Bádóirí an Ċladaiġ

We are Bádóirí an Ċladaiġ – The Claddagh Boatmen. Our mission is to preserve, restore, and sail the traditional Galway Hookers, fostering maritime heritage and skills for all generations. We believe that teaching, building, and sailing together instills pride, history, and community, ensuring the flame of Galway’s tradition never goes out.

Support Bádóirí an Ċladaiġ

Rebirth of the Galway Hooker

Nearly two decades ago, a small group of visionaries set out to rebuild the lost fleet of Galway Hookers, traditional fishing boats synonymous with the West coast and especially the Claddagh area of Galway City. “People said it was a pipe-dream,” recalls founding member Peter Connolly, but the doubters were proven wrong. Through committed, entirely voluntary effort, the group rebuilt a fleet now 14-15 boats strong, “with plans for more.” Thanks to the Bádóirí an Ċladaiġ, Galway is once again on the map as a home for these historic vessels. Young sailors are trained to sail these ‘workhorses of the sea’, reviving a tradition nearly lost.

Craftsmen & Volunteers

  • Peter Connolly

    Founding member, passionate advocate of tradition.

  • Dara Bailey

    Sailmaker from a renowned Connemara family.

  • Joe Seoighe (Joe Joyce)

    Master boatbuilder.

Bádóirí an Ċladaiġ Events

Cruinniú na mBád, Kinvara: Largest annual gathering of Galway Hookers.

Ability Sailing: Inclusive adaptation of boats for people with mobility challenges.

Festivals, Courses, and Outreach: Boats are used as outdoor classrooms, for public displays during holidays, and as accessible learning opportunities for schools and scouts.

Annual Galway Bay Regatta – September 2025

Upcoming Events

WATER SAFETY IRELAND

WATER SAFETY IRELAND

In this Water Safety Ireland feature, Peter Connolly of Bádóirí an Ċladaiġ as he reflects on his deep-rooted bond with the sea. From the lessons first shared by his father to the vital knowledge he continues to gain about water safety today, Peter’s story highlights a lifelong journey of respect, learning, and connection to the water.

WATER SAFETY IRELAND

Restoration Stories

Read More

Step into the heart of Galway’s maritime revival with our Restoration Stories. At Bádóirí an Ċladaiġ, every boat on Galway Bay tells a tale of vision, craftsmanship, and tireless community spirit. From the rebirth of Croí an Chladaigh—built in Galway for the first time in almost a century to the poignant restoration of Manuela in memory of Manuela Riedo, each vessel reflects our dedication to tradition and innovation.

Restoring a Galway Hooker is more than mere construction; it’s a blend of age-old techniques, careful selection of the finest oak and larch, and a ritual that honors every craftsman’s eye. Supported by local volunteers and skilled boatbuilders like Joe Seoighe, our projects adapt heritage design for new generations—ensuring the skills and stories of the Claddagh remain part of the Bay’s living legacy.

Through creative fundraising, partnerships, and the collective hands of our community, we breathe new life into boats like Naomh Crónán and Réalt na Gaillimhe—each restoration helping to shape Galway’s cultural landscape. Our fleet is also a symbol of ongoing learning and inclusive values, with vessels like those adapted for Ability Sailing so that everyone can take part in the joy and history of the Hooker.