Home
The Maggie May
This June 08 we have initiated a dig to take measurements and pictures of what was one of the last turf boats to work between West Clare and Limerick. These boats were in constant use around the Shannon estuary over a hundred years ago. Carrying limestone from Asketon, turf from west Clare etc. At one stage 20 of these boats worked out of Poulnasherry alone.
Now the Maggie May remains preserved in the mud near Blackweir Bridge, Lisdeen, Kilkee. It has been there as long as anyone can remember. At over 35 feet it would have been able to carry upto 15 ton of cargo.
These boats developed to meet local needs and their ability to land on the Shannon mudflats enabled them to unload and load their cargo easily. Floating off on the high tide using tide and wind to carry them up or downriver.
It is hoped to gather as much measurements and history of these boats as we can.
Please send any pictures or info on same boats to our website and we will share that information with others.
This June 08 we have initiated a dig to take measurements and pictures of what was one of the last turf boats to work between West Clare and Limerick. These boats were in constant use around the Shannon estuary over a hundred years ago. Carrying limestone from Asketon, turf from west Clare etc. At one stage 20 of these boats worked out of Poulnasherry alone.
Now the Maggie May remains preserved in the mud near Blackweir Bridge, Lisdeen, Kilkee. It has been there as long as anyone can remember. At over 35 feet it would have been able to carry upto 15 ton of cargo.
These boats developed to meet local needs and their ability to land on the Shannon mudflats enabled them to unload and load their cargo easily. Floating off on the high tide using tide and wind to carry them up or downriver.
It is hoped to gather as much measurements and history of these boats as we can.
Please send any pictures or info on same boats to our website and we will share that information with others.
