The 50th anniversary of the Brendan Voyage has been marked in Co Clare with the unveiling of a plaque at Craggaunowen, where a replica of the vessel is on display.
The famous expedition was led by Tim Severin, who set out to test whether Saint Brendan could really have sailed to North America in the 6th century.
'The Brendan', a 36-foot leather boat, departed Cuas an Bhodaigh on Corca Dhuibhne, Co Kerry, on 17 May, 1976, on an epic journey that captured the global imagination.
Hand-crafted using traditional tools, ‘The Brendan’ was built of Irish ash and oak, hand-lashed with two miles of leather thong, and wrapped in 49 ox hides sealed with wool grease.
Over the course of 13 months, Mr Severin and his crew navigated the treacherous "stepping-stone route" via the Hebrides, Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland, eventually reaching Peckford Island, Newfoundland, on 26 June, 1977.
RTÉ Archives: 'The Brendan' under construction in 1975
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Mr Severin, who passed away in 2020, maintained a close connection with Craggaunowen, visiting the site as recently as 2016 for the voyage’s 40-year anniversary.
His replica vessel remains a central part of the heritage site’s collection, preserved for the public to study and appreciate.
Clare County Council has marked 50 years since the Brendan Voyage began at Craggaunowen.
The anniversary also coincides with the completion of improvement works across the Craggaunowen site, including the restoration of walking trails and the addition of a traditional forge, where visitors can now observe live blacksmithing.
As part of the 50th anniversary commemorations, a plaque was unveiled at the Brendan Boat House in celebration of the pioneering spirit of explorer Tim Severin and his crew by Clare TD Joe Cooney and one of the original crew members, Arthur Magan.
Chief Operating Officer of Clare Tourism Development DAC Geraldine O’Rourke said: "The Brendan Voyage is a story of immense courage and curiosity. Marking this 50-year milestone allows us to reflect on that spirit of adventure.
"Combined with the recent efforts to enhance the pathways and heritage demonstrations at Craggaunowen, we aim to provide a space where history remains tangible for all who visit."
