LNBHA Other Curachs: Boyne, Belderrig, Sheephaven, Achill, Clew Bay, Aran, Galway and The Rosses Currachs, Clare Canoes and Kerry Naomhóg

Other Curachs

Kerry & Clare

Galway

Mayo

Donegal

Meath


	Skin boats in Ireland Skin boats were once a common boat type all over the circumpolar region. Now some isolated types remain in use in a few countries like Greenland and Wales. Ireland is unique as it has a variety of 12 distinct local currach styles, many of which are still used as working boats. Here is a brief description of these types, following the coast in a sunwise direction:

Bunbeg/The Rosses currach

Kerry Naomhóg

Pronounced [naevog], this is the most sophisticated currach in design and dimensions. Used for general transport, cattle transport and fishing, it is both rowed and sailed. A full description of its specifications and making is described on the Naomhóg page. An excellent book, Fan Inti (in Gaeilge) on the making and culture of the naomhóg was written by writer and currach maker Danny Sheehy.

Clare Canoe

Similar in construction and dimension to the naomhóg, it differs in that it has a wider stern with less tapering of the gunwales and less rocker and flare. Traditionally it was distributed from Dunbeg to Kilrush and used for fishing; two and three hander versions are known. The oldest boat still in use was built by John ‘Cully’ Marinan in Cusheen. Clare canoes are seeing a revival now thanks to the activities of West Clare Currachs.

Aran and Galway Currachs

Like the previous currachs described, Aran and Galway currachs also feature a double gunwale construction. They appear heavier in dimensions of the timber and have a very pronounced rise of the bow. They are usually three-handed and often fitted with a small lugsail. Most Aran curachs are now fibre-glassed rather then canvassed, a method introduced by Rory Concannon on Inis Oírr in the 1970s.

Inishturk Currachs

The currachs on the islands of Clew Bay, Mayo are now specifically developed for use with heavy outboard engines. Their long, straight and barrel shaped hull, transom stern and false keel reflect this development. They have a double gunwale but are heavily and tightly planked. Traditionally many curachs in this area were built on Inishturk by makers like Pat O’Toole.

Achill Island Currachs

Achill currachs have retained their traditional design and appearance more than the other islands in Clew Bay. Similar in construction, they are also densely planked, but are relatively beamy and more distinctive in shape.

Iniskea Currachs or ‘Skeas’

Similar to the Achill curach and often found in the northern part of Achill. Used for fishing and basking shark hunting, notably from Keel. This type is now nearly extinct.

Belderrig Currach

This hefty double gunwale construction was used by four rowers and ‘captain’ for salmon fishing. Unlike all other currachs, a single 14ft oar was used by a rower. No traditional boats are in use anymore, but one example was built by Meitheal Mara for the National Museum at Turlough Park.

The Rosses, Owey and Bunbeg Currachs

Between 8’ and 11’ in length, these have a distinct ‘bathtub’ shape, with a rounded bow and no sheer or rocker. Originally made with a wicker frame, wooden laths are used in combination with a single gunwale. These currachs can be rowed or skulled (hence also called curach ceasla) over the bow. There has been a recent revival of these boats in the area (more).

Tory Island and Magheraroarty Currachs

Similar in dimensions to the previous, this type is an oddball amongst Irish currachs. It was developed by a local fisherman in the early 1900s, based on dinghy designs of visiting yachts. It features a false keel, stem and sternpost, but retains a single gunwale with laths and canvas. The boat has the potential to be sailed and we are experimenting with this idea.

Sheephaven Curachs

In the Dunfanaghy and Downings are (and possibly Rathlin Island?) two-handed curachs have a clear pointed prow again and are around 16’ long with 4’ beam. They are single gunwale constructions with hazel ribs and willow [*EcoNote] or laths stringers tied with twine. The Dunfanaghy curach uses the seat as a structural element, while the Downings curach has a bow brace that could also be used to hold a stepped mast with a small lugsail.

River Boyne Currach

The only remaining river currach is possibly the most ancient and archaic currach in design: an oval shaped, woven coppiced-hazel frame, is covered with tanned hide and bound with horse hair [*EcoNote]. Skulled by a single paddle over the front, its dimensions are c. 6’x4’, 20-22”deep. It was used for salmon fishing on the Boyne until it was banned in the 1950s: two currachs with two crew each using snap nets. Similar river currachs were known on the Bann.