I am told they were used as fishing boats but I am also told they were used to deliver fuel to the Aran Islands. In the good old days, (actually it's still a good way to heat your house,) they burned turf-peat in the hearth; it provided heat and cooked your meals. The residents of Aran didn't have access to a peat bog, since the islands are incredibly rocky. So, the sturdy men of Connemara would get up early in the morning, load up their hookers with peat and race out to the islands. Whoever got there first got the most sales. It was simple economics.
Racing out to Inishmore became a daily thing. Nowadays, there is a lot of interest in keeping this type of boat and this form of racing alive. There are annual Galway Hooker races in the Summer, which I am told are really fun. If you want to learn more about Hookers, check out the Galway Hooker Association, they have a great 2 minute video on their main page.
I really should stop in and buy a drink some time. I felt a bit silly taking pictures of their pub and not buying a Guinness. Sorry guys! IOU a beer.
Since 1845! Wow, I guess bar-tending must be the second oldest profession.
Leitir Móir has beautiful roads.
Somebody was out sailing today! The red-burgundy sails are traditional.
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