Croí an Chladaigh
Croí an Chladaigh, meaning “Heart of the Claddagh,” was the first Galway Hooker of its type built in Galway in nearly 90 years, marking a historic rebirth of traditional boatbuilding in the city. Its completion in 2012 symbolised the revival of an iconic maritime heritage that had long been at risk of vanishing.
The boatbuilding process honoured old techniques, such as the use of whiskey planks and traditional nails sourced from Glasgow maintaining authentic materials and ensuring structural integrity. The mast is crafted from spruce or Douglas fir, maintaining balance and durability essential for Galway’s challenging waters.
Since launch, Croí an Chladaigh has been a regular at traditional boat festivals, including Cruinniú na mBád, fostering a deeper appreciation for Galway's legacy. It has won sailing competitions in its category, though participants emphasize the spirit of community and shared heritage over winning.
Croí an Chladaigh
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Croí an Chladaigh •
The boat measures approximately 32 feet (around 10 meters) in length, making it a Leathbhád (half-boat) class Galway Hooker. The design reflects traditional features—a sharp entry bow, a black hull coated historically with pitch or tar, and the famous rust-red sails created by a practice called “barking,” where sails were soaked in a mixture derived from tree bark to preserve the fabric.
Work began in 2009 under the leadership of master boatbuilder Joe Seoighe (Joe Joyce), who brought decades of skill and experience from Connemara. The craftsmanship relied heavily on traditional methods, using Irish native white oak for the frame and durable larch for planking, combined with authentic construction details passed down through generations.
Croí an Chladaigh was launched at the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race stopover in Galway in 2012, drawing significant public and media attention, effectively putting Galway’s historical fleet restoration on the map.
The project was not just about a single boat; it was conceived as a community-driven effort to rebuild the fleet and rekindle maritime links between Galway and Connemara. Funded partly through SOLAS (the Irish Further Education and Training Authority, formerly FÁS), the project provided community employment and training, with boats held in trusteeship to guarantee their public, non-commercial use.
Croí an Chladaigh now serves as both a sailing vessel and a living classroom—taking part in regattas, community events, and educational programs to teach traditional sailing and boatbuilding skills to new generations. Its success inspired further restoration and construction projects and rekindled connections with coastal harbours and communities.
