Lifestyle Ireland: Historic Dún Laoghaire Yachts Return to Dublin Bay

On a bright day in Dún Laoghaire, three slender sailing yachts move quietly beyond the harbour wall, their traditional rigs catching the breeze. It is a striking scene, but also a reminder that lifestyle Ireland is shaped by the places, skills and stories carried forward from one generation to the next.

Estelle, Naneen and Garavogue are among a historic fleet of Dublin Bay 21-footers being brought back to life. The restoration project is preserving a remarkable part of Irish maritime heritage while returning these graceful boats to the water where they once raced and cruised.

Why the Dublin Bay 21-footers matter to Irish lifestyle history

The Dublin Bay 21-footers were designed by Scottish yacht designer Alfred Mylne for Dublin Bay Sailing Club. Seven identical gaff cutters were built between 1903 and 1907, creating what became known as the “Seven Sisters”. The class is regarded as the oldest cruiser-racer class in the world.

For more than eight decades, the yachts were a familiar sight around Dún Laoghaire. They competed in the Dublin Bay Sailing Club programme and appeared at regattas along Ireland’s east coast. Their purpose was not limited to racing: the boats were also used for cruising, combining competitive sailing with the simple pleasure of time spent on the water.

That mixture of sport, craftsmanship and outdoor recreation remains central to the appeal of Irish lifestyle today. From coastal walking and sea swimming to sailing and hiking wellness, Ireland’s relationship with the outdoors continues to support an active lifestyle and a strong sense of place.

Over time, however, the fleet deteriorated. Hurricane Charley in 1986 caused further damage, and all seven boats were taken to Arklow for extensive work at Tyrrell’s shipyard. After John Tyrrell died in 1988 and the yard closed, the yachts were stored on a nearby farm. They remained exposed to the elements for almost 40 years.

The revival began when maritime heritage supporters Fionán de Barra and Hal Sisk took on the difficult task of restoring the full fleet. They located Alfred Mylne’s original drawings and worked with master boatbuilder Steve Morris and his team at Kilrush Boatyard in County Clare.

A restoration built on patience and traditional skill

Restoring an old wooden yacht is a painstaking undertaking. Reconstructing a whole class requires not only money and technical expertise, but also historical research, careful joinery and a willingness to work slowly. Original plans help preserve the boats’ character, while modern safety standards and practical knowledge make it possible for them to sail again.

Five yachts have now returned to the water: Naneen, Estelle, Garavogue, Geraldine and Oola. Maureen is under reconstruction, while work on Innisfallen is also part of the wider effort to complete the fleet.

Images of the boats sailing in Dublin Bay show why the project has captured public imagination. Their low hulls, traditional sails and elegant profiles look entirely at home against the coastline. They offer a living connection to the history of Dún Laoghaire rather than a static museum display.

The boats have also taken part in public events. In September 2023, Garavogue and Geraldine joined a Parade of Sail on the River Liffey, giving people in Dublin an opportunity to see the restored vessels close up.

For readers interested in Ireland’s wider heritage, Irish lifestyle and culture stories offer another way to explore the people, places and traditions shaping modern life.

What this project says about modern lifestyle Ireland

The restoration of the Dublin Bay 21-footers is more than a sailing story. It reflects a growing appreciation for repair, reuse and skilled making. In an era of disposable goods, saving an old boat demands a different mindset: understand what already exists, respect its materials and invest in its future.

That outlook connects with several themes in contemporary lifestyle Ireland:

• Outdoor wellbeing: Time on the coast can support physical activity, calm and connection with nature.
• Local craftsmanship: Traditional boatbuilding keeps specialist knowledge alive and supports regional skills.
• Community identity: Historic vessels can bring clubs, volunteers, families and visitors together.
• Sustainable living: Restoration offers an alternative to replacing objects with new ones.

The project also shows how Ireland’s heritage can remain relevant without being frozen in the past. These yachts are valuable because they are still capable of sailing. Their return to Dublin Bay gives old designs a meaningful role in present-day Irish life.

Readers seeking more ideas for Ireland’s outdoor lifestyle and coastal experiences can find related features on the Daily Digest website.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Dublin Bay 21-footers?

They are a historic class of identical gaff-cutter cruiser-racer yachts designed by Alfred Mylne. Seven were built between 1903 and 1907 for Dublin Bay Sailing Club.

How many boats have been restored?

Five boats—Naneen, Estelle, Garavogue, Geraldine and Oola—have returned to the water. Maureen and Innisfallen are due to follow as restoration work continues.

Why is the restoration important?

It preserves an important part of Irish sailing history, supports traditional boatbuilding skills and allows the vessels to be experienced as working yachts rather than simply preserved artefacts.

The lasting takeaway

The return of these yachts is a quiet but powerful example of what can happen when heritage is treated as something alive. For lifestyle Ireland, the Dublin Bay 21-footers represent craftsmanship, community and a lasting connection with the sea. Their renewed presence in Dún Laoghaire proves that the past can still move with the tide—and still have somewhere useful to go.