Ilen School


The Ilen School and Network for Wooden Boat Building is a charitable organisation based in Limerick in Ireland. The School provides 'work-based learning' and therapy for students with a range of backgrounds, abilities and needs.

History

The School was formed in 2000 and was based in the Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership building in Roxborough. It was initially an exploratory programme, funded as part of regeneration initiatives in deprived parts of the City. Over time, its reputation has grown and alternative donors have come forward to support its work.

Activities

A wide range of traditional Irish boats are constructed by the students, including the Gandelow, Currach and Dory. In addition, the School is involved in the rebuilding of the A. K. Ilen which was designed by Edward Conor Marshall O'Brien and built near Baltimore, County Cork.
The School has had a significant role in building, documenting and educating Irish fishing communities who have lost the expertise to build traditional Irish boats. Courses on Currach building have taken place on the Aran Islands and the Gandelow is being reintroduced on the Shannon estuary.