Key details
- Current boat name
- Dingle Curragh
- Boat class
- 6968
- Function
- Fishing and Hunting
- Type
- Basket
Dimensions and specifications
- Length (m / ft)
- 6.86 / 22ft 6in
- Beam (m / ft)
- 1.3 / 4ft 3in
- Leeward
- None
- Masts
- one
- Propulsion
- Paddle/sail
Design and build
- Designer
- Traditional
- Place of build
- Ireland
Current status
- Present use
- Museum/NMMC
History
The history of this vessel is unknown. It is one of many types of curragh from the west coast of Ireland. The largest were rowed by eight oars and were capable of transporting several passengers or even cattle to and from the islands to the mainland. This boat, however, is of an average size and was almost exclusively used for fishing. Unlike the coracle, the wooden framework of the hull is constructed upturned with a three part gunwale frame with deal stringers and thwarts. The hull is covered with a double layer of canvas or calico and coated with pitch. The oars are long and narrow with tapering blades the same width as the loom. They are rowed in pairs and pivot on a thole pin on the gunwale. This vessel is fitted with an outboard engine as well as having a mast, lug sail and two leeboards. It was presented to NMM by Mr R S Beeching in 1973. October 2007