River Shannon - Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum

Maritime Museum

The River Shannon—Abhainn na Sionainne in Gaelic—is Ireland’s longest river. Named for the Celtic river goddess Sionna, it’s important in Irish mythology. The waterway has also benefitted a number of civilizations back to antiquity, and was crucial in establishing Foynes as an international port. We focus on the history and stories of part of the River Shannon that runs from Limerick to Loop Head, including its estuary.

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The Main Exhibitions at the Foynes Maritime Museum

Spring Rice and Monteagle Room

Step back in time and learn about famous men and women from Foynes.

Control Tower

360 Degree views of the village of Foynes and the Shannon Estuary from our reinstated control tower.

Ghost Ship

See our ghost ship, “Windsor Castle,” and learn its tale.

Paddle Steamer Cabin

Go aboard a paddle steamer cabin and watch an insightful presentation about past and present life on the river and the river’s role in the region’s development.

US CIVIL WAR UNIFORMS

See US Civil War Confederate uniforms manufactured in Limerick and shipped from Foynes to the Confederate States by breaking the Union Blockade.

LIFE ON THE RIVER

Find out about life as a dock worker in the 1800s and the various types of cargo passing through the port.

BOAT DISPLAYS

Explore our extensive display of commercial and leisure boats from the river, as well as a large-scale model of the River Shannon’s estuary.

THE COLLEEN BAWN

Watch the 1911 silent movie “The Colleen Bawn” and learn about her tragic murder story.

MARITIME SKILLS

Learn about weather conditions, check real-time weather and tides, and observe the river and its estuary from our control tower.

CURRACHS & GONDOLAS

See how Currachs and Gondolas were made.

Testimonials

What Our Visitors Say

Our Azamara Cruise around Ireland called at Foynes and we were delighted to find the Flying Boat and Maritime Museum a short walk from the pier. The museum is beautifully done and tells the story of the wonderful era of the transatlantic flying boats in great detail.

Mark S

Amazing place to visit while in Foynes – ok lets face it – the ONLY place to visit in Foynes. But look, its well worth a stop. The museum is excellent and they even have a grand little cafe there for a perfect stop for lunch

ThePogueMahone

A very enjoyable historical experience. Wwll presented. Once all the remedial work is completed I will certainly return

kenneth_hodge

Really enjoyed our day out at the museum, the lady on reception was a pleasure to deal with and most helpful, the lunch we had afterwards was fab, would definitely recommend

Climber568455

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

Featured Experiences

Aviation Museum

Travel back to the 1930s and ’40s, when Foynes played a pivotal rol...

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Maureen O’Hara

Thanks to the generosity of Maureen O’Hara’s grandson Conor Beau Fi...

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Irish Coffee Centre

Foynes and flying boats are closely connected to Irish coffee, play...

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How You Can Help

Donate to the Museum

In 1989, our patron Maureen O’Hara cut the red ribbon to officially open our museum. We are proud of our achievements since those early days and look forward to many more successful years ahead. Thanks to everyone for their support over the years.

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