"currach"

currach, curragh /kurəx/ small, keel-less, rowing boat, traditional on the Atlantic coast, made of a watertight material (formerly cowhide, now usually tarred canvas) stretched over wooden slats or laths and rowed with bladeless oars. Although flimsy-looking (it has to be kept on shore, when not in use), it is perfectly adapted to the local seas. Of great antiquity, they were used by mediaeval monks to explore the Atlantic for remote islands. Known as naomhóg in Kerry and Cork. [c.1450<Old Irish currach, curach] See Boyne coracle.