Ilen sets sail on voyage to bring seafaring traditions to the modern age

Ireland’s only surviving sail cargo vessel the Ilen revived a tradition lost a century ago when it embarked on a symbolic series of sustainable wind-powered supply trips to islands on the south and west coasts on Sunday, August 23.

It harks back to bygone days of sea-trading along the coast of Ireland when there were no proper roads and no Covid-19 lockdowns.

A unique voyage has just cast off from the port of Baltimore, Co Cork which will link coastal businesses, enhance their trade and train aspiring young seafarers to boot.