"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
News Stories
AK Ilen Wooden Boatbuilding Schools visit to the Ilen
Scroll Work
Tall ship: getting ready to hoist mainsail as Ilen project nears end.
Kevin Cronin, Limerick Leader
The Irish Times, Extract - An Irishwoman's Diary, Lorna Siggins
...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
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.
Orlaith's Blog
Ilen is currently in a stone shed, with lush ivy creeping through; the cobbled floor harkening back to times when it was the courtyard of an O’Driscoll stronghold.
Next Workshop Dates Confirmed
Traditional Wooden Boat Building
June Wed 23 – Fri 25th 2010
Framing Out Ceremony
Friday May 28th is a celebratory day for the Big Boat Build project. On that day we fit the final of our 28 great Irish oak frames – a milestone in our workshop programme. It is to be marked with a framing out ceremony for all our participants, supporters, friends and guiding shipwrights.
A shared love of wooden boats and the sea
For 3 days I was lost in time, watching and helping the traditional shipwrights turn out intricate frames from rough-sawn slabs of oak. I saw at first-hand these revered and amazing skills and was involved in the re-build of AK ILEN.
For myself and many of the other workshop participants this was one of the most rewarding and heart-warming activities in which we have ever participated.
Captain J.G. Burns, MNI, Chief Officer & Master of ASGARD 2
Build a Boat
Áilín Quinlan talks to a boating enthusiast who helped rebuild an old Irish wooden sailing ship and hears about the three-day workshops open to anyone who fancies doing the same under the watchful eye of qualified shipwrights.
SilverCircle.ie
January Workshop
The recent January workshop saw frames 19 and 20 fitted. Six eager participants set to the task with great enthusiasm under the direction of the shipwrights.
Big Boat Build
An Account of a Workshop Participant
by Eugene Pratt
Traditional Wooden Boats & Sustainability
Anthony Keane OSB
Mary Johnny Joe’s Willing Cohorts
March Workshop
Rebuilding the Ilen on the Ilen River
Anthony Keane OSB
In The Media
RTE – TOM MACSWEENEY’S SEASCAPES MARITIME LOG
Preserving Boat Building Skills
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