Galway Hooker Boats Return To The Claddagh Basin

A Celebration of Tradition and Community

Those of us basking in the late September sunshine last week at the Spanish Arch will have noticed the lock gate linking the Claddagh basin to Galway bay was open to allow the iconic Galway hookers make their way back to shore after the summer season. Members of community group Bádóirí an Chladaigh were on hand to supervise the endeavour, which took place during the evening high tide.

An important part of Galway's maritime heritage, this was an event where tradition and culture came together in preparation for Culture Night 2024. The majestic sails of the boats were to serve as a backdrop for local filmmakers to showcase their work against the stunning silhouette of these beautifully restored vessels. 

Culture Night

As we watched the boats slowly make their way in, Bádóirí an Chladaigh members Ray O'Beara, Gerry Jackson and Chris Fahy kept watch to ensure pedestrian safety. And they were on hand to help guide the sailors home. 

"The timing was right, as Culture Night led in to the winter season," explains Ray, "our Chairman, Peter Connolly, was instrumental in organising the Culture Night activities." 

Generations of Boat Building

Ray has been involved with Bádóirí an Chladaigh for a number of years and has a deep-rooted connection to the sea. It not only fosters his love for the craft but also bridges family generations of boat-building traditions.

"I am retired, or semi-retired, and since then, I've been helping out during the summers," he says.

"I come from a background with boats. My family used to build boats in Connemara, so it’s in my blood. It’s all part of Galway’s history. There's lots of stories and characters that you wouldn’t hear about otherwise. We’re always looking into local history and the Galway Hookers are a big part of that."

The Meaircín Joe

The first boat to come in from the open sea along the Long Walk and into the Claddagh was the rebuilt ‘Meaircín Joe,’ with the recognisable image of the Kings Head brand on its stern. 

Named in honour of the two O’Clochartaigh brothers, Meaircín and Joe, who built her in 1987 in Mweenish, the rebuilt vessel was meticulously handcrafted by boat builder Joe Joyce with generous support from The Kings Head Pub and the Grealish family.

In late 2010, John Linsey and family in Dublin, gave permission to the Bádóirí an Chladaigh to bring her to Galway to restore her and she led the fleet back to home. 

Ongoing Legacy

The members of Bádóirí an Chladaigh are committed to preserving and promoting the legacy of these boats. As the Galway Hookers prepare for winter, the spirit of the community remains vibrant

With a shared passion for history and culture, the group is not only focused on the practical aspects of sailing but also on enriching the culture of Galway. 

For more see their facebook page.