A sailing trip demonstrates the links between Ireland and Scotland and commemorates the pirate queen Grace O'Malley.
The voyage to the Outer Hebrides will set out from Grainuaile's Carrickahowley Castle on Clew Bay, County Mayo.The last time a highland galley set sail was three hundred years ago, but today a replica galley the 'Aileach' sail from Mayo to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland on a voyage that celebrates the links between Ireland and Scotland in the sixteenth century.
Using the Pirate Queen's territory on the coast of County Mayo as a starting point links her to Somerled, Scotland's Lord of the Isles, who several centuries earlier was in command of Scotland's western islands.
Skipper Wallace Clarke who was part of adventurer Tim Severin's 'Brendan' crew in 1976 explains that,
We thought we'd try and show that there were similar characters in both countries.
Built from larch and oak, the forty foot long vessel was constructed by Donegal boat maker James MacDonald. Crew member Myles Clarke is confident that they will get to Scotland safely,
She's very good and strong, it'll be more of a test to the crew really than anything else.
Before the crew of sixteen oarsmen set sail, local children were given a taste of how how some of our ancestors travelled in times past, with a trip around the inlet overlooked by Grace O'Malley's Carrickahowley (also known as Rockfleet) Castle. Their sea journey will officially commence from Clare Island in the coming days.
The voyage in its entirety will take approximately six weeks, says Tánaiste of the O' Malley Clan Peter Magee. Given the amount of preparation and the wide variety of skills and experience on board the boat Wallace Clarke believes the 'Aileach' is in good hands,
If we fail it won't be for lack of good skill in the crew.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 27 May 1991. The reporter is Eileen Magnier.
