Kilkee Currach Presentation and Regatta

There are three parts to our Kilkee Currach Regatta this year.
1. Kilkee Boathouse at 11 am there will be a Presentation on "History of Currachs and Fishing in West Clare" by Críostóir Mac Carthaigh; Editor of Traditional Boats of Ireland.
2. Following presentation there will be an opportunity for adults to "pull" a currach on Kilkee Bay with experienced club members.
3. The afternoon event is the Kilkee Currach Regatta with six races and participating crews from Kerry, Clare,Cork and Galway. Starting at 2 and finishing at 5
Prize giving will take place at Boathouse after the regatta.
Note: Event is weather dependant and any change of schedule will be notified on facebook page.

Presentation will take place on the extensive history of our local fishing currach in Kilkee and the wider West Clare by Críostóir Mac Carthaigh. This unique boat sustained many families over the centuries on an often unforgiving coastline. A unique North Atlantic skin boat which developed over centuries as a trusted fishing boat was crewed by three rowers and until very recently was worked along the coast. The West Clare Currach Club was founded twenty years ago to continue the building and rowing of our local currach. We travel to Maritime festivals in Ireland, France and Spain where we can showcase our currachs and their unique building and handling skills.
The West Clare Currach Club actively facilitates training for members in Kilrush Marina during the week and regattas take place in Querrin, Carrigaholt, Doonbeg, Kilkee and Kilbaha during the summer months. While 3 hand boats were normally used for fishing the club has also built 2,4 and 5 hand currachs.