"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
Workshops
For the past year people from Ireland and beyond have been making their way to the impossibly picturesque workshop location of Oldcourt on the Ilen River. They come from all walks of life, but share a common desire to learn new skills and to find a new way of sustainable living while discovering a timeless craft with some of Ireland's few remaining traditional wooden shipwrights.
At weeks end participants have made new friends, learn new ways of doing things and ultimately depart with an inspiration and revitalisation that can only be discovered from working on a boat like the Ilen in a place like Oldcourt.
Big Boat Build workshops offer an enjoyable and unique initiation into the wonderful craft of West Cork wooden boat building. Prior wood working experience is not required - workshops are open to everyone they are simply all about learning.
Our workshop leader is the noted boat builder Liam Hegarty. Liam welcomes anyone interested in wooden boats to join him in his charming grain store where in his Oldcourt way he reveals the mysterious skills and techniques of the West Cork style of wooden boat building.
To get confirmation of the next workshop dates or to book your place click here.
If you have any questions please call us on 086 2640479.
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