Yes, a magnificent publication. A labour of love and painstaking research, this book is filling a void in information on our traditional Irish Craft as an entity. We have generally neglected many of our traditional craft in the pursuit of modernity. Despite being a small island nation there has been little appreciation of these craft among our general population. There are various historical reasons for this but now a number of people are beginning to recognise the importance and beauty of these craft. There is evidence that more than Galway Hookers and Currachs are now being built or restored by dedicated builders, both professional and amateur. We can only hope that this book will help to encourage further interest.Other than racing dinghies, the use of small shallow draft wooden boats is a minority pursuit here. Incongruous ,when you consider that we are a small island and also blessed with hundreds of lakes. However, a big advantage is that we have a multitude of superb uncrowded waters to sail in. Paradise!
Stephen - Thanks for your insightful in-country report—much appreciated! And yes, let’s hope Traditional Boats of Ireland plays a tangible role in helping preserve what’s left of Ireland’s vintage-boat fleet.
I too would welcome more. And I certainly enjoyed searching for and finding some “Hookers” on an adventure to Galway years ago, with an old roommate, Denis O’Calahan!
John - I’ll borrow Bob’s book again, and post some additional boat images. (My only concern is a perception by the publisher that I’m intruding on their copyright to the material, vs. just doing what amounts to a very positive book review. (My intention is to celebrate what they’ve done with all of the research, so they’ll hopefully appreciate our thumbs-up.)
an expensive buy for me at the time, but I knew I'd regret not buying it when it was first available. I did. No resorting to Interlibrary Loan to see it.
Apparently the book Traditional Boats of Ireland has a companion website with loads of photos and information. http://www.tradboats.ie A nice alternative for those of us who don't have $400 to spend on such a beautiful book.
I'm thinking, "how can there be any other answer?" 87% say Yes! thanks for asking
Yes, a magnificent publication. A labour of love and painstaking research, this book is filling a void in information on our traditional Irish Craft as an entity. We have generally neglected many of our traditional craft in the pursuit of modernity. Despite being a small island nation there has been little appreciation of these craft among our general population. There are various historical reasons for this but now a number of people are beginning to recognise the importance and beauty of these craft. There is evidence that more than Galway Hookers and Currachs are now being built or restored by dedicated builders, both professional and amateur. We can only hope that this book will help to encourage further interest.Other than racing dinghies, the use of small shallow draft wooden boats is a minority pursuit here. Incongruous ,when you consider that we are a small island and also blessed with hundreds of lakes. However, a big advantage is that we have a multitude of superb uncrowded waters to sail in. Paradise!
Stephen - Thanks for your insightful in-country report—much appreciated! And yes, let’s hope Traditional Boats of Ireland plays a tangible role in helping preserve what’s left of Ireland’s vintage-boat fleet.
I too would welcome more. And I certainly enjoyed searching for and finding some “Hookers” on an adventure to Galway years ago, with an old roommate, Denis O’Calahan!
Wow, what outstanding photos!!!
Wonderful article, Marty! I've had the good fortune to see a few of the traditional boats of Ireland up close. I keep the photos in this album, on Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/old_salt7/albums/72177720315163204/
Pete - Thanks for posting the photos—some a bit sad, but others encouraging when it comes to preservation of the country’s old wooden boats.
'Tis!
And more Irish boats, too, please.
John - I’ll borrow Bob’s book again, and post some additional boat images. (My only concern is a perception by the publisher that I’m intruding on their copyright to the material, vs. just doing what amounts to a very positive book review. (My intention is to celebrate what they’ve done with all of the research, so they’ll hopefully appreciate our thumbs-up.)
Great Article!….always interesting how “Others” approach their Waterways. I am always attracted to the waterways to observe the “Others!”
an expensive buy for me at the time, but I knew I'd regret not buying it when it was first available. I did. No resorting to Interlibrary Loan to see it.
Apparently the book Traditional Boats of Ireland has a companion website with loads of photos and information. http://www.tradboats.ie A nice alternative for those of us who don't have $400 to spend on such a beautiful book.