Réalt na Gaillimhe
Réalt na Gaillimhe is a 23-foot gleoiteog-type Galway Hooker, known for its agility, compact lines, and suitability for both fishing and community sailing. Gleoiteogs typically feature the Galway Hooker’s distinctive black hull—originally coated with tar for preservation and rigging consisting of a mainsail, foresail, and jib, all in the deep rust-red shade achieved through the traditional “barking” process. The boat’s construction employs native white oak and larch for strength and longevity, with local stones often used for internal ballast to ensure stability in Galway Bay’s choppy waters.
Réalt na Gaillimhe was launched in 2021, joining the growing fleet of restored hookers on Galway Bay. Its restoration and maiden voyage were made possible through the sponsorship of Taylor’s Bar in Galway’s West End, a strong supporter of community maritime heritage. The launch was celebrated as a milestone for Bádóirí an Chladaigh, further strengthening the ties between the local business community and Galway’s living maritime tradition.
Naomh Crónán
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Naomh Crónán •
The gleoiteog’s manageable size and rig make it an ideal training vessel for sailors learning traditional seamanship, sail handling, and navigation. Bádoirí an Chladaigh use Réalt na Gaillimhe as a key tool for community outreach—running introductory sailing sessions, hands-on heritage workshops, and youth training programs. The boat’s accessibility means that newcomers, families, and those with mobility challenges can get safely involved.
Beyond physical construction, Réalt na Gaillimhe serves as a floating classroom where skills are passed down and Galway’s maritime past comes alive on the water. The boat symbolizes continuity—the living passage of tradition from veteran boatbuilders and sailors to the next generation. Each sail is a reminder of the “Tribes of Galway,” as the growing fleet now trains and teaches future Hooker sailors with pride and authenticity.
During holidays and festivals, Réalt na Gaillimhe is often illuminated in the Claddagh Basin alongside the rest of the fleet, inviting the city to celebrate its seafaring story. The boat is a vital link in the chain of restoration projects that keep Galway’s maritime flame burning, ensuring the Hooker’s iconic silhouette remains a fixture on the city’s waters.