Origins of the curragh go back to the earliest of times of woven stick frames with animal skins stretched over them to make a waterproof hull. More recently sawn timber lathes  and tarred fabric coverings are used. Their light construction and ease of build made them ideally suited to the West of Ireland were they could be carried and stored safely above the surf line in  regions were  harbours are difficult to find.
Availability  There could be as many as 500 curraghs in Ireland, still employed in traditional uses of fishing, seaweed gathering, the ferrying of people livestock and goods, recreation and racing. Further a field some are exported to enthusiasts and collections, there is also growing interest in home building of this type of boat in many countries.  The "Aran Isle" type curragh pictured was built by Simon Cooper is covered with a flax tarred fabric. contact flax@flaxland.co.uk  
Artistic connections Images and models skin on frame type boats date back at least 5,000 years. With Celtic and monastic connections line drawings and woodcuts have featured curraghs throughout history. There does not appear to be any "famous" paintings or artists who toured Ireland of the 17 to 18 c.
More recent works featuring curraghs by  the likes Hamilton Sloan, John Skelton, Paul Henry.