A Not Dot Com Picture
|
Curragh, Connemara
|
|
The working boat of the west of Ireland is the curragh (pronounced ku-rock). Traditionally made of nothing more than heavily tarred oilcloth or canvas over a light wood frame, these boats are keel-less, designed to ride high in turbulent surf & to land anywhere. Their handling by 2 & 3 man teams of oarsmen, who have often rowed together since childhood, is graceful beyond words.
Historically, the need to be constantly on the sea in all seasons, exposed to violent tides & sudden storms, made drowning the leading cause of death for Aran Island men. It was a custom in some families to dress the boy babies in girls' clothes so the sea would not know them. |
Talk to me
Go forward
Go back
About Not Dot Com Pictures
Home