Boat Name

Curraghs

Boat Use

Fishing & Transport

Boat Type

Kerry Curragh

Build Date

1968/9

Country of Origin

Ireland

Area of Origin

Castlegregory, Co. Kerry

Boat Dimensions

Length
16 ft 0 in

Description

A Kerry Curragh for two men four-oared. Propulsion by oar, sail or motor. Curraghs are seldom sailed nowadays, the outboard motor having replaced the sail. The motor is fitted into a box well, built about six feet forward of the transom.

Though apparently frail, curraghs are remarkably seaworthy craft. Extreme lightness enables them to lift over waves and surf as they work from beach or harbour. They are transport and communication but the more general use is for line fishing, salmon netting and lobster potting. Basking sharks are also caught from the curraghs, mainly to avoid them fouling the salmon nets.

History

Historical records of curraghs date back to 500 AD and they are still being built on the Atlantic seaboard of Ireland where they survive in a number of forms.

The two curraghs in the collection were built by Mr. John Goodwin of Castlegregory, on the Dingle peninsula of County Kerry in 1968.

User Comments

theresa goodwin dermody Posted: 5 months ago | Reply

i am a granddaughter of john goodwin of castlegregory dingle peninsula county kerry ireland. i hope to visit some day and felt honoured to see this on your site.