International meitheal gather in Kerry to recreate boating history

An archaelogist who plans to create a craft last used by our forebearers more than a millennium ago is getting a dig out for his “dugout” boat from people from all corners of the world.

Niall Gregory, who did his doctorate on dugout boats, has gathered a meitheal of willing volunteers from the local direct provision centre in Kenmare to help him hew the craft from a 250-year-old oak tree on the grounds of Bonane Heritage Park.