Currach Club of Beaver Island
The Irish Currach Club of Beaver Island celebrates and sustains one of Ireland’s oldest maritime traditions, right here on Beaver Island. Through hands-on rowing, public demonstrations, and cultural exchange, the club connects our island community to centuries of Irish nautical heritage
The currach is a traditional Irish boat that has been used for centuries for fishing, transportation, and rescue along Ireland’s coasts. Lightweight and remarkably versatile, currachs are known for their shallow draft, ability to handle rough waters, and distinctive rowing style.
- Hand-built wooden frame
- Covered in canvas, sealed and waterproofed with oil-based paint
- Flat-bottomed with no keel, allowing it to sit high on the water
- Rowed with long, blade-less oars designed for stability and surface contact
The Irish Currach Club of Beaver Island traces its roots to the inaugural Emerald Isle Irish Féile in 2019, when the Irish Currach Club of Milwaukee brought two currachs and ten members to Beaver Island with support from the Milwaukee Irish Festival Foundation.
The boats—and the rowing demonstrations—sparked immediate excitement and enthusiasm within the community. To encourage the growth of a local club, the Milwaukee group generously left one currach on the island.
- 2020: Irish Currach Club of Beaver Island established
- 2022: Beaver Island Historical Society became the club’s sponsoring organization, providing storage and support
- 2024: Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group (BIIHG) assumed official sponsorship of the club
- 2025: A New Chapter
In 2025, the Irish Currach Club of Beaver Island reached a major milestone by building two of its own currachs. When the Milwaukee Currach Club requested the return of their boats, the Beaver Island community stepped up. Spearheaded by island boat builder Dan Burton, and made possible through the dedication of Currach Club members, volunteers, and supporters, the club undertook the hands-on construction of two brand-new currachs right here on Beaver Island.
These boats, built with care, skill, and deep respect for Irish maritime tradition, were proudly launched at the 2025 Emerald Isle Irish Féile, marking a powerful moment of growth, self-sufficiency, and cultural preservation for the club.
The Irish Currach Club of Beaver Island extends heartfelt thanks to our generous donors Don and Amy Langford and Lisa Gillespie, whose support made it possible to build these two currachs. In recognition of their generosity and commitment to preserving Irish maritime heritage on Beaver Island, the boats were proudly named in their honor.
Support the Club
Sponsorships and donations of any amount are welcome and help cover:
• Insurance
• Safety equipment
• Ongoing maintenance
Become a Member
Membership is open to anyone interested in supporting or participating in the Currach Club, whether you want to row recreationally, train competitively, help maintain the boats, or simply enjoy seeing these beautiful vessels on the water.