Galway Traditional Boat Festival 2024

Bádóirí an Chladaigh Galway Hooker sailing regatta ⛵

Regatta displaying unique Irish boats, such as currachs and Galway Hookers including the Bád Mór, Gleoiteog, Leathbhád and Púcán classes of boat traditionally used throughout Galway Bay, along the coast of Connemara and North Clare.

The event usually takes place in August with boats from all over the county gathering in The Claddagh area of Galway City showcasing the beauty of the boats and the immense skills required to build, maintain and sail these fine boats.

About the traditional Irish boats
The Galway Hooker is the traditional boat of Galway built of the finest quality oak, strong enough to withstand the rough seas of the Atlantic. The boats are recongnisable by their strong pointed bow and sides that curve outwards. They have one main sail and two foresails all on a single mast. It’s a gaff-rigged sailing boat meaning the sail is four-cornered, fore-and-aft rigged, controlled at its peak by a pole called the gaff.

Traditionally painted black with eye-catching red sails these beautiful boats are something to behold. Along with the Claddagh ring, they have become a much-loved symbol of Galway, something unique to the county.

There are four types of Galway Hooker: Bád Mór (35 – 44 ft) and Leath Bhád or “half-boat” (28 ft), being the two bigger varieties, were used to transport turf across Galway bay. Gleoiteog and the Púcán (both 24 – 28 ft but differently rigged) were used more commonly for transporting people and fishing.

What to expect at Claddagh regatta