Both the Bád Mór and Leathbhád were decked forward of the mast. These boats were used to carry turf to be used as fuel across Galway Bay from Connemara and County Mayo to the Aran Islands and the Burren. The boats often brought limestone on the return journeys, to neutralise the acid soils of Connemara and Mayo. The Gleoiteog ranges in length from 7 to 9 metres (24 to 28 feet) and has the same sails and rigging as the larger boats. They were used for fishing and carrying cargo. Another boat, the Púcán, is similar in size to the Gleoiteog but has a lug mainsail and a foresail.
Excuse the quality of the photos I only had my phone with me.
Lovely to see the resurgence of traditional boats in this region. I was going to go out and take photos of the regatta earlier in the month but it was cancelled for the fourth year out of five due to inclement weather so it was a surprise to see them today.
Taking my shore rod on holidays with me to see I I can catch my Mum a few cuddies of the rocks in Luing, I have my favourite spots from when I was a kid and used to fish a lot of the shore when there wasn't a boat to be out on.
I'm driving up on Thursday and will leave here about 0630 and arrive sometime before 2200 with two ferry crossings its a bit of a hike but I am looking forward to getting away. Should get down to making myself a list of things I need, like chainsaws and wellies.
