"It was fascinating to see the work of the people who had spent their life learning their craft and trade. The work was REAL..." Eddie Cleary, Co. Tipperary
The workshop was fantastic, the crew in the boatyard were great, we all gelled together as a team and despite the busy social life, we managed to complete our work. Mike Ruane, Co. Wexford
For 3 days I was lost in time, watching and helping Fachtna & Liam turn out intricate frames from the rough-sawn slabs of oak Captain J.G. Burns, MNI, Serving Master Marine
I was convinced that not only did the shipwrights appreciate our assistance – however inexpert – they enjoyed too the colour, the banter & energy we brought with us. Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh UCD National Folklore Collection
Connect with a piece of the Ilen - sponsorship of a plank is a meaningful way for you to support our project.
Donations are very much appreciated and allow us to continue to provide hands-on education.
Limited edition poster print of the Ketch Ilen is now available.
What's Happening
- The Irish Times, Extract - An Irishwoman's Diary, Lorna Siggins
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...FURTHER ALONG the coastline, this Friday is also an auspicious day for Gary McMahon and a team of master shipwrights who have been working on restoration of a very special vessel. The ketch Ilen is as significant in Irish maritime history as the Asgard or it successor, Asgard II .
- Baltimore Wooden Boat Festival - Framing Out Ceremony
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One of the opening events of the festival this year is the Framing Out Ceremony of the good ship followed by a tour of the vessel and a talk on the Ilen Project.
- Next Workshop Dates Confirmed
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Traditional Wooden Boat Building
June Wed 23 – Fri 25th 2010
About Us
The AK Ilen Company is a not-for-profit charitable trust committed to education through the medium of wooden boatbuilding.
Our educational workshops and programmes are focused around the refitting of the Irish-designed and built 56-foot ketch Ilen. Ilen, Ireland’s sole surviving large coastal trading vessel, is being refitted to the highest standards of naval architecture, showcasing the best of Irish boatbuilding talent.
The Big Boat Build Project
This ambitious and exciting project is directed by a panel of wooden boat experts, including naval architect Michael Tyrrell of Arklow. A comprehensive programme of work is underway in Hegarty's Boatyard, Oldcourt, Skibbereen, West Cork.
The initial phase of her refit involves the renewal of elements of Ilen’s timber structure and re-planking. This work is being funded through an innovative series of workshops in which skilled and semi-skilled volunteers participate in the work, supervised by qualified shipwrights.
The refit of the Ilen is a signature project for the AK Ilen Company which is committed to the principle of sustainability in construction and recreational activity through the rebuilding of a unique traditional wooden vessel.
Ilen will play a significant role in promoting maritime heritage through regular visits to harbours throughout the Southwest and further afield, offering onboard educational workshops and other activities. Ilen is intended to raise awareness of shared maritime connections and history, focusing interest on the environmental amenity value of traditional sail.
To get confirmation of the next workshop dates or to book your place click here.
Project Team
Br. Anthony Keane
Liam McElligott
Gary Mac Mahon
Irish Charity Ref: CHY 13607
The Ilen project is supported by the Heritage Council and West Cork Leader.
Supported by
