Ever wondered what Galway Hookers look like?

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Yep, I'll admit it, that post title was ever so slightly click baitish, but also kind of funny in my opinion, so Hey Ho, let's go. Anyway apologies about that. The post is actually about Galway Hookers though believe it or not! So read on my friends!

The hookers are very busy in the Summer months here in Galway. They are a sight to behold and are absolutely gorgeous, and I'm sure you'll agree.

They are something else when seen in Galway Bay. That's right, a Galway Hooker is a boat!_{Get your minds out of the gutter for those who had other ideas about what I was talking about!}

Sorry sorry sorry, I just couldn't help myself given their unusual name, but Galway is synonymous with these boats and Claddagh rings more than anything else I would say. You don't actually see them all that much anymore to be honest, so on a recent random visit to a favourite quiet beach here in Galway when I saw three in the Bay, I quickly started getting some snaps.

My three sons and I were at the beach for a walk and a swim, but did not expect to see these wonderful and historic boats.

Aren't they something... A beautiful sight, no doubt about it and steeped in history too.

The History

The Galway hooker is a traditional fishing boat used in Galway Bay off the west coast of Ireland. The fishermen, Islanders and coastal dwellers used the famous boats for years for fishing and for transportation of turf, seaweed, cattle and sometimes beer around Galway Bay.

In more modern times they fell into disuse but there has been a huge revival in recent times which is heartening. This revival has been helped by the Cruinniú na mBád which I'll talk about next.

The festival of Cruinniú na mBád

This is a festival held every year to celebrate Galway's famous boats. A seriea of races are held in Galway Bay, with boats racing from Connemara to Kinvara. I've yet to attend one of these, but I might attend to this year, which will be the 43rd festival since the revival in 1978. It takes places from August 11th to 13th and Kinvara is usually awash with great traditional Irish music for the weekend.