Currachs

Currachs are light skin covered boats once found in all the Celtic lands but now exclusive to Ireland. They are light seaworthy craft without a keel which ride large ocean waves and skim up shallow rivers. The first written record of the currachs comes from Julius Caesar in 100 BC. Early Gaelic accounts speak of large ocean going sailing currachs roving the North Atlantic.

Currachs vary widely, from the 6 ft Boyne River Coracle made of hazel and willow rods to the sophisticated ultra light West Kerry Naomhóg measuring 26ft. Each style of currach takes on the name of the area in which it was built.

This map gives a rough idea as to where in Ireland various currachs originated from. Click on each 'pin' to see a illustration of the currachs and information regarding the boats. Use the mouse to drag the map if information appears truncated!

For more information see Currachs or contact Meitheal Mara.