Sally O'Keeffe Brittany Adventure

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project envisages the Sally O’Keeffe to sail from Kilrush to Brittany as part of the rekindling of the Kilrush - Plouzane twinning and to explore the shared maritime history.

The Sally O’Keeffe is a re-interpretation of a traditional Shannon Estuary sailing vessel which was built in a small shed in Querrin, on the Loop Head Peninsula, and launched in 2012. The trip would start in Kilrush with a crew consisting of West Clare residents. The first leg of the journey would take the Sally O’Keeffe along the Shannon Estuary and then south to Baltimore, County Cork, where she would represent Kilrush and the Loop Head Peninsula at the Wooden Boat Festival which will take place in May 2024. From there the Sally O’Keeffe would adventure on towards the Isle of Scilly. The last leg would bring the Sally O’Keeffe to the Bas-Leon region in Brittany, where boat and crew will arrive, weather depending, in July and, among other activities, visit Plouzane and attend the Fêtes Maritimes, a gathering of traditional boats from around the world that only takes place every four years.

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION & OBJECTIVES

This journey would explore the historic connection between the West Clare area and Brittany - and the stops in between - based on their shared maritime and fishing heritage. This exploration will cultivate old friendships and hopefully create new contacts and friendships. It aims to encourage an ongoing exchange of knowledge and experience between the two regions, thereby supporting their local sustainable development.

This project contributes to: 

• community

• tourism

• built heritage

(POTENTIAL) PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS

• Seol Sionna

• Clubs, societies and organisations in Kilrush, the Loop Head Peninsula and its hinterland

• Clare Co Co

• CLDC