Seol Sionna Wooden Boat Building Project

Building on the success of the recent traditional currach project, Seol Sionna, a group that has grown out of the West Clare Currach Club, is preparing to reintroduce classic wooden sailing boats to the Shannon Estuary.

The Seol Sionna project is an ambitious training project to build, a 25ft wooden sailing boat, evoking the small-to-medium class Shannon hooker that once sailed in the estuary. It is to be built for sail training purposes. The project draws on the extensive boat building, boat handling skills, and local knowledge inherent in Seol Sionna membership.

Seol Sionna in collaboration with local West Clare Learning Network (WCLN) members, is exploring the potential for a full FETAC Level 3 or Level 4 certificate that could be undertaken by some participants. More details soon.

In preperation for sailing people will be able to avail of a yachtmaster shorebased navigation course under guidance of Brendan Travers next winter.

The boat will be built in Querrin overlooking the Shannon where we hope to see it sail in about a years time. Hopefully it will be one of many similar boats in time to come.


If anyone has any interest in participating in this project please contact us. Richard Collins (087 6744550) or Trea Heapes (086 3819 216).

This project has been part-funded by the LEADER programme, through the National Development Plan and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.