Founded in 1993, Meitheal Mara is a maritime cultural organisation and community boat yard on the River Lee in Cork city. We are a registered charity, a training centre and a community enterprise.
The organisation’s primary object is to promote and foster maritime culture and activities and social inclusion. We achieve this combined object through community boating projects, employment and partnerships with a particular emphasis on currachs and other traditional boats.
Meitheal Mara (meh-hal ma-ra) translates roughly as ”Workers of the Sea”.
Meitheal can be translated as “community” and Mara literally means “of the sea” in Irish.
Our activities take place in the workshop; on the river and harbour; via the maritime events office; and through research and publications. Click the below programme buttons to learn more about what we do.
‘“Meitheal Mara – The Voyage” is a documentary celebrating the story of Cork’s community boatyard and the remarkable impact it has had over the years. It highlights how Meitheal Mara has not only preserved and passed on traditional boatbuilding skills but has also fostered personal growth and strengthened community ties among its participants. The film also shines a light on Cork’s vibrant maritime culture and considers how it can continue to evolve into the future.
Produced by Frameworks Films in 2024 in collaboration with Meitheal Mara, “The Voyage” was funded by Coimisiún na Meán.
CE Vacancy: Water Activities Assistant Join Meitheal Mara on a Community Employment placement – support boating activities, equipment care, and light admin while gaining accredited training and valuable experience for your future. This is a Read more
Monday 30th of April was a proud day for all of us at Meitheal Mara as we welcomed Minister Jerry Buttimer, alongside colleagues and guests, to our boatyard at Crosses Green for the launch of Read more
CE Vacancy: Sewing Machinist The Role We are seeking a skilled and reliable Sewing Machinist to support the production of high‑quality boat canvases and related products. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, Read more
