The Claddagh Boatmen
Stewards of Galway’s Maritime Soul
The Claddagh Boatmen are the lifeblood of Galway’s maritime heritage, anchoring a tradition that began centuries ago in the fishing village of Claddagh where the Corrib River meets the Bay. Once home to Ireland’s largest fishing fleet, Claddagh’s men earned their living from the unforgiving Atlantic, while the village’s women sustained the rhythm of daily life and passed down Irish language and customs.
Known for their mastery of the Galway Hooker — the iconic wooden sailing boat with a distinctive black hull and rust-red sails—these boatmen built, maintained, and raced vessels designed specifically to tackle the fierce winds and rugged coastline of the West of Ireland. Their skills in carpentry, sailmaking, and navigation made Claddagh a center of boatbuilding and maritime excellence for generations.
The Claddagh Boatmen’s tradition includes elected leadership, symbolised by the historic “King of the Claddagh,” recognised by a white sail while others bore red. Today, we honour legendary figures, such as Martin Oliver, who continue to inspire our restoration and sailing programs.
Legacy in Action
Galway Hooker Restorations
Our work is hands-on and deeply collaborative. Recent restoration projects such as the historic 24ft ‘Claddagh’ built in 1924 illustrate the careful craftsmanship and sense of responsibility underpinning our mission. Each restoration is a community affair, with locals and enthusiasts coming together in workshops and at the Port of Galway, reviving vessels that once ferried turf, barrels of fresh water, and hope between the bays and islands of Galway.
Restoring a Hooker is more than repairing wood and canvas; it is salvaging memories, reviving forgotten skills, and passing a living legacy onto new generations. These boats return to Galway Bay for races, regattas, and festivals, embodying resilience and Irish pride.