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GALWAY HOOKERS
On the west coast of Ireland, local fishermen, publicans and enthusiasts alike continue a long tradition of the Galway Hooker, a broad and heavy wooden boat which used to carry turf to be used as fuel across Galway Bay from Connemara and Co Mayo to the Aran Island and the Burren. The largest boats range from 35-44 feet in length and the smallest around 25 feet long. Both are decked forward of the mast.The boats often brought limestone on the return journeys to neutralise the acid soils of Connemara.
A number of annual festivals celebrate the Galway Hooker and affords the opportunity for younger men and women to learn the ropes and help continue the tradition.