irish sailboat names

Irish Boat Names: 69 Highly Fitting Names (Clever + Funny)

Ireland is home to many global athletes, actors, and personalities. The likes of Liam Neeson, Conor McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, and Becky Lynch are just a few of the many household names that show the diversity, talent, and entertainment prowess the people of Ireland can offer all around the globe. This is why Irish boat names are a common sight to see in some boating communities.

In this guide, we’ll take a quick look at the best Irish boat names for your prized possession, as well as a few tips to consider before finally choosing that one name that will represent you and your boat’s identity.

Our Best Suggestions

Viking’s creed.

For any gamers (or fans of games), “Viking’s Creed” is not only a callback to the rich Viking heritage the people of Ireland are associated with, but it is also a play on Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla , the latest Assassin’s Creed video game that is based on Viking lore.

We find this boat name to be great for ships with a sharp or edgy design, as it makes the boat have a more intense or intimidating personality.

Boats and Whiskey

Irish are known for their wonderful taste and craftsmanship when it comes to alcoholic beverages, most especially whiskey. So why not pair two of the most fun and enjoyable things in the world into one name?

“Boats and Whiskey” is a bit of a cheeky name, but you can definitely make it work for most small-sized boats.

A shorter version for “Luck o’ the Irish” is what this boat name actually is. This embodies the good fortunes and wealth associated with Ireland and their culture and may even help you out in ensuring that your boat travels the seas for several years to come.

We imagine this boat name to be ideal for medium-sized boats, but it can be applied to boats of other shapes and sizes as well.

More Recommendations

Taicligh Seas
Blarney Kiss
Galway Girl
Boaty McBoatface
Celtic Cross
Molly Malone
George Bernard Shore
Rainbow's End
Irish Eyes Smiling
4 Stroke Clover
Carling King
Wexford Bound
Kiss Me I'm Irish
The Riverdance
Saint Paddy
Irish Riviera
Irish You Well
Wet Leprechaun
It's Only Spitting
The Manky Vessel
Going Bollox
Grand Aul Day
Captain Rivie
Captain’s Irish Ladd
Sea Shenanigans
Up To High Doh
Serious Gombeen
Cruising Charm
Actin' The Maggot
Fierce Brosnan
Fancy A Pint
Shamelessly Irish
Shifting Yer Man
Green Beer Please
Never Slagging
Faffin' About
Give It A Splash
Pot of Gold
Eejit Overboard
Liam Reelson
Bangers and Splash
Onboard Craic
It's Grand
Owen The Bank
Too Ra Loo Ra
On The Shamrocks
Irish Blessing

Tips and Advice for Choosing Irish Boat Names

Irish boat names give a certain personality to your boat, which is not something that can be said for a few of the other more neutral boat names. However, the same rules and principles still apply. Here are a few things to consider before finalizing your Irish-themed boat name:

Keep it short and limit the word count to two (or three).
Stay away from offensive or derogatory remarks. You are free to choose your own boat name but once you have one that is demeaning, rude or has a negative connotation, then that is when you have to think twice.
There are so many possible names you could think of yourself. If you are not a fan of any of our suggestions, feel free to think of something that is unique to you and your experiences.

Most importantly, choosing a boat name should be fun. If you're open to other themes we have plenty more ideas. Try boat names for veterans , dog lover inspired boat names , American themed Patrioric boat names and even romantic boat names for couples for some more examples.

Other than Irish boat names, we have a lot of boat-related content in store for you here at Pontooners. If you are pining for more things to learn in the boating world, then browse our other categories! We have maintenance tips, other boat names, and so much more!

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75 Cool and Unique Irish Boat Names

Choosing a boat name is often a very personal experience for people. You want something that captures a sense of who you are and what boating in general means to you. For some people this can be done with a really funny boat name that keeps things light hearted. Others want a cool boat names and badass boat name. Boat names that reflect or represent the owner’s heritage and history are also really popular.

For those of us with Irish roots, it can be a lot of fun to dig into that for a potential boat name. Whether that means looking at the Irish Gaelic language, or bits of Irish history and culture, there are plenty of potential names to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular as well as a few fun, unique takes on the idea of Irish boat names.

Popular Irish Boat Names

Many of these are general purpose names that would work as fishing boat names or even pontoon boat names. Some are Irish phrases but most just reference popular aspects of Irish culture and history to have a little fun with the idea of your Irish heritage.

Luck of the Irish
Fionn MacCool or Finn McCool : a well-known character and folk hero from irish history
The Emerald Isle: This is a traditional nickname for Ireland.
Emerald Eyes
Emerald Envy
Give it a Lash : This is a phrase that means something like “give it a try”
Shenanigans : Most of us know this word but it may come from the Irish “Sionnachuighim” which means “I play the fox” which would also be a pretty cool name for a boat.
Banjaxed Dreams : This means “broken dreams” and is either a little depressing or just a little goofy, depending on your perspective.
Shamrock of the Sea
Pint of Gat: This refers to a pint of Guinness beer
The Four Stroke Clover : This one is a pun I’ve seen on a few Irish-themed boats making reference to a four-stroke engine and a four leaf clover.
Irish Yoke : This one is a bit of a joke as “yoke” is a slang term you might use when you can’t think of the real world.
The Irish Hammer
Feck : So this one is on the vulgar side and is essentially the F-word, but a little less offensive looking to most of us.
Stall the Ball : This Irish saying basically means “hold up” or “give me a minute.”
The Paddy Wagon
Paddy O’Lanterns
The Celtic Star
Celtic Moon
Up to 90: This is a common Irish phrase that means something is really extreme or intense. Solid name for a boat.
Murphy’s Lure
Story Horse : This slang expression means “what’s up?”
Minus Craic: This one is touted as an option a lot but I’d recommend just using “Craic” as the name of a boat since Craic means “a good time” or something like that and is a pretty common term in Ireland. However, Minus Craic means the opposite, so you’d use that to describe something you don’t like. Why you’d want to call your boat boring or crappy, I don’t know, but that’s what Minus Craic means.
Princess Boudicca: This is another famous person from Irish history
Sucking Diesel : This is a term that basically means you’re enjoying some good luck.
Faith and Begorrah
Irish Gombeen : Gombeen is a slang term for a shady person always looking to run a scam.
The Blarney Stone
The Black Stuff : This is another Guinness reference
Acting the Maggot : Sounds odd but it basically means “getting up to trouble”
On Me Tod: This is a solid choice for a boat and means “on my own.”

Irish Boat Names Relating to Magic and Faeries

For better or worse, Ireland is strongly associated with its own folklore and that means fairy folk. That has led to a lot of names that reference Irish folklore and fairy tales as a result.

The Lucky Leprechaun
The Banshee
The Merrow : This is a good one for a boat as a merrow is essentially a kind of mermaid-like creature
The Abhartach : This is basically an Irish vampire
The Muckie : This is somewhat analogous to the Loch Ness Monster, in that it’s a lake monster from Killarney
The Green Fairy
The Faerie Queen
Will O’ the Wisp: A will o’ the wisp is usually depicted as being nothing more than a floating light so it has a very mysterious quality to it and would be a good name for something like a sailboat .
Leanan Sídhe : Said to be a beautiful woman but also one of the fairy folk
Away with the Fairies: This is a saying that means someone has their head in the clouds.
The Fey Lady
The Oilliphéist : This monster from folklore is a massive, dark, dragon-like beast
Fire and Fey
The Puca (or Pooka)
The Dearg Due : If you want your boat to have a badass name that’s also female, the Dearg Due means “red bloodsucker” and she’s sort of a vampire creature.
Maid of the Mist
The Fomorian : A Fomorian is a kind of giant
The Bog Witch
The Washer at the Ford: This is a figure from folklore that is something like a banshee and usually depicted as a woman washing blood from some clothing in a river. She’s often considered a dark omen.
The Emerald Dragon

Irish Gaelic Boat Names

Gaelic can be a hard language to master in terms of both spelling and pronunciation. Gaelic pronunciation does not follow the phonetic rules that you would expect in English so sounding the names out will rarely work for English speakers. Take a name like Siobhan, for instance. It’s pronounced like “Shivon” but you’d never guess that if you’re a native English speaker with little exposure to Gaelic. That said, the language does offer a lot of unique sounds that can be very appealing as boat names. If you’re not sure on how to say any of these, Google can help in many cases.

Saoirse : This is the Irish Gaelic word for “Freedom”
Suaimhneas Síoraí: This means “Serenity”
Síocháin: This translates to “Peace”
Mo Bhád : This one is a little bit of fun and just means “My Boat”
Péarla Dubh : If you’re a Pirates of the Caribbean fan, this means “Black Pearl”
An Saol Maith : This means “The Good Life”
An Dara Gaoithe : This one means “Second Wind”
Ramhar Spor Bean: This one gets recommended a lot, ostensibly to fans of Queen, but it means “Fat Bottomed Girl.”
Fanann Eachtraíochta : This translates to “Adventure Awaits”
Cúrsáil: An appropriate name, this translates to “Cruising”
Bád seoil: This one means “Sailboat”
Grásta: If you like the name “Grace,” which is quite popular with boaters, this is the Gaelic twist.
Iolar na Mara : Also sometimes just “Iolar Mara” and both are variations on an eagle. Iolar na Mara means something close to “sea eagle” and is a popular boat name while Iolar Mara is essentially the same thing.
Brígh: Means “Strength” or sometimes “Power”
Odaisé: This is how you translate “Odyssey”
Díothú : Meaning “Absolution”
An Faoilean: Means “seagull”
Gealach Gorm : Do you like the name “Blue Moon?” This is the Gaelic translation.
Aisling: This word translates to “Dream.” From there you can also do “Fíodóir Aisling” or “Dream Weaver” and the old standby of “Wet Dream” which is “Aisling Fhliuch.”
Tir na Nog : This is the name of a magical realm in Irish folklore.
Biddy Met: This translates as “strong wind”
Claddagh : You may have seen a Claddagh ring before which features two hands holding a heart adorned with a crown. This is a traditional Irish symbol that means love, loyalty and friendship.
Sláinte: In both Irish and Scottish Gaelic people will say this as a toast and it means “Health.” Consider it like saying “cheers.”
Oíche Mhaith: This phrase means “Goodnight.”
Maidin Mhaith: Alternatively, this one means “Good Morning.”
Slán Agat: This is a way of saying goodbye in Gaelic that literally means “have safety.”
An Bradan Feasa : This Irish phrase means “The Salmon of Knowledge” which comes from folklore.
Leoithne Farraige: Can be translated “sea breeze”

The Bottom Line

Looking at Irish culture and heritage can offer up a lot of choices for boat names, especially when you roll the Irish Gaelic language into the mix. Just make sure you know the pronunciations before you commit to anything and if you’re having it applied to a boat, double check about the spelling and location/type of accents that may be needed over certain letters.

The Irish have a long history of seafaring and fishing though they may not be as well known for it as the Vikings and other cultures. But the land and the seas provide plenty of opportunities to get creative with naming your boat.

One more thing! If you’re looking to make any reference to St. Patrick and you want to abbreviate it, always go with “St. Paddy” and not “St. Patty.” An Irish boat owner would always go with “St. Paddy” while “St. Patty” is much more North American.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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Slainte 10 boat names to bring aboard the luck of the irish.

Post by Becky at Dockwa - Published on 03/14/21 14:00 PM

As you celebrate St. Patrick's Day, raise a Guinness to the Irish captains who keep their heritage proudly on display all year long! Get the backstory behind some of the more popular Irish boat names.

An Bradán Feasa

An Bradán Feasa translates to "Salmon of Knowledge."

In Irish mythology, t he Salmon of Knowledge is an ordinary salmon that ate nine hazelnuts which had fallen into the Well of Wisdom, and in doing so gained all the world's knowledge. The lore followed that the first person to eat the Salmon of Knowledge would in turn gain this knowledge. For seven years, an Irish poet tried to catch the salmon. When the poet caught the salmon, he gave it to a servant with to cook it with strict instructions not to eat any of it. The servant cooked the salmon as told, but when he burned his finger on the fat, sucked on it to ease the pain. When the poet realized the servant had received the wisdom of the salmon, he gave him the rest of the fish to eat. The servant gained all the knowledge of the world and throughout his life could draw upon this knowledge by biting his thumb.

The term "banshee" is derived from the Irish bean-sidhe , which translates to "woman of the fairy." In Irish lore, the banshee is a spirit whose appearance and cry forewarns of imminent death. The banshee may also be spotted by a river, washing the blood from the clothes of the soon-to-be deceased, and passers by can ask her the name of the person who is to die. They are also allowed to ask the banshee three questions, but only after she has asked the passerby her three questions.

The Wild Rover

The song The Wild Rover is considered a staple among stereotypical Irish music, although its exact origins are unknown. A rowdy singalong, it tells the tale of a young man who has been away from home for many years, and upon finally returning home visits his favorite pub. The pub refuses him credit until he presents the gold he earned on his travels. He sings of how his days of roving are over and he intends to return to his home and settle down.

I've been a wild rover for many's the year And I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer But now I'm returning with gold in great store And I never will play the wild rover no more

And it's no, nay, never No, nay, never no more Will I play the wild rover No, never no more...

Full song with lyrics on YouTube | Listen on Spotify

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150+ Striking Irish Boat Names to Make Waves

Are you searching for Irish boat names for your vessel? Well, look no further! I have a list of traditional and modern Irish boat names to catch your attention. From famous figures in Irish history to classic Gaelic words, these unique titles will make your boat stand out.

When choosing an Irish boat name, you should consider the make and model of your boat, as well as your tastes. You can find inspiration from Irish mythology or geography or even from famous figures in Irish history who have left a lasting impact on the country.

So, if you want to add a touch of Irish magic to your boat, take a look at the following list of Irish boat names:

Best Irish Boat Names

The Cu Chulainn – after the legendary figure in early Irish mythology.
The Claddagh – after the traditional ring given as a symbol of love and friendship.
The Mórrigan – after an Irish goddess of war and death.
The Shamrock – after the traditional symbol of Ireland.
The Liffey – after the river that runs through Dublin.
The Blarney Castle – after a castle in Cork known for its “gift of gab.”
The Molly Malone – after an iconic folk ballad of Dublin.
The Bean an Ti – after a mythical king who ruled the Tuatha Dé Danann.
The Eire – after the Irish word for Ireland.
The Maeve – after a legendary queen in Irish mythology.
The Inishmore – after the largest of the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway.

Some popular choices include:

The Brigid: An homage to one of the most important goddesses in Irish mythology, the Brigid is an excellent choice for a boat name.
The O’Neill : After one of Ireland’s most famous historical figures, Hugh O’Neill. This title is sure to impress your fellow seafarers.
Aoife : In Gaelic, Aoife means “beauty” or “radiance” and is an excellent choice for any boat.

If you are looking for something more unique, consider these lesser-known Irish boat names:

Gleann : Meaning “valley” in Gaelic, this name evokes the beauty of Ireland’s rolling countryside.
Áine : This beautiful name means “radiance” in Gaelic and is a great way to express the joy of sailing.
Torcaill : This fun word translates roughly to “little fox”—the perfect choice for any nautical adventurers.

Good Irish Boat Names

Whether you’re an Irish sailor or looking for a unique boat name, plenty of great names are inspired by the Emerald Isle. Here is a list of traditional and modern boat names rooted in Irish culture:

Sceilg Mhichíl (Irish for Michael’s Rock)
Anam Cara (Irish for Soul Friend)
Nuada of the Silver Arm
Brigid of Kildare
Gráinne Mhaol (Irish for Grace O’Malley)
Maeve of Connacht
Éire (Irish for Ireland)
Saoirse (Irish for Freedom)
The Banshee
Lá Fhéile Pádraig (Irish for St. Patrick’s Day)
Mór Mhac Uisnigh (Irish Giant MacEnesse)
Aoife of the Fair Hair

Cool Irish Boat Names

Irish boat names can state your love for the Emerald Isle. Many fun ways to name your vessel exist, from traditional Irish Gaelic to contemporary expressions. Here are some of our favorite cool Irish boat names:

The Finbarr – A classic name inspired by one of Ireland’s patron saints, St. Finbarr.
Mo Chara – A phrase meaning “my friend” in Gaelic, perfect for a vessel you’ll share with your family and friends.
Shamrock – Celebrate Ireland’s national flower with this fun name!
Brídín Beag – A sweet Irish phrase that translates to “little boat,” an homage to the size of your vessel.
Póg Mo Thóin – A more humorous phrase meaning “kiss my butt” in Gaelic, perfect for a sailboat or speed boat!
Áirneag – Derived from the word for “pearl,” it might be used as an alternate name for a precious ship to you.
Tir Na Nog – The mythical land of eternal youth, a beautiful reminder that your boat is an escape from the mundane.
Arcachon – Named for the coastal Irish city of Achill Island, it’s a perfect name for a vessel that will be used near its namesake.
Gaelic Fury – Not just a great name for a boat, but also a great band name!
Blue Shillelagh – A fun and playful homage to the traditional Irish walking stick.

Cute Irish Boat Names

Boat naming is an ancient practice, and Ireland has a long maritime history. With that in mind, there are plenty of cute Irish boat names to choose from! Whether you’re looking for something classic or unique, here are some ideas to get you started:

Liafail (or Stone of Destiny) : This name refers to the ancient coronation stone of the High Kings of Ireland.
The Banshee : This mythical creature is said to be heard wailing in ancient Irish folklore.
Sea Witch : A nod to the classic Celtic tales of brave sailors and powerful witches.
Brigid’s Blessing : Named after one of the most beloved goddesses in Irish mythology, this boat name will ensure safe travels and good fortune.
Shamrock : A classic Irish symbol, this name evokes the spirit of luck and good tidings.
Dún Séaghdha (Fort of Peace) : This is an old Irish phrase for a haven or refuge.
The Finnegan : A playful nod to the famous Irish ballad of the same name.
Droimeann (Thunderer) : A nod to the Celtic god of thunder and storms.
Luighseach (Bright One) : Named after a goddess from Irish folklore who brought light into the world.

Also, Check Out: Small Boat Names

Funny Irish Boat Names

Regarding naming boats, the Irish have a knack for creating funny and pun-filled monikers. From “The Little Port’ O’ Call” to “The Big Paddy Wagon,” there is no shortage of hilarious boat names on the Emerald Isle. Here are some of the most creative and comical Irish boat names you’ll find:

The Big Paddy Wagon : You can’t go wrong with this name for the boat that’s always on the go.
Sea Yer Now : This clever play on words is perfect for a boat that loves fishing.
Coast Busters : This one works well for those who love an adventure out on the sea.
Sea the Difference : This name is ideal for those who like to stand out.
Whiskey Galore : An homage to the famous novel, this boat name always gets a smile!
The Little Port’ O’ Call : An excellent pick for the boat constantly taking people from one place to another.
For Sailing’s Sake : Perfect for the sailors in your life who continuously strive to make their voyage successful.
Finnegan’s Float : A classic Irish name that will bring anyone who hears it a smile.

Also, Check Out: Speed Boat Names

Unique Irish Names For a Boat

Gaelic culture is rich in tradition and symbolism, extending to boat naming. For centuries Irish people have used unique names to bless their vessels and protect them from harm on the open sea. Here are some of the more unique & traditional Gaelic names for boats!

Anam Cara : A fitting name that translates as “soul mate,” perfect for a boat that will be shared between two people.
Banríon : A powerful and regal name meaning “queen” in Irish.
Bád Mór : Meaning “large boat” in Gaelic, this is an excellent name to show off the size of your vessel.
Bean an Tí : Translating to “woman of the house,” this name suggests a strong sense of protection and home.
Cara Croí : A loving name that translates as “dear heart” in Irish.
Céadsearc : An inspiring name meaning “first love,” perfect for those with a special connection with the sea.
Cú Chulainn : A bold name referencing an Irish hero, making it ideal for a vessel that may face danger on the open waters.
Fuilteach : Meaning “vigorous and full of energy” in Gaelic, a great name to encourage speed and agility on the waves.
Laoch : Meaning “hero” in Irish, this is an appropriate name for a boat that refuses to be beaten by winds or waves.
Lios Dubh : A poetic name that translates as “black fort,” perfect for invoking strength and protection for your vessel.
Rí ar an Mara : A regal name that translates to “king of the sea”; this is a suitable name for any vessel.
Tréigthe : Meaning “abandoned” in Gaelic, this could be a good name for when you want to give your boat a second chance.

Also, Check Out: White Boat Names

Creative Irish Boat Names

When choosing an elegant name for your boat, Irish names are timeless classics. To help you get inspired when naming your vessel, we’ve put together a list of famous Irish boat names and their meanings:

Tara is the most recognized name in Ireland, meaning “elevation or hill.”
Lir – It means “The Sea God.”
Cliodhna – This is an Irish name meaning “beauty.”
Ailill – Ailill was a king of the Tuatha De Danann; it translates to “wise one.”
Aoife – This name translates to “beautiful.”
Aoibheann – It means “fair and gentle.”
Blathnaid – The literal translation of this Gaelic name is “little flower.”
Caoimhe – This translates to “gentle or kind.”
Dearbhla – This is an Irish name that means “true.”
Eibhlín – This name means “a beautiful bright one.”

Also, Check Out: Blue Boat Names

Best Irish Name Ideas For a Boat

The Irish have a long-standing relationship with the ocean, and it’s no surprise why. Boats are part of their culture, history, and identity. So if you’re looking for inspiration when naming your boat, consider these traditional Irish names that would be perfect for any nautical vessel!

Aoife – meaning “beautiful.”
Bláthnaid – meaning “little flower.”
Daire – meaning “wealthy and prosperous.”
Eoghan – meaning “born of the yew tree.”
Fearghus – meaning “manly strength.”
Grainne – meaning “love.”
Íde – meaning “thirst.”
Maeve – meaning “intoxicating.”
Nessa – derived from the Irish goddess of fertility, war, and wisdom
Oisin – meaning “little deer.”

Also, Check Out: Pontoon Boat Names

Badass Irish Names For A Boat

If you’re looking for the perfect name for your boat, look no further than Irish boat names. Ireland has had its fair share of maritime adventures and vessels as a naval nation. And along with that have come some genuinely badass Irish boat names! Here are just a few examples:

Shamrock is an obvious choice for any ship sailing the Irish seas.
Banshee – Inspired by the mythical creature of Irish folklore, this name will surely give your boat a spooky and mysterious aura.
Claddagh – Named after the traditional Irish ring, Claddagh means ‘love, loyalty and friendship’ – the perfect name to bestow on your boat.
Connemara – A beautiful area in the west of Ireland, this is an excellent choice for those wanting to celebrate their Irish heritage.
Finnegan – The perfect name for an adventurous sailing vessel!
Guinness – What better way to show your love of the ‘black stuff’ than to name your boat after Ireland’s most famous export?
Leprechaun – A mischievous spirit from Irish folklore, this is an excellent choice for those who like having fun on the open seas.

Also, Check Out:

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How To Choose Your Boat Name

Choosing the perfect boat name can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry; I have some tips to help! First, think about what makes your boat unique. Is it small and nimble or big and powerful? Do you use it for fishing or pleasure? Considering these characteristics will narrow down your options.

Next, brainstorm some themes that reflect your boat and its purpose. You could go for an Irish cultural theme with Gaelic words or embrace the sea with names like Tempest or Poseidon. Nature-inspired names like Willow or Ocean are also great options.

To get more ideas, research popular boat names within your chosen theme. This will give you a better sense of what works and doesn’t.

Remember to ask your friends and family for their input too! They might come up with excellent suggestions you have yet to think of.

Once you’ve done all the research and brainstorming, trust your gut and pick the name that stands out to you the most. This name will become your boat’s identity, so make sure it’s one you truly love!

Remember, there’s no wrong choice when naming your boat. Whether you use a classic Gaelic word or something unique, make sure it reflects you and your boat.

Naming your boat can be daunting, but with these tips, you can easily find the perfect Irish name for your vessel. Consider your boat’s characteristics, think of themes that reflect it and its purpose, research popular names in that theme, get input from friends and family, and finally, pick out the best one. With this guide, you can find a name that fits your vessel perfectly!

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Greetings, I’m Alex – an expert in the art of naming teams, groups or brands, and businesses. With years of experience as a consultant for some of the most recognized companies out there, I want to pass on my knowledge and share tips that will help you craft an unforgettable name for your project through TeamGroupNames.Com!

Irish Wit on Waves: 75 Hilarious Boat Names to Steal

Ever wondered what makes a boat name unforgettable? Hint: It's not just the sea's salt! Dive into our treasure trove of 75 hilarious Irish boat names that promise to float everyone's boat!

Naming your boat has been a tradition that has gone back hundreds of years. In the past, boats were named after the gods in hopes of protecting them from bad luck. If you’re boating for recreational purposes, you may want to have a little more fun with naming your boat.

If you're boating for recreational purposes, and you have a sense of humor, you may be thinking about a funny Irish name to give your vessel. Therefore, coming up with a boat name may be difficult, but giving your vessel a funny name will be sure to draw in and give other boat operators on the water a good laugh!

Sit back and relax as we list 75 of the funniest Irish boat names you’ll get to choose from for your vessel.

One-Of-A-Kind Irish Boat Names

If you’ve ever chatted with someone who is Irish in the bar, you may notice how much they use certain phrases or slang that you’ve never heard before. Let’s start with some names that are one-of-a-kind and may be used more often among our Irish friends. Some of these you may have even noticed yourself using at one time or another.

Did you know, that only seventy-eight thousand people are Irish native speakers? For instance, the regions of Ireland that are home to native speakers are called the Gaeltacht. One fun fact to add is that the Irish also don’t have a word for “yes” and “no.”

Below, you'll read some of our names that just might knock your socks off (in a hysterical way.) Let’s get started!

The Leg It: The phrase “leg it” refers to a person moving fast. You can leg it to the bar to meet up with your friends. For example, “ Hey bud, I’m still at the office, but I’ll leg it over to the bar now.”
Minus Craic: This name is one of the most-used used by the Irish. It describes someone that is no fun to be around. “For example, “We had dinner over at their house, and they would not stop talking about work. It was minus craic.”
Thanks a Million: This Irish saying is pretty self-explanatory. It can be used in a standard or sarcastic way, and if you’ve ever met someone who is Irish, you know they love sarcasm. Thanks a million just means thank you so much. For example, “You were a huge help at the festival today; thanks a million.”
Irish Yoke: The word yoke is used to describe anything. It could be describing an object, or it could be describing a person. You could use the word yoke to describe a friend who is being obnoxious or to point to an object that is simply laying on a tabletop.
Stall the Ball: “Stall the ball” is someone’s funny way of saying slow down. This can be said literally or brought up in conversation.
The Irish Accent: If you know someone who is Irish, you’ll notice a lot of the times they drop the “h” sound from a lot of their words. For example, with the number 33, they’ll pronounce “turty tree.”
Sound as a Pound: An Irish person may describe their helpful or good friend as being “sound.” Many will combine this with the Irish slang “pound.” For example, if someone were to ask how you were doing, you would reply, “Sound as a pound, thank you for asking.”
Irish Slagger: The Irish slang “slagging” means a gentle or friendly mocking. This just means a person may be joking around. If you want to slag an Irish person, you can do an impression of their accent.
Give Me a Shot: If an Irish person says, “give me a shot,” this simply means they want to try something out. They will often even use the word “lash.” Someone might say, “Give me a lash of that.”
A Bad Dose: The slang a bad dose is often used in a vulgar, but funny way among the Irish, but can also be used in regular conversation. For example, “I’ve been swamped at work all week, this has been a bad dose.”
A Fair Play: The expression a fair play is often used by the Irish to congratulate someone. For example, “She did wonderful at her recital, fair play to her!”
Manky: The slang “manky” is used by the Irish to describe something that is dirty:
Irish Kipper: “Kip” is often used by the Irish to describe something that is either dirty or unpleasant.
Eat the Head Off: Eat the head off is used by the Irish when they’re often mad at someone.
Lob the Gob: To lob the gob means to give someone a kiss.

Unique Irish Boat Names

Did you know that surnames developed as early as the tenth century in Ireland? In the past, many of the Irish never paid attention to how certain names were spelled, so they ran with it and made the best of it. Irish adults have always been more adventurous when it comes to naming their children and yes, even their boats!

The Irish have always been known to have a unique sense of humor. The thing about Irish names is that they can be witty, but also insightful at the same time.

Irish Yer Man: ”Yer Man” is often used to describe a man and someone that they don’t like.
Irish Jammy: The word jammy means lucky. For example, “That jammy girl won another game at the fair!”
Irish Pox: The Irish term “pox” is described as someone who is a nuisance.
Oh Bollox: This is an offensive Irish term, but can also be used in a casual conversation.
Irish Gombeen: Gombeen is an old Irish slang to describe someone that is a chancer.
He’s a Gas: Gas is an Irish slang that means funny. For example, you can say, “She’s a gas!” It can also be used to show disbelief.
Sure Look: A sure look is a filler expression and is often used in a silent conversation between the Irish. Sometimes it also has a meaning of something that is out of your control.
Irish I Was Coddin’ Ya!: Coddin’ Ya is a great Irish term that means you’re just joking.
Some Irish Fella: The slang fella is used among the Irish to describe anyone who is a male. It is also often used for a group of their lad friends.
Effin’ & Blindin’: The Irish slang effin’ & blindin’ means to swear and curse a lot. For example, “The lad was effin’ and blindin’ at me.
Banjaxed: The Irish use the word banjaxed to describe something that is not working.
The Ahearn: The word Ahearn means descendant of Eichthighearn. The name Eichthighearn means Horse Lord.
Acting the Maggot: The Irish saying “acting the maggot” is often used by the Irish to refer to someone who was acting foolish.
The McNugget: McNugget is the Irish nickname for children of the Irish.
Turf Cutter: Turf cutter is often used by the Irish as a nickname to refer to the Irish groundkeepers.

Memorable Irish Boat Names

Did you know that thirty-three million Americans claim Irish heritage? It is said that about five million have migrated over from Ireland since the 1700s. The population of Ireland declined by twenty-five percent and is still to this day smaller than it was before.

With the Irish being known for their slang and phrases, it’s only certain that you’ll run into someone with a memorable name for their boat. Here are some memorable boat names that might make you shed a tear (in a good way) when pulling up to the dock.

Irish Melter: The Irish sometimes refer to a person who is being annoying as a melter.
Darn Gobdaw: Gobdaw is another way for the Irish to refer to someone as being stupid. For example, “That lad is a gobdaw for not paying his bill.”
Irish Scut: The Irish often refer to a person as a scut if they are a waster.
The Irish Hammer: We know the Irish are known for being able to throw down some beers. This is a great name for the lad who loves to party.
Houl Yer Whisht: The houl yer whisht phrase means to keep quiet.
Irish Culchie: Culchie is used to describe an Irish person who lives in a remote part of Ireland.
The Irish Clown: This refers to a person as being tame. For example, “The lad would not stop dancing last night. He was some clown.”
Irish Donkey Years: This term would become often used by the Irish to refer to the passing of time. This will casually come up in a conversation when discussing how long it has been since they have seen a person.
The Quare: The quare is pronounced “Kware” and is often used to mean great or terrific.
Wired to the Moon: An Irish lad may use this expression when staying out too late, then getting up for work the next morning while trying to keep awake with espresso. They would refer to themselves as being wired to the moon.
The Irish Brock: Brock would become often used by the Irish to describe something or someone as being unpleasant.
The Irish Lure: All lured is the Irish way of saying that you’re feeling delighted.
Feck Off: This one is a bit on the vulgar side but used a lot, especially by Irish men.
Wet the Tea: Wet the tea would become a phrase that is used in Ireland and means make some tea.
The Bloody Wanker: The slang wanted is very popular among the Irish and used to describe someone as being an idiot.

Entertaining Irish Fishing Boat Names

When you are relaxing on your boat, waiting for the sun to go down, trying to find an Irish name for your vessel can seem challenging. When trying to come up with an idea, you can sometimes draw a complete blank.

As a result, we've come up with some fishing boat name ideas that would become a good fit for your vessel that are worth taking a look at.

The Knackered Lad: The Irish word knackered means exhausted and would be perfect for someone who is always on the go.
Plastered Irish Lad: The word plastered means to be very drunk. This would be a great name for an Irish lad who loves to drink.
Irish Hooligan: The word hooligan comes from the surname Hoolihan. Many Irish often refer to someone as being a hooligan if they’re acting crazy.
Acushla: The word acushla is a term of affection that means, “pulse of my heart.”
Irish Leprechaun: The Leprechaun would become the earliest known reference of the Irish. Leprechauns have gathered their popularity over the years from horror films.
Shamrock: Shamrock is the Irish term that means clover. The shamrock would become widely known for being associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
Splitting the Stones: Splitting the stones is another common Irish phrase. For example, “The sun is splitting the stones.”
Irish Hillbilly: Hillbilly is the term for those people who live in rural areas. The Irish like to use this term in a joking way among their lads.
You Jammy Sod: This phrase would become used among the Irish to express how lucky someone is. For example, “You won the jackpot! You jammy sod!”
Up to 90: When someone says they were up to 90, this usually means they are busy or run ragged.
She’s Got Notions: She’s got notions would become often used among the Irish to describe when someone has ideas above their means.
On Me Tod: Men use this Irish slang to let others know they were alone when going somewhere.
The Irish Muppet: The Irish use the word muppet as another word for stupid. The word muppet can also mean that someone is a fool.
Irish Scarlet Girl: Scarlet is the Irish slang word for embarrassed.
Leppin’ Irish: Leppin’ is the Irish word for either starving or hungry.

More Funny Irish Boat Name Ideas

Here are fifteen more Irish boat names ideas that we’ve gathered up for you. Some of these names are from true Irish roots, while others become used from slang and Irish phrases. Out of the seventy-five on our list, we know you’ll be sure to find one that fits your personality the most.

The Irish Goon: Goon is another term used by the Irish to describe someone as being tame. For example, “That lad is a total goon."
The Shitehawk: The term shitehawk is often used in Ireland and is known as a scavenging or predatory bird.
Bang On: Bang on is an Irish response that means “good.” You can describe a situation or someone as ‘bang on.’
In a Heap: The Irish phrase In a Heap means someone who is heavily intoxicated.
Youngwan: You’ll often hear the Irish refer to a man as being a lad, and a woman as being a youngwan. For example, “Elizabeth’s youngwan stayed with us for a few days last week.”
The Irish Latchio: The Irish word latchio is used to describe someone who is lazy. For example, “She’s a terrible latchio.”
The Ogeous Handling: The Irish slang name ogeous handling is used to describe a tricky situation. For example, Do you remember the time Ben got caught cheating on his test, because it was terrible." It was some ogeous handling.”
Ta’ Tinneas Farraige Air: This Irish phrase translates to, “he’s seasick.”
Leoithne Fhionnuar: This Irish term translates to, “cool breeze.”
Saibhir: The Irish word saibhir means rich or wealthy.
Boladh: The Irish word boladh means smelly.
Dathúil: The Irish word dathúil means good-looking.
Hairicin: The word hairicin means “Hurricane” in Irish.
A Mhuirnín: This Irish word means “darling.”
A Rúnsearc: A Rúnsearc means “secret love” in Irish.

How to Choose Your Boat Name

To an Irish boat owner, a boat is not just a boat. Many have a boat as a way of life or to simply escape their hectic reality. As a boater, it is necessary to give your boat a unique name or one that fits your personality the most.

In addition, naming your boat is fun and you’ll want to be sure to pick one that sits well with you and your friends.

Why Should You Name Your Boat?

Boat names can tell a lot about a person based on what kind you pick. These names can express your personality, passions, or even life experiences. In the past, many vessels were named after historical figures.

Most Irish boat owners will choose a name that has a certain significance to them. In conclusion, when selecting your name, be sure not to choose a name that is too long because it may not fit when it comes to placement. Keep it unique, keep it simple, and have fun with the puns!

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Great Irish Names for Boats

Ahoy there, lads and lasses! Did you just luck out and get yourself a brand spankin’ new boat, but now you’re stuck on what to christen it? Are you currently referring to it as “Boaty McBoatface” or “That Expensive Thing That Floats”? Well, you’re in the right place, because we’re about to dive (not literally, mind you) into the mystical world of Irish names for boats. We also have a list of great Irish sayings to use on your boat, or some great drinking sayings to cheers a drink to when sailing the seven seas.

Why Irish, you ask? Well, why not? They’ve got Guinness, U2, leprechauns, and some of the most poetic language this side of the Milky Way. Plus, let’s face it, when you’re out on the open sea with nothing but your boat, the wind, and a cooler full of refreshments, a wee bit of that Irish luck wouldn’t hurt, would it?

So, whether your boat is more of a “Saoirse” (freedom on the high seas, yarrr!) or a “Croí Mara” (heart of the sea, aye aye, captain!), we’ve got you covered. So, hold onto your shamrocks and join me in this seafaring adventure as we explore some potential Irish boat names that will make even the grumpiest old sea dog crack a smile!

Irish Names for Boats

Fáilte – This word means “welcome” in Irish. Naming your boat this could signify that all are welcome aboard. One of our favorite Irish names for boats.

Croí Mara – This translates to “Sea Heart.” It could signify a deep love and connection with the sea, a perfect sentiment for a boat.

Saoirse – This word means “freedom” or “liberty” in Irish. It’s an ideal name if you feel a sense of liberation when you’re out on the water.

Claddagh – Named after the traditional Irish ring that symbolizes love, loyalty, and friendship. This could signify the relationships that are built and maintained on the boat.

Sióg – This word means “fairy” in Irish. It could be an ideal name for a smaller, more whimsical boat. One of our favorite Irish names for boats.

An Cuan – This translates to “The Harbor” or “The Bay”. It could be a symbol of safety and home, a place where the boat always returns.

Aisling – This word means “dream” or “vision” in Irish. If your boat represents a dream or goal come true, this could be an ideal name.

Turas – This translates to “journey”. If you see your boat as more of an adventurer, this would be a suitable name.

Ceol Na Mara – This means “music of the sea”. It’s a poetic name for a boat, suitable for anyone who feels the sea has its own beautiful melody.

Tiarna na dTonn – This translates to “Lord of the Waves”. It’s a strong, powerful name suitable for a larger, more robust boat.

Rí na Farraige – Meaning “King of the Sea,” this is an ideal name for a grand, majestic vessel. One of our favorite Irish names for boats.

Fiáin – This means “wild,” perfect for a boat that’s at home in the roughest waters.

Gaoth – Meaning “wind,” this could be a fitting name for a sailboat that relies on the breeze.

An Bradán Feasa – This translates to “The Salmon of Knowledge,” a character from Irish mythology. It’s a fun, intellectual choice for a boat name.

An Sionnach – This means “The Fox,” a clever and cunning animal. This could be an interesting name if you see your boat as being particularly crafty or nimble. One of our favorite Irish names for boats.

An Solas – Meaning “The Light,” this could represent your boat as a beacon of hope or guiding light.

Fadó Fadó – This means “Long, Long Ago,” evoking a sense of history and storytelling.

Laoch – This means “hero,” and could represent your boat as a protector or savior.

An Madra Uisce – This translates to “The Water Dog,” a playful and affectionate choice for a boat name. One of our favorite Irish names for boats.

Draíocht – This means “magic,” and could be a whimsical and mystical choice for a boat name.

An Realt – This means “The Star,” symbolizing navigation and guidance. One of our favorite Irish names for boats.

Leaba na Stoirme – This translates to “Bed of the Storm,” a fun, daring name for a boat that can weather any storm. Would make a great name for a traditional Irish boat .

Uisce Beatha – Meaning “water of life,” which is also the Irish term for whiskey. It’s a fun choice if you enjoy a good dram at sea! One of our favorite Irish names for boats because of how much we love whiskey.

Fiadhúrla – This means “wilderness,” for those who see their boat as a way to explore the natural world.

An Gé – This translates to “The Goose,” a quirky, fun choice for a boat name.

Grian – Meaning “sun,” for a boat that enjoys the sunniest days.

An Caora – This means “The Sheep,” a cute and funny choice for a cozy, comfortable boat. One of our favorite Irish names for boats.

Maidin Mhaith – This translates to “Good Morning,” a cheerful, optimistic name.

An Searrach – This means “The Foal,” a youthful, spirited choice for a boat name.

Ór – Meaning “gold,” this could be a suitable name for a valuable, treasured boat. One of our favorite Irish names for boats.

41 Unique Celtic Boat Names

If you’re looking for some ideas to name your boat, how about using Celtic-inspired boat names?

When you think of Celtic names, images of ancient stone circles, rolling hills and wild storms may come to mind. So to help you get started, we compiled a list of Celtic boat names that honor their culture and history.

Here is a list of some traditional Celtic boat names with meanings:

Argoed – “from the wooded hill”
Branwen – “white raven”
Caradoc – “amiable, beloved”
Cian – “ancient, enduring”
Cordelia – “heart, daughter of the sea”
Dagda – “good god”
Eira – “snow”
Emrys – “immortal”
Uisce Cladaigh – “ship of the warriors”
Glascha Mara – “ship of the sea”
Enid – “soul”
Fionnuala – “fair shouldered”
Gwyneth – “happiness, blessedness”
Liriel – “song of the sea”
Llewelyn – “leader of the lions”
Maeve – “intoxicating”
Maelstrom – “whirlpool”
Niamh – “radiance, brightness”
Nuala – “fair shouldered”
Oisin – “little deer”
Olwyn – “white footprint”
An Cuan – “the boat”
Inbhir Fladda – “river of the flow”
Orin – “pale green, fair-haired”
Penelope – “weaver”
Rhiannon – “queen, goddess”
Ronan – “little seal”
Saoirse – “freedom”
Seren – “star”
Siobhan – “God is gracious”
Coinnle Corra – “race of boats”
Tadhg – “poet, philosopher”
Taliesin – “shining brow”
Taryn – “thunder”
Tegan – “fair, beautiful”
Tynan – “dark”
Grianan Banríon – “sun queen’s barge”
Ula – “gem of the sea”
Urien – “privileged birth”
Yseult – “fair lady”
Zephyr – “west wind”

We hope you enjoyed this list of Celtic boat names. You can also try combining two or more from the names above to come up with a more unique name for your vessel.

Happy Boat Naming!

Happy Sailing!

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Irish Boat Names: 21 Funny Ideas for Fishing & Boating

Irish boat names are a popular tradition among boating enthusiasts worldwide. Naming a boat is an important decision, as it reflects the owner’s personality and their connection with the sea. Irish boat names are particularly popular due to the rich culture and history of Ireland, and the country’s close relationship with the sea.

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Understanding Irish Boat Names

Boat naming is a tradition that has been around for centuries. It is a way to personalize the vessel and make it unique. Irish boat names are particularly popular because of the rich history and culture of Ireland. Irish boat names are often clever, funny, and have a deep meaning behind them.

Irish boat names often have a Gaelic origin, which adds to their uniqueness. Gaelic is the native language of Ireland and has been spoken for centuries. Many Irish boat names have a Gaelic translation, which adds to their charm.

Irish boat names are often inspired by nature, history, and mythology. The Irish are known for their love of the sea, and many boat names reflect this. Some popular Irish boat names include “Seabird,” “Sea Spray,” and “Sea Breeze.”

Irish boat names also often have a deep meaning behind them. For example, the name “Cara” means friend in Gaelic. This name is often chosen for boats that are meant to be shared with friends and family. The name “Muirne” means beloved in Gaelic and is a popular choice for boats that are cherished by their owners.

Why Choose a Funny Irish Boat Name

Choosing a funny Irish boat name can add a touch of humor and personality to your vessel. It can also be a great conversation starter with other boaters and can make your boat stand out in a sea of generic names.

Irish culture is known for its humor and wit, and incorporating that into your boat’s name can showcase your appreciation for the Irish people and their traditions. Additionally, many Irish boat names have a deeper meaning or reference to Irish folklore, adding a layer of significance to your boat’s name.

Furthermore, a funny Irish boat name can bring a sense of joy and lightheartedness to your boating experience. It can remind you and your passengers to not take life too seriously and to enjoy the simple pleasures of being on the water.

When choosing a funny Irish boat name, it’s important to consider the appropriateness of the name in different settings. While a name like “The Drunken Leprechaun” may be amusing among friends, it may not be as well received in more formal boating events.

21 Funny Irish Boat Names

Boat owners often choose names that reflect their personality, interests, or sense of humor. Irish boat names are particularly popular because they are often clever, funny, and memorable. Here are 21 funny Irish boat names that are sure to make an impression:

Fishing Boat Names

The Codfather: This punny name is perfect for a fishing boat.
The Reel Deal: A great name for a boat that is serious about fishing.
The Big Kahuna: This Hawaiian-inspired name is perfect for a boat that catches big fish.
The Lure of the Irish: A clever play on words that is perfect for a fishing boat.
The Catch of the Day: A classic name that never gets old.

Boating Names

Shamrock-n-Roll: A fun and catchy name that celebrates Irish culture.
The Emerald Isle: A classic name that celebrates Ireland’s natural beauty.
The Lucky Charm: A playful name that is sure to bring good luck.
The Blarney Stone: A name that pays homage to one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks.
The Irish Rover: A nod to the traditional Irish folk song.
The Paddy Wagon: A playful name that celebrates Irish culture.
The Dubliner: A classic name that pays tribute to Ireland’s capital city.
The Guinness Cruiser: A name that celebrates Ireland’s most famous export.
The Celtic Knot: A name that celebrates Ireland’s rich history and culture.
The Cliffs of Moher: A name that celebrates one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks.
The Irish Wake: A playful name that celebrates Irish culture.
The Blarney Boat: A clever play on words that is perfect for a boat with a lot of charm.
The Green Machine: A name that celebrates Ireland’s national color.
The Irish Eyes: A name that celebrates the beauty of Ireland.
The Craic: A name that celebrates Ireland’s love of fun and good times.
The Leprechaun: A playful name that celebrates Ireland’s mythical creatures.

These are just a few of the many funny Irish boat names that are out there. Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or a boating aficionado, there’s sure to be a name that suits your style and personality.

How to Choose the Perfect Irish Boat Name

Choosing the perfect Irish boat name can be a fun and exciting process. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect name for your boat:

1. Consider the Purpose of Your Boat

The first thing to consider when choosing an Irish boat name is the purpose of your boat. Are you using it for fishing, recreational boating, or something else? If you’re using it for fishing, you may want to choose a name that reflects your love for the sport. If you’re using it for recreational boating, you may want to choose a name that reflects your sense of adventure.

2. Think About Your Heritage

Irish boat names are a great way to celebrate your heritage. If you have Irish roots, you may want to choose a name that reflects your family history. Consider using a Gaelic word or phrase that has a special meaning to you.

3. Keep it Simple

When it comes to choosing an Irish boat name, keeping it simple is often the best approach. Choose a name that is easy to pronounce and remember. Avoid names that are too long or complicated.

4. Get Creative

Choosing an Irish boat name doesn’t have to be serious. Have fun with it and get creative! Consider using puns or wordplay to come up with a unique name. Just make sure it’s appropriate for all audiences.

5. Check for Availability

Before you finalize your Irish boat name, make sure it’s available. You don’t want to choose a name that’s already taken by another boat. Check with your local boating authority to see if the name is available.

In conclusion, Irish boat names are a great way to add personality and character to your vessel. Whether you’re a fisherman or a boating enthusiast, choosing a name that reflects your Irish heritage or simply your sense of humor can make your boat stand out on the water.

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399+ Sail Boat Names (BEST Ideas)

Tom derbyshire.

Posted on: March 20, 2023

Updated on: September 18, 2023

A sailboat is sailing in the ocean at sunset.

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As a boat owner, naming your vessel is an important step in the process of buying a boat .

A boat name is more than just a label, it’s a reflection of the personality of the vessel and its owner. A perfect boat name can be catchy, memorable, and can evoke emotion.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 399+ sail boat names to help you find the perfect name for your vessel.

Let’s dive in.

Best Sail Boat Names

Ocean Dreamer
Blue Horizon
Aqua Marine
Ocean Whisperer
Oceanic Explorer
Seaside Escape
Sea Serpent
Island Hopper
Sea Explorer
Sea Voyager
Ocean Voyager

Good Names For A Sail Boat

Wind Dancer
Ocean Cruiser
Ocean Jewel
Ocean Pearl
Ocean Quest
Sea Trekker
Ocean Rover
Aqua Explorer
Ocean Seeker
Wind Seeker

Cool Sail Boat Names

Blue Thunder
Sea Thunder
Ocean Thunder
Wave Thunder
Aqua Thunder
Sea Warrior
Ocean Warrior
Aqua Warrior
Wind Warrior
Ocean Rebel
Sea Guardian
Ocean Guardian
Aqua Guardian
Wind Guardian
Sea Maverick
Ocean Maverick
Aqua Maverick
Wind Maverick
Ocean Blaze

Badass Sail Boat Monikers

Black Pearl
Dark Knight
Ocean Predator
Sea Predator
Ocean Demon
Storm Chaser
Sea Monster
Ocean Monster
Aqua Monster
Wind Monster
Ocean Viper
Sea Assassin
Ocean Assassin
Aqua Assassin
Wind Assassin

Unique Names For A Sail Boat

Mystic Mermaid
Wind Whisperer
Ocean Nymph
Ocean Sprite
Aqua Sprite
Wind Sprite
Ocean Queen
Ocean Witch
Sea Enchantress
Ocean Enchantress
Aqua Enchantress
Wind Enchantress

Catchy Sail Boat Monikers

Sea N Stars
Sea Ya Later
Sea Batical
Wave Catcher
Ocean Motion
Aqua Vision
Wind Chaser
Seas the Day
Ocean Drive
Ocean Breeze
Aqua Escape
Aqua Paradise

Famous Names For A Sail Boat

Black Magic
Golden Gate
Stars & Stripes
Mari-Cha III
Morning Light

Romantic Names For A Sail Boat

Sea of Love
Wind of Love
Sea Romance
Ocean Romance
Aqua Romance
Wind Romance
Sea Charmer
Ocean Charmer
Aqua Charmer
Wind Charmer
Ocean Heart
Ocean Lover

Funny Sail Boat Names

Ship Happens
Seas the Moment
A Boat Time
Sea Horsing Around
Sea N Double
Seas the Cheese
Seas the Wine
Seas the Beer
Sea U Later

Stylish Sail Boat Monikers

Ocean Style
Ocean Class
Sea Elegance
Ocean Elegance
Aqua Elegance
Wind Elegance
Sea Sophisticate
Ocean Sophisticate
Aqua Sophisticate
Wind Sophisticate

Aquatic Sail Boat Monikers

Whale Watcher
Dolphin Dive
Shark Attack
Crab Crawler
Squid Squirt
Seagull Soarer
Pelican Perch
Jellyfish Jig
Manatee Mover
Lobster Lure
Swordfish Swash
Seahorse Sprint
Eel Evasion
Kraken Krawl

Nature-Inspired Sail Boat Monikers

Stormy Weather
Sunset Sail
Sunrise Cruiser
Rainbow Rider
Moonlight Sonata
Northern Lights
Southern Cross
Aurora Borealis
Summer Breeze
Autumn Leaves
Winter Wind
Spring Fling
Purple Haze
Golden Beach

Legendary Sail Boat Monikers

Blackbeard’s Revenge
Flying Dutchman
H.M.S. Bounty
Jolly Roger
Mary Celeste
Queen Anne’s Revenge
Red October
Santa Maria
U.S.S. Constitution
White Pearl

Nautical Sail Boat Monikers

Anchor’s Away
Port Starboard
Buoyant Beauty
The Skipper
The Admiral
The Captain’s Crew
The First Mate
The Navigator
The Helmsman
The Deckhand
The Coxswain
The Lookout
The Masthead
The Rigging

Maritime Sail Boat Monikers

Atlantic Voyager
Pacific Explorer
Indian Ocean Odyssey
Mediterranean Maven
Baltic Beauty
Caribbean Cruiser
Gulf of Mexico Getaway
North Sea Navigator
South China Sea Seeker
Tyrrhenian Treasure
Aegean Adventure
Black Sea Beauty
Bay of Biscay Bliss
English Channel Challenger
Irish Sea Intrigue
Norwegian Nightmare
Red Sea Rascal
Sea of Cortez Serenade
Tasmanian Treasure
Caspian Cruiser
Gulf of Guinea Glory
Labrador Lark
Bering Strait Beauty
Sea of Japan Joy

Creative Names For A Sail Boat

Sea Serenade
Ocean Odyssey
Sea Whisperer
Ocean’s Eleven
Ocean’s Jewel
Ocean’s Treasure
Ocean’s Bounty
Ocean’s Majesty
Ocean’s Roar
Ocean’s Fury
Ocean’s Grace
Ocean’s Promise
Ocean’s Pride
Ocean’s Glory

Vintage Sail Boat Names

Yankee Clipper
Constitution
Chrysanthemum
Southern Belle
Belle of the Bay
Lady of the Lake
The Mermaid
The Flying Fish

Colorful Names For A Sail Boat

Purple Rain
Yellow Submarine
Pink Flamingo
Orange Crush
White Diamond
Silver Streak
Scarlet Fever
Lavender Lady
Citrus Splash
Midnight Blue
Emerald Isle
Sapphire Sea
Amber Waves
Turquoise Treasure
Aquamarine Adventure
Jade Journey
Coral Crush
Pearl of the Sea

Adventurous Sail Boat Names

Trailblazer
Pirate’s Booty
Treasure Hunter
Swashbuckler

Name Inspiration

If you’re struggling to come up with a name for your sailboat, consider these sources of inspiration:

Your favorite places: Think about places that you love or have special meaning to you. Maybe you want to name your boat after your favorite beach or your hometown.
Your favorite things: Consider hobbies, activities, or interests that you love. For example, if you love to fish, you might want to name your boat after a type of fish.
Your boat’s characteristics: Take a look at your boat and think about its color, shape, or features. Maybe you want to name it after its sleek design or its bright red sails.
Famous sailors: Consider naming your boat after a famous sailor or explorer who inspires you.
Personal connections: Think about people or things that are important to you. Maybe you want to name your boat after a loved one or a pet.

Help Choosing the Perfect Name

Choosing the perfect name for your sailboat can be a daunting task.

Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:

Consider the size and style of your boat. A sleek, modern boat might warrant a cool or stylish name, while a classic wooden boat might call for a more traditional name.
Think about the location where you will be sailing. A sailboat that will be used primarily in the tropics might inspire a name that evokes sun, sand, and sea, while a boat used in colder, northern waters might warrant a name that evokes strength and endurance.
Consider the personality of the boat’s owner. A fun-loving sailor might want a name that is playful or humorous, while a more serious sailor might want a name that is strong and classic.
Brainstorm a list of potential names and then narrow it down. Ask friends and family for their opinions, and consider how the name will look on the side of your boat.
Remember that the name of your boat will be with you for a long time, so choose a name that you truly love and that reflects your personality and style.

Naming your sailboat can be a fun and creative process. Whether you choose a name that is traditional, adventurous, or playful, the right name can make your boat feel like an extension of your personality and style.

Use this list of sailboat names as inspiration and remember to take your time in choosing the perfect name for your vessel. Happy sailing!

Small Boat Names
Speed Boat Names
Pontoon Boat Names
Irish Boat Names

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Top 180+ Most Famous Boat Names For Your Next Boat

Best Famous Boat Names

Famous boat names in movies, famous boat names in literature, famous boat names in history, famous viking boat names, famous pirate boat names, famous fishing boat names, famous american boat names, famous river boat names, famous irish boat names, famous female boat names, famous sailboat names, tips for choosing a famous boat name.

Pick a boat name inspired by a famous boat when you name your new boat! There are actors, characters in art and literature, historical figures, movies, and more.

There are so many famous boat names to choose from you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your all-star boat.

We’ve compiled a list of the top famous boat names to help you start the process of picking a good name .

Here Are the Top 180+ Most Famous Boat Names

You can name your boat after a famous movie or cartoon character. Naming a boat is just like naming a child. You have to think of a good name that suits your boat.

Here are some famous boat name ideas that you can use for your boat:

Titanic : The infamous cruise ship tragically sunk in 1912.
Mayflower : Carried Pilgrims to the New World in 1620.
Santa Maria : Christopher Columbus’s flagship for his 1492 voyage.
Queen Mary : British ocean liner turned floating hotel today.
USS Constitution : Oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat in the world.
HMS Victory : Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar.
SS Edmund Fitzgerald : American freighter that sank in Lake Superior.
USS Arizona : Sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Nautilus : First submarine to journey beneath Arctic ice.
Enterprise (Star Trek) : Iconic starship from the popular Sci-Fi series.
Black Pearl (Pirates of the Caribbean) : Fictional cursed pirate ship infamous film.
African Queen : Star of the classic Humphrey Bogart film.
HMS Beagle : Carried Charles Darwin on his scientific journey.
Endeavour : Captain Cook’s ship on his first voyage.
Viking : Representing ships used by Viking seafarers, and explorers.
Golden Hind : Sir Francis Drake’s ship; circumnavigated the globe.
SS Great Britain : Once the largest vessel afloat in 1845.
Ghost (Game of Thrones) : Yara Greyjoy’s ironborn longship in popular series.
Moby Dick : The white whale from Herman Melville’s novel.
Orca (Jaws) : Fishing boats used to hunt the infamous sharks.
The Perfect Storm
The Deadliest Catch
The Life Aquatic
Thelma & Louise
The Poseidon Adventure
The Perfect Getaway
The Titanic Experience
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The African Queen
The Ghost and the Darkness
The Revenant
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
The Old Man and the Sea
The Call of the Wild
The Sea Wolf

The boat names in literature are very famous. They have been used for centuries and have become a part of our culture.

Here are some famous boat names from literature.

Die Another Day
African Queen
Hispaniola
HMS Bounty
Jolly Roger
Noah’s Ark
Queen Elizabeth
Santa Maria
Yellow Submarine

Historical boat names are a great source of inspiration for boat owners. Here are a few historical boat names for you.

The Carl T. Myers
The Delta Lady
The Island Queen
The Natchez
Spirit of the Mississippi
HMS Victory
USS Constitution
USS Nautilus
HMS Ark Royal
Santa Maria
Queen Mary
Rainbow Warrior
Clipper Windjammer
Constitution

There are many different Viking boat names. In this section, we will focus on the ones known to us through history.

Sognefjord
Osterfjord
Hjeltefjord
Hardangerfjord

There are different kinds of pirate boat names in different countries. Some people call them “pirate ships”, and some others call them “pirate boats”.

Adventure Galley
Anne Bonny
Bartholomew Roberts
Black Bart
Blackbeard
Black Swan
Bloody Mary
Calico Jack
Charles Vane
Ching Shih
Christopher Condent
Edward Teach
Emanuel Wynn
Francis Spriggs
Henry Jennings
John Rackham
Joseph Baker
Samuel Bellamy

There are many fishing boats in the world. They’re usually used for fun, and their names mean a lot. In this article, we will look at some of the most famous fishing boat names.

Fishin’ Fool
Hook, Line & Sinker
Sea of Dreams
Blue Water
Fish Tales
Shark Bait
The Big One
No Regrets
Bait & Switch
The One That Got Away
Lucky Catch
Tight Lines
Reel ’em in
Little Fish

American boat names are a source of inspiration for many boat lovers. Here are some of the most famous names.

Africa Queen
Black Pearl
Flying Dutchman
Flying Scud
Lone Voyager
The War Eagle
The Eagle Spirit
America’s Cup
Captain Ahab
The City of Wilmington
Lady Bird II,
The Heavenly Days
Molly Brown III
The Triton II
Liberty Belle and Skylark II
Jolly Roger

We are looking for famous riverboat names. If you want, I can suggest some names.

Aquatic Queen
Belle of Louisville
Delta Queen
Empress of the North
Gateway Clipper
Hurricane Deck
Isle of Capri
Jungle Queen
Mississippi Queen
Mystic River Bateaux
Paddlewheel Queen
River Bluff
Riverboat Twilight
O’Brien’s Blizzard
Fitzpatrick’s Flood

The Irish boat names are some of the most famous and well-known boat names in the world. Many films, TV shows, books, and other media use them.

Erin’s Isle
Celtic Mist
O’Malley’s Pride
Finnegan’s Rainbow
Murphy’s Law
Doyle’s Destiny
Kennedy’s Dream
O’Neil’s Odyssey
McCarthy’s Miracle
Gallagher’s Gamble
Fitzgerald’s Fancy
Brennan’s Blessing
Murphy’s Mermaid
O’Reilly’s Rainbow
Ryan’s Rascal
McKenna’s Mistake
O’Donnell’s Dream

Are you looking for a unique name for your boat? Would you like to carry on the legacy of a boat named after a famous woman? Choose from a number of examples.

Queen Elizabeth
Southern Cross
King Edward VII
Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse
Emperor of India
Angel in Disguise
April Fools
Bajamar (Bah-haha-MAR)
Bella Donna
Calliope (Kuh-LIE-uh-pee)
Chiquita (“kee-kee-tah”)
Cleopatra (Klee-oh-PAT-ruh)
Corazon (Corr-ah-ZONE)
Crystal Blue Persuasion
Dancing Queen
Day Dreamer
Diamond Girl
Captain Blood

When choosing a famous boat name, you want it to resonate on numerous levels. It should not only identify your vessel but also reflect your personality or captivate those who hear it. Here are five key tips to consider:

Reflect Your Personality : Choose a name that mirrors your character, interests, or aspirations. It personalizes your boat and makes it an extension of who you are.
Historical Significance : Think about using famous names from maritime history. This can pay tribute to momentous seafaring events or legendary vessels.
Pop Culture References : Names from iconic movies, books, or TV shows can give your boat a hip aspect and spark conversations.
Prioritize Readability : The name should be easy to read, spell, and pronounce. This is crucial for seamless identification, especially in radio communications and safety scenarios.
Keep It Unique : Aim for a distinctive name that sets your boat apart. A unique name adds an element of intrigue to your vessel and distinguishes it in a crowd.

We hope one of these famous boat names will inspire you to name your new boat. If you enjoy it, you can share this article and let us know your top choice in the comment section.

Want More Tips?

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Copies and / or reproductions of material on the web-site shall Not be made without the express permission of Traditional Boats of Ireland."

The Traditional Boats of Ireland Project is the result of a combined effort by Irish people who are passionate about the rich diversity of boat types throughout the country. This project is a by-product of a loosely affiliated group of individuals with a shared realisation that Ireland's traditional boat types are rapidly disappearing. The purpose of this website is to raise awareness of the rich diversity of our maritime traditions.

Background The cooperative originated as a group of enthusiastic and committed volunteers whose founding aim was to raise awareness and interest in Ireland's diversity of coastal and inland water craft. The need for a comprehensive survey of Ireland's traditional water craft has been recognised for some time. It is a need which becomes more pressing as our stock of indigenous boats diminishes. But tradition is persistent, and Ireland still possesses a remarkable diversity of boat types on its coasts, in lakes and on rivers, even if their numbers are in decline. Much work remains to be done in relation to Ireland's traditional boats. A great many boats of heritage value have yet to be recorded, particularly those of the inland waterways whose stock of indigenous craft has proven more vulnerable to change than those of coastal districts. The Revival The growing interest in 'classic' boats has helped sustain traditional skills and knowledge. Without this skills base, the ability to restore, replicate and handle the boats is endangered. It is therefore vital that we act now to preserve and record this irreplaceable part of our cultural heritage. This site is intended to provide a platform to continue the work of the many contributors to the book Traditional Boats of Ireland, and to invite others to participate in this important work. It is hoped the resources and information presented here will encourage people to share their knowledge and interest in the subject of traditional boats. Sponsors The Traditional Boats of Ireland project is an independently-funded initiative, but field work has benefited from the support of the Heritage Council of Ireland and generous individuals at critical moments. The organising committee warmly thanks the Council and its staff for its continuing financial assistance and encouragement. It also wishes to acknowledge the generous support of Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Marine Institute, Comhairle Bhéaloideas Éireann [The Folklore of Ireland Council] and Údarás na Gaeltachta in the realisation of Traditional Boats of Ireland.

The 1994 lecture that inspired Traditional Boats of Ireland

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Current: Traditional Boats of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Traditional Boats of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

A regular blog by Noel Campbell, Assistant Keeper of the Irish Folklife Division, on the development of a new gallery to display a selection of boats from counties along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Introduction

The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life is currently developing a gallery at Turlough Park in Castlebar, Co. Mayo for the permanent display of a selection of boats from the Irish Folklife collection. The gallery will focus on the traditional boats of the Atlantic coast with boats and associated material from counties along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Follow our blog Traditional Boats of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way for updates on the development of the gallery, as well as information on research and fieldwork on traditional boats along the west coast of Ireland.

Currach at sea off Inishere, Aran Islands, Co. Galway, 1968. © National Museum of Ireland

James Madigan marking the centre of each rib. © National Museum of Ireland

Steamed ribs on the menu in County Clare

23 February 2024 - James Madigan’s grandfather Sinon Blunnie was the last of the commercial currach builders in County Clare and built Scattery Island currachs in his workshop overlooking Kilrush Harbour. It was in that workshop, with no electricity or running water, that a teenage James learned the craft of boat building from his grandfather.

Fishing in winter

12 January 2024 - Winter days are more often cold, short and dark but necessity meant fishing off the Irish coast never stopped. Fishermen who ventured out during the winter months often did so to fish with long lines.

A scoilteán set into gable wall. Image © National Museum of Ireland

“Sheebang” Framework detail mid section. Dan Shipsides (Shipsides and Beggs Projects) 2023. © Dan Shipsides

Exploring traditional boats with visual artist Dan Shipsides

15 December 2023 - My online talk to mark World Maritime Day last September continues to encourage conversations on Ireland’s traditional boats. Following the talk, I was contacted by multidisciplinary visual artist Dan Shipsides whose recent work involved exploring the boat or canoe and other forms of indigenous and traditional vessels from many places including Ireland.

The Madill Archive Project

7 November 2023 - To mark World Maritime Day on 28 September, I gave an online, illustrated talk that detailed the National Museum’s work on a planned traditional boat gallery. I am very grateful to Dr Wes Forsythe, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Maritime Archaeology, Ulster University for getting in touch with me after the talk to share with me the important work recently undertaken by the Madill Archive Project.

Harry Madill and project lead, Wes Forsythe at the launch of the Strakes and Skins exhibition at the Public Record Office (NI), June 2023.

Wild Atlantic Voices talk to mark World Maritime Day 2023. © National Museum of Ireland

Boat Gallery Update

11 October 2023 - I am happy to report that planning for the traditional boat gallery is entering a new stage. A meeting with representatives from the Office of Public Works has helped clarify work to be done and the movement of boats from the gallery space in advance of that work is progressing.

Online talk: Wild Atlantic Voices

25 September 2023 - Join National Museum of Ireland – Country Life curator, Noel Campbell, for an online talk exploring his work on the development of a gallery dedicated to traditional Irish boats of the Atlantic coast.

Michael Gallagher returns from fishing off Port an Chuaille, Clare Island, Co. Mayo. © National Museum of Ireland

Paddy Hegarty (2019) © Kevin O’Farrell. Image courtesy of Kevin O’Farrell

Documenting Ireland's last surviving traditional wooden boatyard

22 August 2023 - A beautiful exhibition of photographs closed earlier this summer after several weeks on display at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre in Skibbereen, Co. Cork. The exhibition Hegarty’s Boatyard: Last Surviving Traditional Wooden Boatyard in Ireland is the work of documentary photographer Kevin O’Farrell.

John Reck - My time on the Dún Aengus and the Naomh Éanna

05 July 2023 - In the weeks following the Museum’s public request last March for objects and memories of the MV Naomh Éanna, I was delighted to receive many phone calls and emails from people registering their interest in the ferry that serviced Oileáin Árann (Aran Islands) from the Galway mainland from 1958 to the late 1980s.

Amy and John Reck, Galway, 2023. ©National Museum of Ireland.

Master shipwright James Madigan working on a Dublin Bay 21 footer yacht, Kilrush Boatyard, Co. Clare. © National Museum of Ireland

Clare master shipwright James Madigan

17 May 2023 - James Madigan is well-known throughout Ireland for his boat building skills and his role in preserving traditional boat types. I first got to see James’s craftsmanship when I joined up with students and teachers from the Raheen Wood Steiner Secondary School at Lough Derg, Co. Clare in June 2021.

Damien Donnellan of Galway City Museum shares his research on the heritage of the Galway Hooker

05 April 2023 - Damien Donnellan works at Galway City Museum and has recently completed his MA in Public History and Cultural Heritage. Damien’s research was on the Galway hooker and he kindly agreed to share his work in this latest offering on Traditional Boats of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Damien Donnellan. Damien Donnellan. Image courtesy of Damien Donnellan

Passengers ready for the journey by currach to the waiting Naomh Éanna, Inis Oírr, Co. na Gaillimhe, 1968. © National Museum of Ireland

National Museum of Ireland seeks Naomh Éanna material and memories

03 March 2023 - The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo is developing a permanent gallery to display a selection of traditional Irish boats and associated material from Ireland’s west coast and we are looking for your help.

Irish traditional boats inspiring the next generation

22 February 2023 - Since opening in 2001, the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life has encouraged cooperation with third level institutions and we continue to strengthen those relationships. The Irish Folklife collection, and the various staff who work with the collection, provide valuable and relevant information to students who visit us at Turlough Park.

Fourth year students from ATU Mayo with lecturer Niamh Hearns, Turlough Park. © National Museum of Ireland

Hare Island lobster fishing

19 January 2023 - During a recent listing of our fishing related objects from Co. Cork, I came across a beautifully made, and well preserved, lobster pot from Hare Island. Hare Island (also known as Heir Island, Inishodriscol and Inis Uí Drisceoil) is an inhabited island located just north of the larger Sherkin Island in Roaringwater Bay, Co Cork.

Engagement with the north-west continues

05 December 2022 - October was a busy month in terms of the development of our new boat gallery. A kick-off workshop was held with Museum staff and the gallery’s design team Metaphor at which project objectives, key audiences and themes were discussed. These initial design stages encourage ideas and different approaches that promote the overall objectives of the gallery.

Achill VTOS Coastal Guiding group at Turlough Park. © National Museum of Ireland.

Details from the National Folklore Collection of bogdeal rope making in the Sneem area of Co. Kerry © National Museum of Ireland

Research visit to the National Folklore Collection at UCD

18 October 2022 - My recent visit to the National Folklore Collection in University College Dublin to view its boat and fishing related material, further demonstrated the close link that exists between that collection and the National Museum of Ireland’s Irish Folklife collection.

Community engagement at the National Ploughing Championships

21 September 2022 - The National Ploughing Championships is back after a hiatus of two years due to the Covid pandemic. On the first day of the event, 91,500 people visited the 900 acre site in Ratheniska, Co. Laois and the National Museum of Ireland was there to meet them. The three-day event is a great opportunity for the Museum to engage with rural Ireland and to share details of our own upcoming events and projects.

NMI’s Noel Campbell and Tom Doyle, National Ploughing Championships 2022. © National Museum of Ireland.

Members of the Metaphor team viewing the boat gallery © National Museum of Ireland.

Exciting progress at Turlough Park boat gallery

07 September 2022 - The planned boat gallery at the National Museum of Ireland – Country life took an important step to realisation a number of weeks back when key figures in the development met on site at Turlough Park. The gallery’s project manager Vincent O’Shea met with members of the NMI, Office of Public Works and Metaphor Communications Ltd. Metaphor are a UK based masterplanning, exhibition design and architecture company.

“The currach fed the people”

08 August 2022 - Earlier this year I published a post on the energetic work behind a push to revive interest in the large, five-man currach once used in Béal Deirg, Co. Mhaigh Eo. Work by Currachaí na Sceirí, an east coast based group of currach enthusiasts, and others including locals from Béal Deirg (Belderg or Belderrig in English), resulted in what was truly a very special and emotional day in north Mayo on 30 July. On that day, for the first time in 69 years, Béal Deirg currachs raced in their natural waters.

Breandán Mac Conamhna, born in Béal Deirg in 1936. © National Museum of Ireland.

Lobster pot made from willow from Lispatrick, Ringrone, Courceys, Co. Cork © National Museum of Ireland.

Lobster fishing season is no pot luck

This time of year is lobster season for many fishermen. Along the Irish coast, boats will make perhaps several journeys weekly out to the rocky inshore waters to check the catch in pre-set lobster pots. The money brought to the fisherman’s household from the sale of his lobster catch was always welcomed. Lobster fishing was relatively straightforward for anyone who had access to a boat

Community engagement central to boat gallery development

On the subject of traditional boats and wider coastal life there are scores of organisations working to capture, preserve and utilise seafaring knowledge. Those who live beside and work on our coastal waters are often best placed to inform our work in the Museum.

IIMRO secretary Séamus Bonner, Warsaw, Poland, 2016 © Séamus Bonner

Model Galway hooker rests in the large freezer © National Museum of Ireland

A new addition to the Irish Folklife boat collection

A year ago I wrote a post about the model boats in the Irish Folklife collection. We were very fortunate to have been contacted since then by a member of the public who offered to donate his model of a Galway hooker to the Museum. The model is a beautiful object in its own right, but its provenance and connection to people and place made it a perfect fit for the Irish Folklife collection.

Researching the Belderrig currach

In 2002, the National Museum of Ireland chose to build a Belderrig currach to be included in its collection and eventually to be put on public display. Skilled boat-builder, Pádraig Ó Duinnín and his team from Meitheal Mara, used traditional tools and methods to construct the Belderrig currach in the grounds of the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough Park in Castlebar.

Albert Siggins’ drawing of the Museum's Belderrig currach © National Museum of Ireland

Garda James Campbell and his family, Sligo, late 1940s. © Noel Campbell.

Storm season in Sligo eighty years ago

Storm Barra has left us in no doubt that the 2021-22 storm season is upon us. Barra, the second named storm this winter, has done much damage and hampered the delivery of services across the island of Ireland. The west coast bore the brunt of Barra where footage of ferocious seas and high winds reminded me of a near tragic sailing that involved my own grandfather Garda James Campbell during the storm season of 1940-41.

Mayo defences against the wild Atlantic weather

In May 1955, the Director of the National Museum of Ireland, A.T. Lucas and leading Irish folklorist, Kevin Danaher travelled from Dublin to the Erris region of Co. Mayo to carry out a week of fieldwork. The Director’s handwritten fieldwork notes tell us much about how local people adapted to defending themselves and their livestock against the often-destructive weather experienced on the Mayo coast.

A.T. Lucas sketch of ‘the remains of a curious structure’ at Fallmore, Co. Mayo, 1955. © National Museum of Ireland.

Portdoon Harbour, Inishturk, 2020 © National Museum of Ireland

The last fisherman of Portdoon, Inishturk

The surname O’Toole has a long connection to Inishturk. Working on the first Ordnance Survey of Ireland, John O’Donovan wrote in 1838, ‘This island is said to be in the possession of the O’Tooles for an unknown number of centuries’.¹ Much of Mikey’s life has been shaped by the island.

1970s Inis Oírr - an American's diary

I was delighted to receive an email recently from Anita White from the midwestern US state of Minnesota. As a young artist in the mid-1970s, Anita moved her life to the unknowns of Inis Oírr to record the island people’s way of life. After viewing our online exhibition, Anita contacted me to share her own tale of Inis Oírr and her time spent with Mikey Conneely.

Anita White outside her rented cottage on Inis Oírr © Anita White

Early morning commuters rush past the relaxed currach rowers © National Museum of Ireland

Cork’s currach rowing success

The sport of rowing is strong in Cork with numerous clubs located across both the county and city. Nestled between two of those city-based clubs along the south bank of the River Lee is an alternative rowing club that I recently had the pleasure of visiting. The Naomhóga Chorcaí currach rowing club aims to promote an appreciation of the culture of traditional boats in Ireland.

Shellfish collecting objects from the Irish Folklife collection

Now that the summer has arrived, many of you will be planning trips to our beautiful beaches. The views along our coastline are unparalleled and you would be forgiven for spending the majority of your time gazing out to sea. As you crunch over the sand to access the best vistas, take a moment to look down at the history under your feet.

Limpet remover, called a sligheán in Irish. Inis Oírr (Inisheer), Aran Islands, Co. Galway © National Museum of Ireland

John Tynan rowing with students from Raheen Wood Steiner Secondary School © National Museum of Ireland

Clare students get a taste of the sea on Lough Derg

One of the attractive characteristics of the currach is its accessibility. They are relatively easy to transport and handle on the water which makes them a growing favourite for recreational rowers. I travelled to Mountshannon in County Clare recently to join students and teachers from the Raheen Wood Steiner Secondary School as they rowed their way up through Lough Derg in beautifully-built west Clare currachs.

The rebirth of a nobby in south-east Galway

or the past three years, Mattie O’Malley has been building a 40 foot nobby at the yard of his timber construction business. Mattie is building his nobby from the design and measurements of the ‘Santa Maria’ nobby that was built in 1918 for the Cloherty business family of Roundstone, Co. Galway. The ‘Santa Maria’ was built by Bartley Cloherty on Inishnee, Co. Galway.

Mattie O’Malley working on the frame of the nobby

Mikey Conneely, Inisheer, Aran Islands, Co. Galway. © National Museum of Ireland

Making a currach - Michael Conneely, a new online exhibition

n 1968, the National Museum of Ireland recognised the threat to the traditional currach and given the Museum’s role in preserving heritage objects for the benefit of the Irish people, it began the process of having one commissioned for the national collection.

Seaweed harvesting - the tools of the trade

For tenants living in coastal areas where the soil was not as fertile as further inland, seaweed was a productive manure. Because of its high potash content, seaweed is suited to potash feeders, such as potatoes. In the often rocky and barren coastal fields, mixing seaweed with quantities of sand could literally create soil in which crops were grown to feed families.

Model boats of the Irish Folklife collection

The National Museum of Ireland’s Folklife collection contains about 35 model boats of varying size and quality. While attention to detail and scale are not always guaranteed, those that are of a good quality can tell us much about their full-size versions. Models can be a useful reference when one cannot access the ‘real deal’.

Tim Severin's The Brendan Voyage

Tim Severin was an explorer, author and historian who sadly passed away last month at the age of 80. Throughout 1976-1977, Severin led a small group of fellow explorers as they sailed the journey from Ireland west across the Atlantic Ocean to the Promised Land believed to have been completed by Saint Brendan in the sixth century.

The Brendan currach. Photograph by Cotton Coulson.

Dónal Mac Polin artwork donated to Museum

The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life received a very generous donation of 18 boat prints recently from artist and traditional boat expert Dónal Mac Polin. Dónal was the assistant editor and art editor of Traditional Boats of Ireland: History, Folklore and Construction, which was edited by Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh. Dónal is also the author of The Drontheim: Forgotten Sailing Boat of the North Irish Coast and of The Donegal Currachs.

The hand line - if it's not broke, don't fix it

While working in the stores of the Irish Folklife collection recently, I came across a fishing hand line that was acquired by the National Museum of Ireland in 1928. It did not look familiar and a check of our object database told me that in my almost twenty years working on the collection, I had not worked on this particular object.

Reviving the Galway hooker

Covid restrictions have struck again and travel outside of Mayo has been controlled. Thankfully, I was able to get to Galway city on Culture Night (18th September) to get updated on the tremendous work being carried out locally to revive the iconic Galway hooker. The hooker is an iconic symbol of Galway and the west coast that was admired in the past for its usefulness in a range of tasks and today for its beauty and history.

Currach fishermen of Clare Island

In planning this year’s fieldwork last spring, I drew up a list of locations that I was keen to visit during the summer months. Traveling during the favourable summer weather would allow for some nice photography, more flexibility with extended ferry timetables to the islands and calmer seas which would permit more activity on the water. My plans were dealt a blow with the introduction of pandemic restrictions but once travel within your own county was permitted I immediately set about organising a visit to Clare Island.

An afternoon with a currach fisherman

Standing at Port an Chuaille on Clare Island, I scanned beyond the quiet pier and tried to imagine what the seascape would have looked like when working currachs delicately hugged the lobster rich rocky coast and crisscrossed the choppy waters on route to the better local fishing areas. I did not have to imagine for long when a fisherman appeared on his motorbike and began to ready his currach for a day’s work.

What boats are in the Irish Folklife Collection?

The collection contains over thirty traditional Irish boats. These boats are stored in three sites throughout Ireland including the home of the Irish Folklife collection at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Currachs are particularly well represented in the collection with fifteen examples.

Remembering our West of Ireland boats

Did you grow up in a fishing community, was your family involved in boat building or have you a memory of boats from the west coast? If you do, we would like to invite you to contribute your memories to inform the development of a new gallery at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life.

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We regret that some of our Military History galleries at the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7, are temporarily closed for repairs

Our current restoration work means the first floor of our museum is closed. This limits our capacity so visitors should be prepared to wait in line outside for up to 1 hour

Traditional Boats of the Irish

Currach on the shore of Achill Island

As St. Patrick’s day approaches – the day when everyone is Irish – a boating enthusiast might wonder: “I know how to drink like the Irish, but how do I boat like the Irish?” We did some research and made a list of four traditional Irish boats to share with you this March 17th:

West Cork Mackerel Yawl

Galway Hooker

If you’d like to learn more about traditional Irish boats, visit the Traditional Boats of Ireland project !

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MONTEREY LIFE

Irish-inspired names for your monterey.

Is your Monterey in need of a name or new identity? We can help! In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re taking a look at some of our favorite names inspired by the Emerald Isle.

Browse through our list and search for one that suits your seafaring fancy!

This feminine Irish name saw peak popularity in 2005, but has been in growing in usage Stateside, too. Why? It has a good message—“Aisling” refers to a vision or dream, based on the poetic genre of the same name, and conveys a sense of hope, desire, and good things to come. What more could you want for an on-the-water personality?

Since boat names are often feminine anyway, this one is perfect for those who characterize their boats as free-wheeling dreamers in their own right.

In Irish, “Cara” isn’t just a pretty name—it’s the word for friend! Set your Monterey apart as a friend to your neighbors on the water, or as a symbol of your social attitude both on board and off. It’s a great, subtle way to give your boat a friendly character.

In the Irish language, Sona is used to convey happiness, fortune, and well wishes—all things we could use more of while on the water! It’s a great pick for those who want to enjoy happy travels and good boating conditions wherever they roam.

While Shamrock may not be a purely Irish word, the plant itself happens to be one of the most recognizable symbols of Irish culture. “Four-leaf clover” works too—it just doesn’t roll quite as well off the tongue! Shamrock is perfect for proudly showing off your roots, or for tying your Monterey to a sense of fun, nature, and a dash of good luck.

Emerald Isle

Ireland’s nickname, the Emerald Isle, is an Irish alternative to the conventional island names often found on boats. Since it originates in a land of rich, green nature, it’s a meaningful way to convey your love of nature or passion for travel (or pride for where you come from!).

We hope that today’s blog helps you find the perfect, meaningful name for your Monterey. If you have your own suggestions, be sure to share them in the comment section below!

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Ireland's boating heritage - a constant in the Emerald Isle’s thousands of years of history

Across ireland's landscape thousands of years of history are recorded by ring-forts, round towers, castles, geor....

The Curragh - the first type of boat to reach Ireland if only because they are one of the earliest forms of seaworthy boat

Across Ireland's landscape thousands of years of history are recorded by ring-forts, round towers, castles, Georgian streets and thatched cottages. All are built to endure in stone. It's perhaps more surprising that an equal span of history is still marked today in the far more fragile form of Ireland's traditional boats. Ireland's position off the most western shore of a huge continent has long attracted settlers, invaders colonists and traders. Each wave of incomers, by necessity, arrived in boats. And each type of boat was then absorbed into Ireland's maritime history, retaining some of its original features whilst being adapted to local conditions around Ireland's coastline.

Most people think of traditional 'Irish' boats as being either the skin-covered currach or the Galway hooker, but according to the definitive book on Irish craft – Traditional Boats of Ireland: History, Folklore and Construction – there are more than 60 distinct types of craft to be found on Irish waters. Some drew inspiration from Viking raiding ships, others from medieval trading craft or from early continental fishing boats. All contributed to Ireland's floating history book of yawls, skiffs, punts, luggers, nickeys, nobbys, skiffs, cots, gigs, prongs, hobblers, and even Welsh-style coracles. It is likely that currachs – curach in Irish, though naomhóg in Cork and Kerry, and a 'canoe' on the Clare coast – were the first type of boat to reach Ireland if only because they are one of the earliest forms of seaworthy boat. A skin-boat is almost a sea creature, with its hide covering a flexible rib cage, allowing it to slide over big swells and short, sharp waves yet still carry a tonne of peat or a trussed cow as payload. The seaworthiness of leather boats was recounted in St Brendan's voyage from Kerry via Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland to American, and then proven when explorer Tim Severin followed St Brendan's instructions for building and sailing a large currach and successfully reached Newfoundland in the 1970s.

The Vikings, as raiders, traders and colonists, introduced another enduring boat-building technique, the clinker-built hull with planks overlapping each other to make a strong, light boat that, even when un-decked, was seaworthy enough to be sailed at speed through exposed and stormy seas. Almost unchanged in design since the arrival of the Norsemen more than a thousand years ago, the drontheims of Ireland's north-east coast retain the Viking double-ended design with a sharp stern matching the wave-parting blade of the bow. The boat usually associated with Galway, the hooker, has a disputed ancestry though in earlier times there were local variants, such as the Kinsale hooker, around the coast, and all were used for transport when using seaways was often more practical than moving goods and people overland. The word 'hooker' has been linked to the Dutch word, hoeker, which in turn relates to the medieval 'howker'. However in Irish the craft are distinguished by more exactly graduated names based on size. Thus the bád mór is the largest boat at around 40 feet in length. The leathbhád, or 'half-boat', measures around 30 feet in length, whilst the gleoiteog and the similar púcan are both around 25 feet, with the latter having a lug rig unlike the gaff-rigs of the other three types.

But length in a traditional boat was never an exact off-the-peg matter. Individual boat-builders used their own measurements and experience and their 'eye' to meet the demands of the buyers who might add or subtract a few feet to or from the standard length depending on how much money they had for materials. This was the case with the Irish boat-building boom of the 19th century, when fishing provided jobs at sea and back on shore. At first fishing fleets were mainly composed of foreign boats sailing from Irish ports to harvest the abundant shoals of herrings and mackerel but soon Irish crews were buying old fishing boats from Cornwall and the Isle of Man, and these in turn became the templates for Irish-made fishing craft.

Irish ship-wrights didn't just produce fishing boats, though. Tyrell's in Arklow built Asgard II, Ireland's sail-training ship until it was lost in the Bay of Biscay in 2008, and Francis Chichester's Gypsy Moth III, in which he won the first single-handed race across the Atlantic in 1960. In West Cork, Baltimore's Fisheries School built both Conor O'Brien's Saoirse in which he circumnavigated the world between 1922 and 1925, and the Ilen taken in 1926 to the Falkland Islands where it was worked almost to wreckage before finally being returned home in 1998, for restoration at Hegarty's boatyard in Baltimore. Baltimore's more local fishing boats were as varied in design, with some claiming that 17th century pirates' gigs and jolly boats influenced such craft as the Heir Island lobster boat, mackerel yawl and 'towel-sail' yawl. The latter were named for the tent erected for the crew to live under during weeks of coastal fishing, the same scrap of canvas – teabhal – being pressed into service as an extra sail in a following wind. Like many sea-looking communities around Ireland's 3,000 mile coastline, Baltimore has celebrated its maritime history in recent years by resurrecting traditional boats, some a hundred years old and left to rot decades ago and restoring them to sailing order, or by faithfully replicating extinct craft using only traditional skills and materials. Unlike static museum exhibits, Ireland's historic craft are still sailed. And hard. Hookers are matched in competition in regattas up and down the west coast, six-oar gig and currachs rowed throughout the summer months, and at Baltimore's Wooden Boat Festival craft of all kinds come together to celebrate Ireland's maritime history in a mix of races, music, seafood and admiration for the skills of the old shipwrights, and the modern craftsmanship that have created and kept alive Ireland's traditional boats.

Ireland's great boating traditions will be on display at Ocean to City 'An Rás Mór' in Cork from 1 to 8 June. View details here. Source: The Gathering

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35 leprechaun names for your personal family mischief maker

Move over, Elf on the Shelf: Leprechauns are invading homes across America. If you are lucky enough to have your own personal family mischief maker this St. Patrick's Day , look through this list of leprechaun names and let the shenanigans begin!

Legend has it that leprechauns are roughly the height of a 3-year-old child. In fact, the word "leprechaun" likely comes from the Old Irish "luchorpan ," which means “little body.” Others say that it comes from the word "leath bhrogan," which means "shoemaker." So perhaps they create footwear when not hiding gold. Either way, leprechaun names are a fun way to continue the tradition .

Typically, they are described as bearded redheads who wear green, but it is the 21st century, so be on the lookout for leprechauns of any gender, hair type or dress.

Leprechauns are often tricksters who may cause chaos when they're riled up. But those who capture them — with cleverly designed leprechaun traps — may be in luck because rumor has it that a trapped leprechaun will grant you three wishes in exchange for their freedom.

What are good leprechaun names? Take a look our list below to find a favorite!

More St. Patrick's Day fun!

21 fun St. Patrick's Day games that'll get the paddy started
32 Best St. Patrick's Day desserts for a sweet celebration
101 St. Patrick's Day puns that totally sham-rock

Funny leprechaun names

Paddy O’Furniture
McErin GoBraugh
Merrygold Rainbow
Malarky O’Malley
Finnegan Jigagain

Irish leprechaun names

Irish location names, leprechaun names for kids.

Rapscallion

Irish boy names

Fionn ( finn )
Donnacha ( done-acka )

You can find more Irish boy names here .

Irish girl names

Saoirse ( ser-sha)
Clodagh ( clo-da )

You can find more Irish girl names here .

Unique Irish names

Aoife ( ee-fa )
Cillian ( kill-ee-an )
Darragh ( darra )
Oonagh ( una )
Pádraig ( paw-drig, or paw-rick)

You can find more unique Irish names here .

Rosie Colosi lives in New Jersey and is a reporter for TODAY Parents. She has bylines in The Atlantic, The Week, MSNBC, and PureWow, and she has written 33 nonfiction children's books for Scholastic, Klutz, and Nat Geo Kids. Once upon a time, she played Mrs. Claus in "The Rockettes' Radio City Christmas Spectacular," but now she mostly sings songs from "Annie" to her two daughters … while they beg her to play Kidz Bop.

Politics latest: Gove defends new extremism definition after warning it could have 'chilling' effect on free speech

The government has unveiled its new definition of extremism to a mixed reception. Some have welcomed "greater clarity", while others warn it could have a "chilling" effect on free speech.

Thursday 14 March 2024 09:20, UK

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New extremism definition unveiled by the government as part of drive to clamp down on Islamist and far-right extremism
Gove says judgment about whether group is extremist will be taken after 'patient assessment of evidence'
Gove pressed on whether Tory donor's apology is 'sufficient' after allegations of racist remarks
Explained: Who is Tory donor at centre of row and what is he reported to have said about Abbott?
Sam Coates: Mood tense among Tory MPs who think most things 'weak' Number 10 touches get worse
Live reporting by Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

By Tom Parmenter , national correspondent

Grimsby and Cleethorpes are being merged into one constituency for the next general election with both the Conservatives and Labour desperate to win it.

Sky News asked supporters of football club Grimsby Town for their political opinions as part of our Target Towns series.

It aims to tell the story of the upcoming election from the perspective of voters in the new constituency of Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

We'll hear from locals all the way through to election night to understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and to discuss how the future could look depending on which political party is elected into power.

The constituency is high on Conservative and Labour target lists, lying right at the heart of the "Red Wall" that the Tories smashed to take the election in 2019.

You can read Tom's latest piece in the series here:

Deputy political editor Sam Coates has been talking to Tory MPs about the mood within the party and the future of Rishi Sunak.

Some ministers have in recent days talked about the possibility Mr Sunak may have to be replaced as prime minister and Tory leader before the next election, he understands.

The cabinet remains supportive of the PM and there’s no great appetite to get rid of him at this stage.

But the fact that it's even being talked about as a possibility is indicative of the difficult position the PM currently finds himself in.

Labour has rejected a claim made by MP Diane Abbott that Labour's response to a Tony donor's alleged racist remarks about her was "disappointing".

Entrepreneur Frank Hester allegedly said Ms Abbott made him "want to hate all black women" and that she "should be shot".

Writing in the Independent newspaper, Ms Abbott said the Conservative Party's "reluctance to call out racism and sexism is shocking".

But she went on to say "the position of the current leadership of the Labour Party is disappointing – it seemed equally reluctant at the outset to call out either racism or sexism.

"In fact, a number of Labour statements were issued, and interviews given where neither word was mentioned. Instead, the entire focus was on the demand that the Tories give Hester back his money, which is surely not the primary point in this case."

Asked whether that was a fair characterisation, Darren Jones, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, said: "I don't think so".

" Under Keir's [Sir Keir Starmer's] leadership, it's been very, very clear, I think based on the evidence, that any behaviour that is not tolerated, for example, on racism or any other things is dealt with very, very quickly," he said.

Asked whether Ms Abbott is being supported by the party despite having the Labour whip removed, he said: "Absolutely. She deserves that support".

"It's right that Diane and other members of parliament, irrespective of political party, facing these types of horrid claims, are supported and that we all push back and say that's unacceptable."

Labour has said the government's definition of extremism, unveiled today, "doesn't go far enough".

"If you really want to take action against hateful extremism, you need more than a definition for government administration, you need an action plan, you need a strategy," Darren Jones, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, has told Sky News.

He called for an update to the countering hateful extremism strategy, which he said is nine years out of date.

The government has updated the definition as part of a drive to clamp down on the Islamist and far-right extremism that has intensified in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war (see post at 6.50am).

It is expected to publish a list of organisations covered by the new definition in the coming weeks.

Speaking to Sky News earlier, Communities Secretary Michael Gove said judgements about whether a group is extremist will only be taken after a "patient assessment of the evidence of a consistent pattern of behaviour" (see post at 7.21).

Mr Jones said the process through which groups would be named under the new definition "needs to be clarified".

"It does seem that the design, the process and the accountability doesn't seem quite right," he said.

Can Number 10 shut down talk of an early general election?

Will they do something in the coming days and hours to shut down the wildfire talk of bringing forward an election to May? And how will that land?

Those are the key questions in Westminster.

Rishi Sunak's team no longer deny that things are bad. The mood amongst MPs is febrile, unhappy, tense and uncertain.

Many are letting this be known privately, through Sir Graham Brady, and some are saying so publicly.

The prime minister was hit by three unsupportive questions at PMQs from his own side, an indicator that discipline is fracturing.

But some in Number 10 think there is light at the end of the tunnel - that the disquiet amongst Tory MPs will die down once they realise the prime minister is going to stick true to his word and is not about to call a May election.

You can read more from Sam in the link below:

Lord Mann, the government's independent adviser on antisemitism, has described today's new extremism definition as a "tweak".

"It's a tweak on what was there before," he tells Sky News.

"I think it's probably a helpful tweak," he adds, but goes on to stress the need for it in legislation.

"What the head of the Met called for was a precise new bit of legislation that, for example, said if you promote terrorist groups, that's illegal."

Lord Mann also urged caution on the "politics of division," warning that "if there's division in society, the biggest loser will always be the Jewish community".

He said he wants to see the government put "maximum effort" into bringing communities together to tackle division which is "damaging the Jewish community".

"When I go to Jewish community organisations, they feel they've been bombarded by people wanting to be horrible, wanting to threaten the Jewish community.

"The key way of dealing with that is good laws to stop extremists, to safeguard people, to safeguard the good of the Jewish community, but also good community engagement, bringing all communities together".

Lord Mann was among a number of signatories who signed a statement this week calling for "as broad a consensus as possible" in facing down extremism, and a guarantee that "no political party uses the issue to seek short-term tactical advantage".

Sky News has pressed Communities Secretary Michael Gove on whether an apology from a Tory donor was sufficient after he allegedly made racist remarks.

Frank Hester is reported to have said MP Diane Abbott made him "want to hate all black women" and that she "should be shot".

A spokesperson for the entrepreneur said he "accepts that he was rude ... but his criticism had nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin.

"He wishes to make it clear that he regards racism as a poison which has no place in public life."

Mr Gove said he believed the apology was "sincere".

"I think that when someone says that they are sorry, and I understand he's deeply sorry for these remarks, then my natural inclination is to exercise Christian forgiveness," he says.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove is asked about the extent to which the government's new definition of extremism will impact protesters.

"It's not intended to prevent people demonstrating. Absolutely not," he tells Sky News.

He says it is "not a restraint on free speech" and only applies to engagement with government.

"We know that there's been cases in the past where individual extremist organisations have sought to take advantage of government patronage, money and influence in order to advance their agenda.

"So today's definition applies only to government and makes it clear that we will keep these organisations at arm's length so they can't benefit from access to government and its funds," he says.

He adds that the new definition isn't statutory and is "about making sure that government uses its powers and its money in a wise way".

While the new definition is being welcomed by some today, others have warned it could have a "chilling effect on free speech".

Communities Secretary Michael Gove has said judgements about whether a group is extremist will only be taken after a "patient assessment of the evidence of a consistent pattern of behaviour".

He is speaking to Sky News as the government unveils its new definition of extremism.

He says the new definition is seeking "specifically to respond to the increase in the amount of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred that we've seen on our streets and social media and elsewhere".

The government has updated the definition as part of a drive to clamp down on the Islamist and far-right extremism that has intensified in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

By Jason Farrell , Home editor

The government's proposal to redefine extremism will "vilify the wrong people" and "risk more division", according to a coalition of Muslim organisations.

Signatories include groups which fear they may fall under the new definition, which has been announced as part of the government's new counter-extremism strategy.

CAGE International, Friends of Al-Aqsa (FOA), Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND), and 5Pillars say "the proposed definition signals an attack on civil liberties by attacking law-abiding individuals and groups that oppose government policy by labelling them as 'extremist'".

A spokesperson for the coalition added: "This new extremism definition is a solution looking for a problem.

"It attacks one of the cherished cornerstones of our pluralistic democracy - that of free speech.

"Anyone, regardless of faith or political colour should be free to criticise the government of the day without being labelled as 'extremist'".

This follows warnings by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, that the proposals risk "disproportionately targeting Muslim communities".

Rebranding State agencies

What’s in a name.

Sir, – Anyone with an interest in the fundamental underpinnings of the Irish economy should read Chris Horn’s “Ditching SFI brand could have big consequences for economy” (Opinion, Business, March 7th).

He succinctly describes one of the unheralded seminal initiatives in Irish economic policy in the last 20 years. The creation of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the alignment with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland established an international investment value proposition which is the envy of competitor investment locations. Others have tried to replicate this synergy but failed.

Brand recognition is hard earned and worth multiples of what it costs to achieve.

I am sure the trend in rebranding many of our State agencies with Irish language names is well intentioned.

Thursday’s Top Stories: Audit identifies just 500 extra asylum seeker beds; How do you know if your friend is an emotional vampire?

St Patrick’s Day Quiz 2024: 50 questions to test your Irishology

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However, so much taxpayers’ money has gone into creating the SFI brand, why ditch it in favour of “Taighde”, both unpronounceable and unintelligible in its target market? Just like “X/formerly Twitter”, it will become “Taigdhe/formerly SFI”. The trinity of the initials IDA/EI/SFI is an internationally established and recognised calling card. Replacing “SFI” with “Taidghe” will not be helpful. These agencies are natural and successful partners with brand reputations. They should have the same reporting and accountability lines to Government, which in return has the responsibility to protect the investment already made in creating enviable global brands. – Yours, etc,

PATRICK HOWLIN,

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COMMENTS

Irish Boat Names: 69 Highly Fitting Names (Clever + Funny)
Tips and Advice for Choosing Irish Boat Names. Irish boat names give a certain personality to your boat, which is not something that can be said for a few of the other more neutral boat names. However, the same rules and principles still apply. Here are a few things to consider before finalizing your Irish-themed boat name:
75 Cool and Unique Irish Boat Names
Saoirse: This is the Irish Gaelic word for "Freedom". Suaimhneas Síoraí: This means "Serenity". Síocháin: This translates to "Peace". Mo Bhád: This one is a little bit of fun and just means "My Boat". Péarla Dubh: If you're a Pirates of the Caribbean fan, this means "Black Pearl".
59+ Irish Boat Names (BEST Ideas In 2024!)
Irish Rose - This is the ultimate Irish name. Flounder Pounder - Those who name their boat this better come back with a catch. Fishful Thinkin' - This name would work well on a sea fishing boat. Irish Yoke - Yoke is a utility word in Ireland and can mean anything, so it's ok to use it for a boat.
Slainte! 10 Boat Names to Bring Aboard the Luck of the Irish
Banshee. The term "banshee" is derived from the Irish bean-sidhe , which translates to "woman of the fairy." In Irish lore, the banshee is a spirit whose appearance and cry forewarns of imminent death. The banshee may also be spotted by a river, washing the blood from the clothes of the soon-to-be deceased, and passers by can ask her the name ...
150+ Striking Irish Boat Names to Make Waves
Best Irish Boat Names. The Cu Chulainn - after the legendary figure in early Irish mythology. The Claddagh - after the traditional ring given as a symbol of love and friendship. The Mórrigan - after an Irish goddess of war and death. The Shamrock - after the traditional symbol of Ireland. The Liffey - after the river that runs ...
41 Gaelic Boat Names With Meanings
If you are looking to honor your Gaelic roots on the open seas, below is a list of Gaelic boat names that can bring an extra touch of identity to your vessel. 41 Gaelic Boat Names With Meanings. Here is a list of Gaelic boat names that you can choose from: Maraig (Sailor) Eala (Swan) Eala Bhan (White Swan) Faoileag (Seagull) Bàta Mòr (Big Boat)
Entertaining Irish Fishing Boat Names
The Knackered Lad: The Irish word knackered means exhausted and would be perfect for someone who is always on the go. Plastered Irish Lad: The word plastered means to be very drunk. This would be a great name for an Irish lad who loves to drink. Irish Hooligan: The word hooligan comes from the surname Hoolihan.
Great Irish Names for Boats
Grian - Meaning "sun," for a boat that enjoys the sunniest days. An Caora - This means "The Sheep," a cute and funny choice for a cozy, comfortable boat. One of our favorite Irish names for boats. Maidin Mhaith - This translates to "Good Morning," a cheerful, optimistic name. An Searrach - This means "The Foal," a ...
Irish Boat Names: 67 Funny
Here's a list of the best Irish boat names I could come up with. Some are old, some funny, some rude, and some with a pun involved. View all 67.
41 Unique Celtic Boat Names
When you think of Celtic names, images of ancient stone circles, rolling hills and wild storms may come to mind. So to help you get started, we compiled a list of Celtic boat names that honor their culture and history. 41 Unique Celtic Boat Names. Here is a list of some traditional Celtic boat names with meanings: Argoed - "from the wooded ...
Irish Names: Boat Names
So here is a small page on boat names. Here are the names I collected: An Bradán Feasa ("Salmon of Knowledge"--refers to Irish folklore) Dún Aengus ("Fort of Aengus"--this is a fort on Inis Mor, one of the Aran Islands) Iolar na Mara ("Eagle of the sea") David's Star.
Irish Boat Names: 21 Funny Ideas for Fishing & Boating
Irish boat names are a popular tradition among boating enthusiasts worldwide. Naming a boat is an important decision, as it reflects the owner's personality and their connection with the sea. Irish boat names are particularly popular due to the rich culture and history of Ireland, and the country's close relationship with the sea. ...
399+ Sail Boat Names (BEST Ideas In 2024)
A boat name is more than just a label, it's a reflection of the personality of the vessel and its owner. A perfect boat name can be catchy, memorable, and can evoke emotion. In this blog post, we've compiled a list of 399+ sail boat names to help you find the perfect name for your vessel. Let's dive in. Best Sail Boat Names. Ocean Dreamer ...
Boat Names, 30 Unforgettable Boat Names
Happy Ending Yachting Staff. Moonlighter Yachting Staff. Grampstr's Pride Yachting Staff. Irish Lady Yachting Staff. Obviously owned by a man who knows what's worth keeping. Yachting Staff. The favorite choice of every stockbroker with a fighting chair. Yachting Staff. We all should be so lucky to own a boat.
Currach
Currach on the shore in Inishbofin, Galway. A number of wooden boats in a tidal harbour near Carna, Galway. A currach ( Irish: curach [ˈkʊɾˠəx]) is a type of Irish boat with a wooden frame, over which animal skins or hides were once stretched, though now canvas is more usual. It is sometimes anglicised as "curragh".
Top 180+ Most Famous Boat Names For Your Next Boat
Famous boat names in history. Historical boat names are a great source of inspiration for boat owners. Here are a few historical boat names for you. The Carl T. Myers. The Delta Lady. The Island Queen. The Natchez. Spirit of the Mississippi. HMS Victory.
Traditional Boats of Ireland
The Traditional Boats of Ireland Project is the result of a combined effort by Irish people who are passionate about the rich diversity of boat types throughout the country. This project is a by-product of a loosely affiliated group of individuals with a shared realisation that Ireland's traditional boat types are rapidly disappearing.
Traditional Boats of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way
The collection contains over thirty traditional Irish boats. These boats are stored in three sites throughout Ireland including the home of the Irish Folklife collection at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life in Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Currachs are particularly well represented in the collection with fifteen examples.
Traditional Boats of the Irish
Currach. A wood framed boat that traditionally had animal skins or hides stretched over it (though its modern counterpart uses canvas). Native to the west coast of Ireland, these boats vary by size and shape depending on the region. The currach is versatile and can be used as a sea boat and to traverse the inland waters of Ireland.
Irish Ships to America: Famous Ships of Irish Immigrants
The following is a list of Irish ships to America from the 17 th to the early 20 th centuries, obtained from Irish immigrant passenger lists. Each ship is listed with at least one known date of travel. 19th Century Ship. Abolus | Newry to New York 1811. Abyssinia | Liverpool, Queenstown & Cork to New York 1872, 1885.
Irish-Inspired Names for Your Monterey
Shamrock. While Shamrock may not be a purely Irish word, the plant itself happens to be one of the most recognizable symbols of Irish culture. "Four-leaf clover" works too—it just doesn't roll quite as well off the tongue! Shamrock is perfect for proudly showing off your roots, or for tying your Monterey to a sense of fun, nature, and a ...
Irish Names: Boat Names
An anglicization of a name is the English spelling and pronunciation of a Gaelic or Irish name. When the English moved into the Celtic language-speaking regions of the British Isles, they made attempts to re-spell native names, making them easier for English speakers to read and pronounce. Thus, a man named Aodhán Ó Murchú in Ireland or ...
Ireland's boating heritage
However in Irish the craft are distinguished by more exactly graduated names based on size. Thus the bád mór is the largest boat at around 40 feet in length. ... This was the case with the Irish ...
35 Leprechaun Names For Your Personal Family Mischief Maker
Funny leprechaun names. Paddy O'Furniture. McErin GoBraugh. Merrygold Rainbow. Malarky O'Malley. Finnegan Jigagain.
Politics latest: Diane Abbott speaks out after PMQs dominated by Tory
The row over reported comments from Tory donor Frank Hester about Diane Abbott dominates PMQs, as Rishi Sunak faces calls to return the money he has given to the party.
Popular Irish names deemed typos in 'harmful' filters
More than half (56 per cent) of the 1,089 names given to boys in 2022 in Northern Ireland were considered typos, while 36 per cent of the 2,278 names given to girls in the same period. The group ...
Searching for your Irish ancestry? Guinness' archives could help you
The employee records date from 1799 to 1939, according to Ancestry, and include workers' names and, in some cases, details about their home addresses, occupations, spouses, children and ...
Olympic Federation of Ireland to mark centenary of Irish Olympians
The 911 Irish names to have competed at an Olympic Games are to be marked in a ceremony at Trinity College Expand Ronnie Delany won gold at the 1500 metres at the Melbourne Olympic Games of 1956.
Rebranding State agencies
Sat Mar 9 2024 - 00:06. Sir, - Anyone with an interest in the fundamental underpinnings of the Irish economy should read Chris Horn's "Ditching SFI brand could have big consequences for ...
ESPN names Notre Dame among national championship contenders
Hidalgo would be the national freshman of the year if it weren't for USC's (JuJu) Watkins. The Irish's ACC tournament victories were all against different types of teams: In those three games, Notre Dame scored 77, 82 and 55 points. The Irish have won eight in a row, and even though they were the No. 4 seed in the ACC Tournament, they ...