Category: 1938

Regatta Day, Roscahill

by irishvisions

Story
Given the amount of rainfall in Ireland, bogs are generally quite wet and dangerous to traverse. In this scene, a bog face has been recently cut. Its damp sods of turf are tossed upon the bank to begin the drying process. Farmers will then stack the pieces to allow more air to flow through the turf. Once dry enough, the peat is stacked in ever larger mounds and eventually into an enormous reek. Turf reeks are frequently positioned near a bog path to allow easy access for the horse and cart that bring the fuel home.
Location
Clew Bay, Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Awaiting the Start: Carrowmore Horse Races

by irishvisions

Story
Before the horse races start on the strand at Carrowmore, spectators assemble and chat in groups. Traditional horse races would take place during low tide hours. They were held then so the horses had a wider flat stretch of sand upon which to run. The Carrowmore Races took place on Wednesdays so more people could attend the festivities as midweek was the half-day in the area when banks, stores and businesses were closed.
Location
Louisburgh, Co. Mayo
Date
1975
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Who’s in the Lead?

by irishvisions

Story
Local residents are pictured watching the annual Clare Island regatta. In the distance, West Coast hooker boats (an húicéiri) compete in a heated race. Local to the Connemara coastline, hookers were used around Clew Bay and Achill to transport goods and people. Despite near extinction by 1960, there has been a recent resurgence in constructing these old-fashioned sailboats. Now they are used primarily for pleasure, sport and to preserve traditional boat building techniques.
Location
Clare Island Regatta, Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Lobster Fisherman, John Gallagher

by irishvisions

Story
Given the amount of rainfall in Ireland, bogs are generally quite wet and dangerous to traverse. In this scene, a bog face has been recently cut. Its damp sods of turf are tossed upon the bank to begin the drying process. Farmers will then stack the pieces to allow more air to flow through the turf. Once dry enough, the peat is stacked in ever larger mounds and eventually into an enormous reek. Turf reeks are frequently positioned near a bog path to allow easy access for the horse and cart that bring the fuel home.
Location
Clare Island, Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Ribs and Oars of a Currach

by irishvisions

Story
In 1938, Helen and Ernie O’Malley visited Inishbofin Island just off the Galway coast. Transport to the islands was via large boat that would often carry a currach on board. If a port had no pier, the crew could lower the currach, unload the ship’s cargo and row their goods ashore. This image highlights a plank-built currach with its wooden oars and thin wood ribs inside a tar-covered shell. Once made out of stretched animal hides and now canvas, the thin skin is all that separates the fishermen from rough, cold ocean waters.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Island Ways

by irishvisions

Story
During their visit to Clare Island in 1938, Helen and Ernie O’Malley observed many of the local conditions. No telephone lines or motor cars are present in this village scene. Some of the older residents wear traditional clothing as does the woman in the background of the picture. Note the two panniers on either side of the horse’s back. These woven wicker baskets were used to transport goods. In this image the local parish priest can be identified by his white collar as he wheels his bicycle through the village.
Location
Clare Island, Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Rural Altar

by irishvisions

Story
During the time of the 18th century Penal Laws, the British administration forbade Irish Catholics from the Irish people would assemble in a well-protected rural area to hold their religious services. Posted lookouts would warn of approaching police. This stone altar is typical of those used during that era. The large slab of rock might be from an ancient dolmen. The white quartz stone is also a symbol of pre-Christian practices marking a sacred spot.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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