Emerald Star, operated by Le Boat, is the No.1 provider of boating holidays on Ireland’s beautiful inland waterways, bringing together 50 years of experience, expertise and memories. From 13-20 June 2021, Emerald Star and Waterways Ireland supported Light Sculptors, in partnership with Culture Works, with the highly successful creative project Light Ballet. The floating installation transformed the surrounding landscapes of eight Irish counties, covering 200km in eight days, with a dazzling display on the River Shannon. Viewers everywhere can now watch the best of Light Ballet, in an aspirational three-minute video, which showcases the dramatic scenery of this stunning boating region like never before.
Created by Light Artist Mick Murray and Lighting Designer Matthew Cregan of Light Sculptors, Light Ballet was an innovative project that travelled the River Shannon aboard a specially converted Magnifique boat, which normally accommodates Emerald Star holidaymakers. With additional support from Discover Ireland and it’s ‘Hidden Heartlands’ programme, the display was visible each evening from up to seven kilometres away and was accompanied by a newly composed soundscape by the musician David Kitt with lyrics by the poet Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe.
Light Ballet formed part of the Arts Council of Ireland’s Brightening Air | Coiscéim Coiligh, which was a ten-day festival of arts experiences up and down the country. During the period, each evening from dusk, local residents were able to view Light Ballet from the banks of the River Shannon, with audiences accessing the soundscape via the Culture Works and the Brightening Air websites. The light installation and soundscape were synchronised in real-time allowing audiences to experience the accompanying music at home, along the edgelands and those in-between places on their phones, tablets and computers. In all, Light Ballet danced through the skies of Clare, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary and Westmeath.
With many social activities on pause during the pandemic, Light Ballet provided a shared experience and spirit, that helped to reconnect the river communities along route, with fantastic engagement from the viewing public and the Irish boating community. There was also involvement by local schools, with students working with the project team, providing creative input that influenced the light displays.
The journey was documented with expert videography throughout, which included the use of drones by Aerial Photography Ireland, and resulted in spectacular scenes being caught on camera. Wild Island Pictures then edited the footage to the original Light Ballet soundscape, to produce a stunning video short, which can now be viewed on Vimeo.
For holidaymakers wishing to follow in the footsteps of Light Ballet, a self-drive cruise on the River Shannon with Emerald Star means crystal clear waters, lush green landscapes, beautiful wildlife and exploring monastery ruins, medieval churches, stately homes and more. A seven-night self-catered holiday, during the 2021 boating season (which concludes on 31 October), starting and finishing at Emerald Star’s base at Carrick-on-Shannon, is priced from €609 per boat. Transport to and from the base not included.
About Emerald Star
With the world’s largest fleet of over 900 self-drive boats, including its newest premier Horizon cruisers, Emerald Star, operated by Le Boat offers the widest choice of fabulous boating destinations in Europe and Canada. Operating in 17 regions across nine countries, their holidays can be whatever guests want them to be, from a full-on action-packed adventure to a slow-paced relaxing chance to unwind.
To plan your Emerald Star trip: Call 071 962 7633 or visit www.emeraldstar.ie
