14th Irish International Currach Championships
Friday 10th August – Sunday 12 August 2018
Carlingford Lough, Warrenpoint
You must come down and check this out…
The Lough will come alive on the weekend of the 12 August 2018 with with the sights, sounds and toil of an ancient Irish Tradition.
The currach sailed both the rivers and coastal shores of Ireland for thousands of years.
The boat’s wooded frame was handwoven and traditionally covered with animal skin.
On the shores of Carlingford Lough at Warrenpoint from 10 August to 12 August 2018 the 14th Irish International Currach Championships keeps the ancient boating tradition alive with teams from all over Ireland and internationally coming together to celebrate the currach in competition.
[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzqrmgIqcI0&feature=youtu.be” /]
Friday will see the arrival of the competitive rowers.
The annual Summer currach coaching for young people day which caters for up to 50 kids will also take place on Friday.
A ‘Meet & greet’ with a mini Poc Fada organised for the Championship visitors takes place on Friday evening.
All the excitement and drama moves into water and the currachs with the heat stages of the championship beginning on Saturday.
Sunday is finals day followed by a presentation dinner and function.
There is also a Family Day on the beach which everyone is invited to attend.
Competition Times
Competition starts on Saturday 11th at 10.00am to 3.00pm and Sunday 12th 11.00am to 4.00pm.
Ireland and the Currach
Legend has St Brendan set out on his voyage to find the Garden of Eden on a currach.
Many people will be very familiar with painting by Belfast born artist, Paul Henry, “Launching the Currach”.
This painting is an iconic image of the boat being used by fishermen off the west coast of Ireland and has hung on the walls of many homes in Ireland down through the years.
Check out the video below if you are interested in the history of the currach.
[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1uTlZH2HJ8″ /]
The organisers are hoping for a huge turnout of spectators to cheer on those competing in the Championship races and join in all the fun activities over the weekend.