ISHKA Irish Spring Water sponsored Christmas Tree lighting in Galway City sends out an essential green message

This spectacular Christmas lighting design on the historic wooden sailing ship Ilen may well be the greenest in Ireland. Ireland’s last surviving wooden cargo vessel has been illuminated on its seasonal visit to Galway docks. And the display, funded by ISHKA Irish Spring Water, sends out an essential green message.

LED lights arranged on Ilen’s mast – a wooden spruce structure – transform it into a 70ft Christmas tree.


“The spruce and the great fir tree, which has gifted Ilen much of her material structure and capacity to harness wind power, impels our crew to cultivate a more ecumenical relationship with nature,” said The Ilen’s skipper and Director of Ilen Marine School, Gary MacMahon.

Mike Sutton, Director of Limerick-based ISHKA, said the firm was delighted to have the opportunity to illuminate the vessel, which it has used on several occasions to transport its spring water.

“Mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability is a duty, not an option, and we were happy to spread that message through the voyaging of The Ilen, along with a little Christmas cheer at the same time,” he said.

In June, ISHKA sent Ilen to deliver its spring water to a retailer at Kilronan, Aran Islands, loading at Limerick city and docking at Inis Mór, before sailing onward for Galway city.

The wind-powered voyage followed the ancient sea route linking both cities and was organised to highlight the eco-friendly alternatives which businesses can use to reach their customers.

Designed by Limerick man Conor O’Brien in 1926, today the Ilen is operated as an educational community vessel, plying her cultural trade around the island of Ireland.

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