The historic River Boyne has been the home of the iconic cowhide and wicker Boyne Curach for centuries, but visitors to Newgrange will soon spot much larger ski boats on the river below! Initiated and hosted by Sinéad and Cliadhbh at the Boyne Curach Centre, I am working with a group of ten volunteers, making three 21' sea going curachs as part of a new community project. Designed with both races and raids in mind, the three identical lightweight Kerry naomhóga will make connections between curach enthusiasts on the west and east coasts. During the first three-day session we completed the double-gunwale framework of the three boats. The ribs and stringer hull will be completed in a second session from the 23-26th October. If you are planning a visit to Newgrange that weekend, call by the Boyne Curach Centre (1ml up from the visitor centre)!
The first frame near completion
Cliadhbh and Mark working on two frames