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What
is a Currach?
Currach are traditional rowing boats still much used in the Aran
Islands and all along the west coast. They are made of wooden
slats which are then covered in several layers of tar. In the
olden days they would have been covered in hide. They were designed
this way because wood was (is) scarce along the coastal region.
They are versatile boats, able to carry large heavy loads as they
are so buoyant. Traditionally they are manned by a crew of three,
and they carry it up the beach to store it upside down to protect
it, sitting it on trestles or large stones. Quite often nowadays
they are fitted with outboard motors but the basic design is the
same as it has been for generations. Currach racing is also popular
along Ireland's west coast.
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