PICTURES: Retiring top sniffer dog James 'Nose' he is a hero

USE ARROWS OR NEXT BUTTON TO SEE MORE PICTURES

Coastival has brought a wave of excitement and family fun in Dún Laoghaire over the last few weeks but perhaps the most thrilling event of all was the Coastival Emergency Services open day yesterday in Dún Laoghaire. The hero of the hour had to be James; Dublin Port's legendary sniffer dog who retires this week after years of dedication and service. James certainly left paw prints on the hearts of all he met yesterday and has been an award-winning crime buster at the port decorated many times. He will enjoy his retirement with his beloved handler.

From spectacular helicopters and thrilling motorbikes to fascinating fire trucks, clever sniffer dogs and mountain rescue dogs to police on horseback, it was a thrilling showcase with representatives from the Irish RNLI, Irish Coast Guard, National Ambulance Service, Dublin Mountain Rescue, Customs & Revenue, Irish Defence Forces, Irish Military Vehicle Group, Dublin Fire Brigade, American Fire Truck, An Garda Síochána, Irish Red Cross, Order of Malta, Civil Defence, Blood Bikes, Road Safety Authority, Irish Water Safety. The event served as a platform for the public to express gratitude and support for these dedicated individuals who selflessly serve and protect the community.

During Coastival, families have been enjoying events like Atmosphere, a seaside event themed around Balloons, Kites and Flight and "synchronised sailing" at The Grand Classic Parade of Sail which has never previously been practised in Dún Laoghaire and over 40 events including the interactive Room to Explore art exhibition for tots, Ollie the Octopus Picnic Party, Puppets in July, Outdoor Movies on The Green, A Family Fun Day, Cruises with Dublin Bay Cruises, The ‘Stronger By The Sea’ Fitness Programme, ‘Dance and Dip, Roller Rebel Skating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding and ‘Yoga by the Sea’ in association with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership and Puppets in July which continues in dlr LexIcon.

Throughout Coastival, a series of historic and nature walks also took place with fantastic guides who brought visitors back in time to the construction of the harbour and rich history of our maritime county capital, its innovative infrastructure, Hotels, Victorian heritage, and seafront memorials There were lots of fun activities for little ones also. Room to Explore is an Art Exhibition for 0-5 year olds', including artworks by artists Helen Barry, Anne Bradley, Jane Hayes and Órla Kelly and it will be open at the Gallery on Level 3 until August 11th. Coastival was organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.