** Added March 31st 2008: See a gallery of photos taken on the day the Currach was launched... ** A late entry to the Paddys weekend calander this year is a very interesting project and we are delighted to give it some heat. The launching of a Currach, the traditional sea faring Irish boat unique to the Atlantic coast and made internationally famous by the remarkable 1934 movie 'Man of Aran'. Also renowned for the small matter of beating Columbus to the Americas!! On Paddy's Day Irish Artist Mark Redden will launch a three man rowing Currach at Barceloneta beach. The First of its kind in Spain, the boat has been entirely hand built, using only hand tools. Mark is living and working in Barcelona. Originally from Dublin, he learned to make boats while serving an apprenticeship in County Galway. His art has been widely exhibited in Ireland, he is working on a new body of painting and sculpture which he intends to show in Spain. The Currach is being built in Marks studio in El Clot. All materials have been locally sourced and the boat is being built by traditional means. A Currach is usually coated with tar to waterproof the hull, but due to different circumstances on the Mediterranean, he is investigating the possibility of using alternative material. While in Barcelona, Mark met Narciss Fors, a kayak builder, who has introduced new materials that may be usefull in the construction of a Currach. Balistic nylon is one material that may modernise the hull of the boat. Having trained as a sculptor, after completing his degree, he got work with a wooden boat builder, which later developed into a fascination with Currachs. He learned the skills of Currach making in county Cork, where he taught Currach building to community groups. He has since made over a dozen boats. For Saint Patrick's Day 2005 he launched a Currach in Hobart, Tasmania. This year he will launch an Aran Island style boat, with a Catalan twist. Currachs were once widely used by the people of the west coast of Ireland. Laden with fish, cows or turf they were an essential part of a life long forgotten in Ireland. Simply and cheaply built, a Currach was trusted above any other type of boat in rough conditions. Having no keel they are light and manouverable. Their design evolved from the limited materials and simple tools available to the bygone boat builder. The first written record of the Currachs comes from Julius Caesar in 100 BC. Early Gaelic accounts speak of large ocean going sailing Currachs roving the North Atlantic. It is believed that an Irish monk, Saint Brendan, was the first European to reach the New World, 500 years before Columbus, and he did so in a Currach The Currach is being made in Reactiva Studios in Clot, with the aid of local people. A programme will appear on canal 33, documenting the building of the boat. Marks studio is open to visitors by appointment. He can be contacted on 637276384. Launch time 2 pm, Barceloneta beach, Monday March 17. All welcome!

Eng - Cat - Cast   CURRACH LAUNCH... March 31st 2008: Photos of Mark Redden's Currach-launch have been uploaded to the site, check them out... Read More >> AER LINGUS COMPETITION WINNER... Congratulations to Sandra of MS Barcelona who has won the free flights to Ireland competition with Aerlingus. Enjoy...