Currach Boats

A currach is a frame of thin laths, traditionally covered in cowhide and since the nineteenth century in tarred canvas, rowed with narrow bladed oars that have no spoon - they cut the water edge-on, which matters in wind. The design is very old and closely related to the boats described in the medieval Brendan voyage; Tim Severin built one in leather in 1976 and sailed it to Newfoundland to test the account. They weigh little, can be carried by their crew, and ride swell in a way heavier boats cannot, which is why they persisted on the exposed Atlantic coast where there are no harbours. Regional types differ: the Aran currach, the Kerry naomhog, the Donegal paddling currach. Racing at coastal regattas through the summer is where most are used now, though a few are still worked. They swamp easily and are unforgiving in bad hands.

What you actually see

• The construction - laths and tarred canvas over a light wooden frame.
• The bladeless oars - narrow shafts that cut the water edge-on in wind.
• The regional types - Aran currach, Kerry naomhog and Donegal variants.
• The summer racing - coastal regattas along the western seaboard.

When to go

June to September for the regattas. Boats can be seen upturned at island and coastal piers year-round. Racing is cancelled in heavy sea.

Honest expectations

Mostly seen upturned on shore or racing at a distance; going out in one requires local arrangement. They are unstable for the inexperienced and swamp easily. Regattas are informal and dates change locally.

Nearby

The Aran Islands, Connemara, the Dingle peninsula and the Donegal coast all keep the tradition.