Conserving 'Shamrock'

Shamrock Tamar sailing barge in her mooring at Cotehele Quay — Shamrock at Cotehele Quay

It isn't possible at this current time to say when the Cotehele Shamrock project might resume. Like most charities we've been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. We've therefore had to defer, or in some cases stop, a large proportion of planned project spend in order to cover essential maintenance costs. We thank everyone for their patience and support during these difficult times.

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This article was created before the coronavirus crisis, and may not reflect the current situation. Please check our homepage for the most up to date information about visiting

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Safeguarding her future

Time has marched on for the grand old lady and the National Trust hauled Shamrock out of the water nearly two years ago, secured her on a cradle above the tide with every part of her hull accessible, and began a programme of major repairs to ensure her future.

During the work to replace her hull, further problems with rot were uncovered. It is now clear that Shamrock's false keel and keelson are in urgent need of replacing and current funds for the restoration project are insufficient to cover this.

Railway rails being delivered for Shamrock on Cotehele Quay, Cornwall — Rails being delivered to Cotehele Quay to aid in pulling Shamrock out of the river

What next for Shamrock?

‘Funds in the region of £120,000 are now needed to replace the false keel and keelson as the current fund has nearly run out,' Lauren Pattison; General Manager for Cotehele says.

‘There remains enough funding for basic care over the next three years and now, in order to complete additional work and get her back in the water we need to raise more money for this historic boat. This would cover materials, specialist labour, contingency and a project officer/manager role to pull it all together. We hope to involve the local community in saving this beautiful barge.'

'Shamrock' is undergoing massive conservation work on Cotehele Quay, Cornwall — 'Shamrock' conservation work underway on Cotehele Quay

How you can help

Come and visit Shamrock on Cotehele Quay. You'll be able to see her during her conservation and every time you visit, have a cuppa in the tea-room, buy a raffle ticket or make a donation you're helping us carry out our conservation work.

We urgently need funds to continue the restoration work, so if you can please donate to the Saving Shamrock appeal, where your donation will go directly to funding the work she so desperately needs.

You can read about her history and learn more about the conservation project being carried out by the National Trust on her blog here.