Traditional Boats of Ireland
History, Folklore and Construction
Edited by Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh
Assistant editor Dónal MacPolín
Foreword
For many of us, the sea, or indeed any expanse of water, exerts
a special fascination. We experience a thrill and excitement when
venturing out on it. To do so, we build boats, an activity which
has been a vital aspect of human endeavour for many thousands of
years. For Ireland, an island nation, the sea has played a crucial
role in our history and culture, giving rise to a remarkable variety
of water craft.
The need for a comprehensive survey of Ireland's traditional water
craft has been recognised for some time. It is a need which becomes
more pressing as our stock of indigenous boats diminishes. Just
as larger offshore vessels experience ever tighter control and regulation,
so too the small locally-built boats of inshore waters face an uncertain
future. Many traditional fisheries are in difficulty due to declining
fish stocks, and the recent ban on salmon drift-netting may well
see many small boat types disappear. Most importantly, fewer young
men are taking to the sea in the fishing communities which have
traditionally sustained these craft. Yet, despite this, Ireland
still possesses a remarkable diversity of boat types on its coasts,
in lakes and on rivers, even if their numbers are in decline.
Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh
Lough Foyle Punts
Workhorse
of the North
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