The historic Galeón Andalucía has dropped anchor in Wicklow Harbour, igniting a wave of excitement across the local community and drawing crowds of maritime enthusiasts to the coastal town.

The spectacular, full-scale replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon bridges centuries of seafaring history, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the majestic decks that once ruled the global trade routes.

The Galeón Andalucía is an impressive 55-metre ship featuring six decks, meticulously built from iroko and pine wood. It boasts nearly 1,000 square metres of sail area spread across seven sails.

Built by the Fundación Nao Victoria in Punta Umbría with rigorous historical accuracy, it showcases the ancient maritime tradition of the Andalusian community.

The historic vessel was initially due to stay in Wicklow Harbour from until Sunday, September 13, but demand has proved so great, the visit has been extended out to Sunday, September 20.

Maritime artist Pat Davis, who has spent half a century painting striking murals of visiting sea vessels on the wall of the old East Pier in Wicklow Port, has reacquainted himself with Galeón Andalucía, having travelled to Derry in June to watch the arrival of the galleon to Irish shores.

Speaking on Monday, Pat said: “I have already been adding the ship to my murals along the wall. The crew are amazed, because this is the first time they have found someone doing a mural of the ship on the walls.

“So far I am making very good progress. I hope to add another coat of blue paint today, and then I can start introducing details from today onwards.

“I actually travelled up to Derry in June when the ship was visiting there, and never had a clue that it would be visiting Wicklow Harbour in September.

“I enjoyed my 70th birthday two weeks ago, and I regard the arrival of the ship in Wicklow as a late birthday present.

“There were huge crowds gathering to visit the ship over the weekend, and I even met a couple all the way from Co Clare.

“It was lovely to meet so many people as I was painting away. A lot of them were telling me they have visited Wicklow Harbour before and had always wondered who painted the murals along the wall.”

Tickets to board the ship are available at ticket.velacuadra.es.