It would be great if an American or European University could get involved in this project – there are so many Phd’s and papers under this lake that I’ve lost count.
Strangely it doesn’t seem to be the sort of archaeology that Irish institutions are interested in, truly quite remarkable, we have some world class archaeology here capable of fundamentally changing current thought and knowledge .
The Clydagh Boat. Probably one of the most intact vessels of this age ever found anywhere (as far as I can see) A massive 37ft long, Steering oar in place, slotted duckbill bow with 2 rounded rectangular slots (for pulling ashore with oxen ?), intact fitted transom and quarter posts. Gunwhales appear full height.
It appears from the image that the board transom is slotted into carved-in quarter posts. The starboard post has a much larger head on it, and the steering oar, laying beside it, was secured to this by some means, probably a leather strap. Both port and starboard posts show signs of rope or fibre hawser attachment of some type as they are very grooved.
Lough Corrib C15 Boat Stern
This gives some idea of the immense proportions of this vessel. The problems manoeuvering this thing must have been huge.
The Clydagh Boat, side view
The Bow of the Clydagh Boat. The hole in the prow or “duckbill” could be either for driving a mooring pole through, or securing a leather or rope towing hawser through.
Clydagh Boat – Bow
This video was shot during rough weather !