Cruinnui na Mbad – the "Gathering of the Boats" - in Kinvara this Coming Weekend

13th August 2024

They're much more than a photogenic image of the west. Racing the full-size Galway Hookers to their full potential is a matter of skill, trained talent, and precise judgment. When the race is in a place like Kinvara with shorelines close on either side, all competence requirements are heightened Credit: CnmB

The 45th Cruinniu na mBad at Kinvara in the southeast corner of Galway Bay will be going at full sail, music, and word power this weekend, from Friday, August 16th through Sunday, August 18th. And it has become much more than the Gathering of the Boats that traditionally celebrated the delivery by sea of the winter's consignment of Connemara turf to agriculturally affluent but fuel-sparse Kinvara.

Traditional smaller boats in Kinvara sunshine

Kinvara's special location in the southeast corner of Galway Bay gives it many advantages

MUSIC AND STORY-TELLING

With new attitudes to turf-burning, only token cargoes are now delivered. But the arrival of the cream of Connemara's Galway Hooker fleet, and their subsequent racing with the Galway city fleet off the attractive and notably hospitable port of Kinvara, remains the core of a remarkable festival of folk culture, with traditional music heard at every corner, story-telling voices are heard from within.

Hospitable Kinvara, with the world-girdling cutter Pylades (Fergus & Kay Quinlan) berthed within easy reach of the welcoming Pier Head gastro-pub

There may be a breeze outside, but strong wind seldom finds its way right into the dock at Kinvara

REASONABLE WEATHER PROSPECTS

While some Kinvara festivals during the past 45years have been successfully completed despite adverse weather, there's no doubt that a spot of sunshine and a suitable racing breeze can have a hugely beneficial effect. The good news is that things are currently looking quite good weatherwise for the approaching weekend, though it might be a sensible idea to have the outdoor events completed by late Sunday afternoon

Traditional Galway hookers manoeuvring to a pierhead finish off a cheerfully crowded Kinvara during Cruinniu na mBad

Published in Galway Hookers, Maritime Festivals, Connemara

Published in Galway Hookers

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About The Author

WM Nixon

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William M Nixon has been writing about sailing in Ireland for many years in print and online, and his work has appeared internationally in magazines and books. His own experience ranges from club sailing to international offshore events, and he has cruised extensively under sail, often in his own boats which have ranged in size from an 11ft dinghy to a 35ft cruiser-racer. He has also been involved in the administration of several sailing organisations.

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