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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A lighthouse mural at the Flying Boat Museum Foynes.

The Main Exhibitions at the Foynes Maritime Museum

An older man views documents in a glass case at the museum exhibition.

Spring Rice and Monteagle Room

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

Room with large windows, harbour views, and photos from the Flying Boat Museum Foynes.

Control Tower

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

Sepia sketch of riverside city with Foynes Flying Boat Museum, church spire.

Ghost Ship

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

Small paddle-steamer-cabin exhibit room with posters and wooden benches at Foynes Museum.

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.

Exhibits of navy uniforms, ship models, and maritime artefacts at Flying Boat Museum Foynes.

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.

Two men in vintage attire lift sacks in a net at the exhibition.

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 featured in the Flying Boat Museum Foynes

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.

Exhibit on

The Colleen Bawn

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

Explore memorabilia and weather forecasting at the Flying Boat Museum Foynes.

Maritime Skills

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

Exhibit features a wooden boat frame and ship models in glass cases at Foynes Museum.

Currachs & Gondolas

See how Currachs and Gondolas were made.

Testimonials

What Our Visitors Say

Testimonial 1

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

Testimonial 2

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

Testimonial 3

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

kenneth_hodge

Testimonial 4

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

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TOUR HIGHLIGHT

Featured Experiences

Large silver vintage seaplane with U.S. flag at the Flying Boat Museum Foynes.

Aviation Museum

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

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Woman in cap and shawl with autumn leaves by Flying Boat Museum Foynes.

Maureen O’Hara Exhibition

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

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Cream being poured onto Irish coffee at the Flying Boat Museum Foynes.

Irish Coffee Centre

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

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