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The currach originates from the Aran Islands situated in Galway Bay.
It is made of tarped canvas over a wood frame, and although of very
light structure it can ride out almost any size of wave. Great skill
however is required to handle these boats properly, as is
demonstrated in the film documentary, MAN OF ARAN (O'Flaherty)
. A
replica was built from an example by the famous currach builder
Maidhí Suínera Ó Conghaile, which is in the Meitheal Mara
collection.
CONSTRUCTION
Aran Islands Currach
(curach
OILEAN ARANN)
The Aran features a double gunwale and a flat transom with squared
tuck, the laths and ribs are secured with clenched copper nails. An
interesting feature of this vessel is the use of
the grain in apple wood to serve as thwart knees.