"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.
- 3 Day Big Boat Build Workshop Every Month
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Traditional Wooden Boat Building
Our workshops run all year round
The Ilen
Ilen Regained
Limerick sailor Gary MacMahon found himself increasingly drawn to the story of Conor O'Brien. The loss of the Saoirse in 1979 had been so deeply felt by those directly involved that the very fact of its sinking was suppressed: it wasn't until the late 1980s that Gary had incontrovertible evidence that O'Brien's world-girdling little heroine was no more.
Gradually, his interest shifted to the Ilen. He heard on the grapevine that her working days were over, and it was rumoured she had been sold to Chile. Impatient to learn more, in February 1997 he approached the Shannon Estuary Port Authority for the fax number of the Port Stanley Harbour Master. Within fifteen minutes, Captain Clarke, the Harbour Master, had faxed back the information that the Ilen was in Port Stanley, alive and well if somewhat unused. After initial conversations with the owner, Paul Ellis, it was discovered that Ilen might be for sale. Negotiations soon commenced, and with the support of the Hunt Museum Board in Limerick, funds were provided to purchase her.
Gary MacMahon now had to get himself down to Stanley to see how the old ketch could be shipped back to Ireland. When he got there he quickly realised the problems they all faced – there was no crane in Port Stanley harbour big enough to lift Ilen's 30 tons. They would need to be ready when a ship fitted with adequate derricks came into port. Gary returned to Limerick and, with the assistance of Gerry Boland of Price Waterhouse Cooper, eventually resolved the difficult task of shipping the vessel. Ilen was lifted aboard the MV Angeliki in Port Stanley on 10 October 1997, using the cargo ship’s inboard crane.
When she was discharged onto the quayside in Dublin on Monday 10 November under the guidance of a team headed by ocean voyager and traditional boat enthusiast Paddy Barry, the good luck continued. A forecast of foul weather proved inaccurate, and conditions were gentle. And with them was a crowd of well-wishers from all over Ireland who found it wonderful that the sole surviving maritime creation of Conor O'Brien's skill as a designer and experience as a seaman should have finally come safely home after 71 years.
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