Currach - Currach - traditional rowing boat still used on the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland. They are made of wooden slats which are then covered in several layers of tar. In the olden days they would have been covered in hide. They were designed thus because wood was (is) scarce along the coastal region. They are versatile boats, able to carry large heavy loads as they are so buoyant. Traditionally they are manned by a crew of three, and they carry it up the beach to store it upside down to protect it, sitting it on trestles or large stones. Quite often nowadays they are fitted with outboard motors but the basic design is the same as it has been for generations. Currach racing is also popular along the west coast.