The construction and design of the currach is unique to the western coast of Ireland although the size and shape vary widely by region. Written records of the currach date from 100 BC. Early Gaelic accounts speak of large ocean-going sailing vessels roving the North Atlantic. One of these legends contests that St. Brendan, an Irish monk during the Middle Ages, was the first to discover America – in a currach.

The boats are hand-made from wood and were traditionally covered with light skins, although all modern currachs now use canvas and black oil paint. The flat-bottomed boats have no keels, allowing them to ride large ocean swells and skim up shallow rivers.

The wooden ribs used to make the boats are traditionally ash or oak. The oars do not widen out at the tips, allowing them to slice through choppy waters and greatly reduce the risk of capsizing. The length of the boat varies depending on its region of origin, but North American Currach Association stipulates that all conference boats be 25 feet long.

The currach has served as both fishing vessel and general transportation along the many rivers of Ireland and in the coastal waters. Currach racing in Ireland was originated by fishermen who would race each other back to shore after collecting their catch.

Rowing a currach is a different experience than rowing a shell or canoe. One to four rowers sit facing the back of the boat and each rower has two oars. There are four fixed seats and two 8- to 10-foot oars per seat. The captain sits in seat #1 and determines the course of the boat by frequently looking back over his or her shoulder, then calls directions to the person steering in seat #4. Rowers in seats #2 and #3 are the "engines" and only focus on rowing with the rowers immediately in front of them.

Rowers start the stroke by leaning forward, placing the ends of the oars in the water, locking their elbows and pulling back. Much of the power of the stroke is generated in the back and legs.