National Maritime Museum of Ireland

About the museum

The National Maritime Museum of Ireland is housed in the Mariners’ Church in Dún Laoghaire, a church built in 1837 especially for seafarers. It is one of the few purpose-built seafarers’ churches still standing in the world. The church closed for worship in 1971, and in 1974 the Church of Ireland and the Maritime Institute of Ireland agreed that the building could become a museum. The Institute, founded in 1941 to promote an appreciation of Ireland’s maritime heritage, opened the museum in 1978.

After a period of refurbishment the museum reopened in June 2012. It is run largely by volunteers and relies on admission fees, fundraising and donations. It has been recognised by the Heritage Council with accreditation under the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland.

The collection covers ship models, navigation instruments, engines and personal memorabilia. Its best-known objects include the huge revolving optic of the Baily Lighthouse, used from 1902 to 1972, material about Captain Robert Halpin and the cable-laying ship Great Eastern, and a reconstructed radio room. A dedicated exhibition on RMS Leinster, the mail steamer torpedoed in 1918 with the loss of 567 lives, opened in 2018 and includes an interactive display on the victims. Another exhibition tells the story of MV Kerlogue, an Irish ship that rescued 168 German sailors during the Second World War. The museum also holds a library and archive, which can be used by appointment.

Highlights

• Revolving optic of the Baily Lighthouse, in use from 1902 to 1972
• Permanent exhibition on RMS Leinster, sunk in 1918, with an interactive list of the victims
• MV Kerlogue exhibition on the rescue of 168 German sailors in the Second World War
• Objects relating to Captain Robert Halpin and the Great Eastern
• Housed in the Mariners’ Church of 1837

Permanent exhibitions

• RMS Leinster – Story boards, objects and an interactive display about the 1918 sinking of the mail steamer, with a scale model and the names of the victims and survivors.
• MV Kerlogue – The wartime story of an Irish coastal ship that survived an attack by mistake and rescued 168 German sailors, told with letters and a touchscreen display.
• The Baily Optic – The ten-tonne revolving lighthouse optic from Baily Lighthouse, one of the museum’s largest objects.

Founded

1978

Operated by

National Maritime Institute of Ireland

Admission & discounts

Tickets can be booked online for a chosen date and are then valid for one visit within seven days of that date. Groups, including school groups, should email the museum for dates and prices.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum has wheelchair access except for the gallery.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum can be reached from Upper George’s Street (People’s Park end) or, from the seafront, by steps beside the DLR Lexicon library on the East Pier side. Its tower beside the Royal Marine Hotel is visible from much of the town.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

The museum shop sells maritime gifts and postcards. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building; ask at reception for details.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

The restored 19th-century church can be hired for wedding ceremonies, lectures, concerts, conferences and meetings. A PA and audio system is available.

Plan your visit