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 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 Mac Polín prints are available for purchase through Meitheal Mara.

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.

Happening between the 1st and 10th June 2012 in Cork City & County, Ocean to City Maritime Festival is Ireland’s unique Maritime Festival organised by Meitheal Mara and based on a spectacular 15 nautical mile race (“An Rás Mór”) for traditional and non-traditional rowing boats and kayaks. This year's Ocean to City event programme and poster. To find out about our FREE events or register for other events, call +353-21-4847673 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

As part of our continuous programme towards improvement, a recent collaboration between Cork based Sirius Arts and Dutch design group BCXSY explores traditional crafts and techniques.

Meitheal Mara also offers Individual and Organisation Funded Training.

Our Heritage & Cultural Research and Publications is an ongoing project and we have been involved in many research and publication projects including Glorious Galway Hookers, Curachs, Lake & River-Boats 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

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