National Maritime Museum of Ireland

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The National Maritime Museum of Ireland (Irish: Músaem Mhuirí Náisiúnta na hÉireann) opened in 1978 in the former Mariners' Church in Haigh Terrace, near the centre of Dún Laoghaire town, south of Dublin city.

The church was built in 1837 for seafarers and remained open until 1971. In 1974 the Church of Ireland and the Maritime Institute of Ireland signed an agreement that led to the museum's opening.

Popular exhibits include:

• The Baily Optic: from the Baily Lighthouse on Howth Head, this was in use from 1902 to 1972.
• The Great Eastern display: a history of the SS Great Eastern designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel including items belonging to its captain Robert Halpin and a clockwork model of the ship.

It is scheduled to reopen Easter 2009.

[edit] External links

• Maritime Institute of Ireland
• Dún-laoghaire.com article on museum

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