Meitheal Mara

Meitheal Mara (ma-hal ma-ra) translates roughly as workers of the sea. Meitheal can be translated as "Community" and Mara means literally "of the sea" in Gaelic. We are an established boatyard & maritime cultural and education centre in the heart of Cork city, Ireland; a registered Charity and a company limited by guarantee.

Image, courtesy to Dónal Mac Polin. This and other Dónal Mac Polin prints are available for purchase in our headquarters in Crosses Green house! Call + 353 21 4316813 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Boat Building & Repairs and training in woodworking and rowing skills are central to what we do. We produce Currachs and Currach Replicas for sale to the general public as well as preservation, display and replica work for museums and visitor centres.

Our Agency Funded Training programmes utilise traditional boatbuilding, Wood Working and rowing to promote participant's social and personal development. We run courses to encourage young people back into education and training. Meitheal Mara also offers Individual and Organisation Funded Training.

 

Ocean to City

Ocean to City – An Rás Mór ('The Big Race') is a 15 nautical mile (28km) rowing race and maritime festival celebrating Cork's unique
maritime heritage and natural harbour. The race attracts entries from all over the world competing in all types of rowing boats and kayaks.

More than just a race, there's something for everyone at the Ocean to City Festival; Dragon boat, currach & kayak trips, Corkumnavigation, harbour cruises, Navy tours, angling trips, films and talks, food and craft markets, music, craic and lots of free family entertainment.

 

 "Origin part III: Contrast" - We recently collaborated with Cobh based Sirius Arts and design group BCXSY, which explored traditional materials and techniques and has culminated in a series of craft items. For more info, or to buy online, click here.

Our  Heritage & Cultural Research and Publications is an ongoing project and we have been involved in many research and publication projects including  Glorious Galway which you can purchase online.

 

Meitheal Mara provides Consultancy & Charters and speakers in the areas of traditional boatbuilding and maritime culture.

Meitheal Mara :

    • Community-based organisation in the heart of Cork city, a charity and a company limited by guarantee

 

    • Researchers and builders of the Irish Currach boat

 

    • Traditional boat-building yard that promotes maritime culture, education and activities in the community

 

    • Training facility that encourages, respects and promotes social inclusion

 

    • Youth Rowing & Boat building programes

 

    • Consultancy, boats and crews for special events, exhibitions, films, etc.

 

  • Promotion of Irish heritage, maritime culture & language

Registered in Ireland, No. 308452

Registered Office: Crosses Green House, Crosses Green, Cork City.

Registered Charity No. CHY 12929