"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
-
...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.
- Next Workshop Dates Confirmed
-
Traditional Wooden Boat Building
June Wed 23 – Fri 25th 2010
The Ilen
Sailing to Baltimore
Ilen arrived in Glandore early on the Saturday morning of the June bank-holiday weekend, 1998. Her crew of eight included by Paddy Barry, Gary MacMahon, Padraic de Bhaldraithe, John Reen, Paul Murphy, Martin O'Neill and Pat Redmond. A rushed attempt to break out flags and locate a saluting gun proved fruitless as they lowered sail beneath the village and picked up a mooring. The voyage, taking only 36 hours, with rags of sails and a dicey engine, brought to mind that transport under sail was the rapid transit system of a previous age. After breakfast at the Glandore Inn, the crew settled in to enjoy their day and night in Glandore.
The following morning they set off on the last leg of Ilen's return to Baltimore, in front of a freshening easterly breeze. By two o'clock, the wind had increased and sail was set again in about 25 knots. Ilen started to move, like any emigrant returning home, she seemed impatient and, eager to complete the last leg of the journey, she lifted her skirts and sprinted. Seventy-five year old timbers strained, and recently fitted temporary cleats popped. Motor vessels in the welcoming fleet were left in her wake, the Baltimore lifeboat burning large quantities of diesel in order to stay ahead of the Ilen.
Ilen slid gently into her berth alongside the pier at Baltimore to tumultuous applause from the huge crowd gathered to witness her return home. The following month Ilen returned to Glandore for the Classic Boat Regatta. Together with Mac Duach and some of the other Galway hookers, she came right in on the tide to re-create a picture of workboats at the pier that had not been seen for many a day. She was the star of the weekend, including the Parade of Sail on Sunday afternoon, where she was worked around the tight circuit as nimbly as any of the other smaller yachts.
Supported by
