An elegant and quirky floating hideaway in Galway City – From trusty workboat to trendy studio, discover this incredible city centre hideaway.
POLARIS POPCORN is a tastefully refitted 17 meter Irish fishing trawler, however she couldn’t be further from her past!
After a high spec refit in 2019, she was made available for charter as a 2 person hideaway. With extensive use of polished mahogany and pastel timber panelling and solid timber decks – she is cosy, solid and spacious.
She is fully up to spec with all modern amenities while being completely off grid – electricity is by solar and batteries – fresh water is stored aboard and double filtered.
Her storied past.
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!
Your amenities
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. A hotel sized ‘rain shower’ room with a ship sized (small) toilet cubicle is located forward 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.
The kitchen is fully fitted and includes 4 plate gas stove with grill and oven.
There is a Bluetooth sound system (please advise if you’d like to use the professional record player – there’s a €50 deposit required for the needle).
Heating is automatic and should keep you comfortable no matter the season.
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.
Please note: we ask you refrain from frying or grilling meats and fish in the galley – the lingering smell is too much for normal cleaning.
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!