Tengu as aspirant Saint; to Build a Currach.

[Tengu]

A friend of mine desires to build a boat; I found him links to guides and plans for pretty everything watercraft from coracles to small yachts.

And guess what he has set his heart upon? A currach.

I suggested a coracle as a good first time vessel, small in budget, size and time commitment, but he will have nothing of it.

This is fine by me with my interest in The Age of Saints, but I have no idea as to how to build one.

Any place where there are plans and instructions?

Anyone built a Currach?

 

[Macaroon]

http://www.castlebar.ie/photos/pj/currach3/index.html

Try this link and see if it leads you anywhere useful

 

[Toddy]

If Edwin doesn't see this thread, pm him I'm pretty sure he's either built one or knows someone who has.

M

 

[Tengu]

Thanks Macaroon; I fear Im in the wrong country

 

[rorymax]

May i suggest:

http://www.meithealmara.ie/

My favourite is the Sheephaven / Dunfanahy

It is not not the best seaworthy, but I will let you you find what is good for you.

 

[thejollyroger]

There was an old Irish programme(filmed late 70s) called "Hands" which is about old crafts and there is an episode about currachs and currach building. if you look on youtube you can find it. A very interesting watch even if you are not going to build a currach!
I hope it helps.

 

[boatman]

If he is who I think he is, Rorymax's advice is the best to follow. However, if he wants he could build a coracle which is also a currach, in other words a Boyne type currach.

Like this, mine

Film of a build using an animal skin cover for the hull but cloth is lighter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCWFDMnKLyM

Ni

 

[boatman]

Tengu, if you and your friend wanted to you could attempt the reconstruction of a possible Bronze Age currach as found near Dalgety, Fife. see Watkins "A Prehistoric Coracle found in Fife" and its grave two example. Very like the Donegal paddling currach.

 

[Tengu]

Thats a beauty but it wont do...Has to be a proper currach, -hes even planning on a lugsail.

(Believe me, I tried to steer him down the coracle road.)

 

[boatman]

Experience of a currach under sail is mentioned in a book, THE SEALS AND THE CURRAGH. by R.M. Lockley although he used a square sail. Good book on Welsh coastal wild life and making do on the beach.

 

[peaks]

Any info available from western Eire?? - am thinking Aran Islands, Connemara, Galway where they are still in regular use??

What about the info about the boat in "the Brendan Voyage" by Tim Severin - http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Brendan-Voyage-Seafaring-Followed/dp/0717139271

Came across this from a quick Google -
http://www.tradboats.ie/publications/maritime-publications.php
http://anspideal.pbworks.com/w/page/13261663/The Galway School of Boat Building
http://connachttribune.ie/school-triggers-new-era-for-currach/
http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifest...-waves-with-our-traditional-boats-181739.html

HTH

 

[Tengu]

Thanks a lot. I have a copy of Tim Severins book

 

[boatman]

If it is to be built of round wood then it is worth following this https://www.facebook.com/peoplefromthepast?fref=photo

and this

https://www.facebook.com/CleddanHirAncientBoatProject

 

[boatman]

If you wanted to you could sail a Borne type currach/coracle

 

[rorymax]

Cracking info on Curraghs Boatman, enjoying it all, do you still have your Boyne Curragh?

 

[boatman]

Yes and was going out on the Helford today but life got in the way.