ONE OF THE world’s largest Tall Ships will sail into Dublin Port next week for a five day visit to the capital.

The 1,800 tonnes, 270 foot long and 30 foot high ship named Cuauhtémoc will be open to the public to visit for free while she is berthed at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay.

She will arrive in Dublin on Wednesday 17 June with 225 sailors on board.

The visit is part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Mexico.

President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins will visit the vessel on Sunday 22 June.

Commanded by Captain Pedro Mata, the Cuauhtémoc is a sail training vessel of the Mexican Navy which travels around the world carrying a message of friendship and goodwill.

The Ambassador of Mexico to Ireland Carlos Garcia de Alba said:

2015 marks the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Mexico.

“This important milestone in our shared history affords both Mexico and Ireland the opportunity to showcase trade, academic and investment partnerships and to share in artistic and cultural exchanges between our countries.”

Eamonn O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company said the visit is ”a fantastic opportunity to explore this magnificent vessel up close and experience first-hand Mexican maritime culture on our doorstep.”

This will be the ships fourth visit to Irish waters. During her last visit to Dublin as part of the Tall Ship Races 2012, the Cuauhtémoc welcomed over 23,000 visitors on board.