Historic Ketch Ilen Sails Past Dalkey Island

In a striking scene that could have been lifted from centuries past, the restored Irish ketch Ilen was spotted sailing gracefully between Dalkey Hill and the Dalkey Island Battery this afternoon.

With her traditional rigging, rich timber hull, and deep maritime heritage, Ilen cut a majestic figure as she glided through the sunlit waters of Dublin Bay — a living connection to Ireland’s seafaring past.

Built in 1926 in Baltimore, Co. Cork, Ilen was originally commissioned for service in the remote Falkland Islands. She was designed by renowned Irish sailor and explorer Conor O’Brien — the first man to sail around the world via the three great capes with a crew of just two.

After decades abroad and years of neglect, the vessel was painstakingly restored in a project that brought together traditional boatbuilding skills, maritime heritage groups, and educational initiatives.

Now fully seaworthy and sailing again under the banner of the Ilen Marine School in Limerick, the vessel serves as both a floating classroom and ambassador for Irish maritime culture.

With Dalkey Island’s Napoleonic-era battery in the background, the scene was almost timeless.