"Ancient" Coracle
(Currach) to be built at Mayo Abbey
A twenty foot currach made from cowhide and hazel wands will be built in Mayo Abbey in the coming weeks and will subsequently be sailed from Northern Ireland to Scotland in early June.
This is a transnational cooperation project between Mayo Abbey Resource Development Company and Kilmartin House experimental archaeology centre, Argyll, western Scotland. The journey will be a symbolic reenactment of the voyage of St Columcille from Derry to Iona in AD 563 and will be part of the celebrations to commemorate the 1400th anniversary of the death of the Saint in AD 597.
The currach will be constructed using the ancient methods of coracle building under the guidance of Peter Faulkner, the last remaining craftsman who has a knowledge of these methods. Hazel branches are stuck in the ground, bent over into an arc and woven together with willow, like a big upturned basket. Then cow skin is draped over the frame and sewn together. The boat is then dried for a few days and will then be ready for the sea. It will be fitted with a square sail and will accommodate up to twelve people. This will be the first time that such a large currach will be recreated, fitted with a sail and such a hazardous voyage attempted. A film crew from BBC Scotland will cover the building of the currach and the subsequent voyage.
Peter Faulkner would like to meet anyone with an interest in being involved in the building of the currach, particularly persons with experience in currach building or basket weaving.
Further information from Mayo Abbey Resource Development Company Ltd., Abbey Park, Mayo Abbey; Phone/Fax 094/65555.
E-mail joebrett@mayo-ireland.ie
