mCww2iJVl2
When ceramicist Lucy Sheridan and her husband Richard Kelly, founder of Lonesome Boatman grooming products, decided to make a home together, they knew what they wanted. “After 10 years renting in Dublin, we didn’t want a mortgage,” says Richard. “We wanted somewhere to live that was exciting.”
Having spent many holidays on boats, they found themselves asking, could we live on one? Months of research followed. “There isn’t much information about how to do it,” says Richard, “so we approached other boaters through friends and the IWAI [Inland Waterways Association of Ireland] volunteer group.”
The boat is powered by two solar panels, so brighter days bring a surge in power. “You’re really working with the weather,” says Richard. “I really notice the moon now, its cycles and the light. I’ve become aware of the time of day without ever having to look at a watch.” Both of them feel calmer.
“I love watching the reflections of the water on the ceiling of the living room,” says Lucy. “When my nieces and nephews visit, someone always falls asleep on the sofa.” The pandemic was easy. “The first lockdown was brilliant. We had total freedom,” says Richard. “You could sit on your boat and chat to other people on their boats and remain socially distanced.”
It’s a busy, productive life, broken by trips along the inland waterways. “I love going through the bog,” she says. “Offaly, Edenderry and Allenwood are just amazing.” Neither of them has plans to return to solid ground any time soon.
Photography: Ruth Maria Murphy
This feature was originally published in the spring/summer 2022 issue of IMAGE Interiors.