What is Currach?

Currach are traditional rowing boats used as far back as the 6th century in the Aran Islands and all along the west coast of Ireland.

• Purpose
  Currachs were built to be extra buoyant to transport heavy objects and netloads of fish. The shape also helped combat rough waves off the Irish coast.

• Design
  They are made of wooden slats which are then covered in several layers of tar, or more traditionally hide. The designs vary by region and builder. See our boat for more details.

• Technique
  The boats are traditionally manned by three people and stored upside-down on the beach, stones or trestles. Modern versions of the boats have outboard motors, although racing currachs are still powered with wooden blade oars.