"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
Orlaith's Blog
Photo catch-up for the weekend, beginning with the Framing Out ceremony for AK Ilen on Friday afternoon. First launched in 1926, up until the 90s the Ilen worked in the Falklands, transporting livestock between the islands. And through a somewhat bizarre coincidence, she ended up returning to Baltimore, where she was built.
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.
For the ceremony, children carried trenchers of smoking gum arabic incense through the crowd, and Brother Anthony of Glenstal Abbey spoke effortlessly of the wonder of a creature of land transforming to a creature of the sea. Live Oak was fixed to the Ilen to give thanks for the wood, and blessed as Brother Anthony invoked the elements of wood, air, water and fire.
I helped with fire, being one of the designated Giver of Candles :-)
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