained for the maritime heritage of Galway City by the Claddgh Boatmen volunteers. We are delighted to arrange with them, to bring you and your partner out for a non commercial sail as active volunteer crew members - our suggested donation of Euro50 per person will go to the upkeep and preservation of the fleet. Please arrange your own insurance if required. A trip of a lifetime and naturally; weather and crew dependent. They sail from the tidal zone outside the Old Dock. We do not charge any fee for this service.
