Dublin Branch RMA - TUI

I N V I T A T I O N

To RMA Members

National Maritime Museum Guided Tour

Wednesday 21st August

Tour Duration – 90 minutes max.

Admission – €5 euro

Meet up 11.30 am – At reception

Eircode W91 W284

Dear Colleagues,             

Our August outing brings us to the town of Dún Laoghaire for a visit to a museum that is little mentioned and possibly somewhat overlooked. The museum is housed in the almost 200 year-old Mariner's Church that is located a stone’s throw from the Dún Laoghaire harbour. At that time, due to the increasing importance of Kingstown (as the town was then known) and its harbour it was considered necessary to have a Church to look after the spiritual needs of officers and seafarers. It was built in 1836 and after serving the people of Dún Laoghaire for a century and a half,  was closed for worship in 1972.

In 1974 the Maritime Institute of Ireland acquired the church for use as a museum, a perfect fit it could be said, and the National Maritime Museum of Ireland was opened by President Patrick Hillery in 1978. Following extensive repairs and refurbishments during 2011, it was officially re-opened by President Michael D. Higgins in 2012.

Booking etc:

If you expect to attend, please book by email or text to Eamonn (086 8703323) asap. Cancellations are sometimes unavoidable, if so, please give notice. You are welcome to invite a companion or two. Museum staff have recommended three locations for lunch; given a fine day with available time to spare there will be plenty of other attractions to visit.

Additional Information:

The National Maritime Institute of Ireland was founded in 1941. Their mission is to foster an appreciation of our maritime heritage. To that end they operate the museum, host lectures, issue newsletters and a journal, maintain a library, host and support commemorations, promote and conduct research. The museum houses the Institute’s substantial collection of maritime artefacts and exhibits together with its library and archive. A  browse of the most recent Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statement gives an overview of the substantial and important ongoing work undertaken by its Board Members and the many volunteers that help keep the show on the road. Their current strategy statement embraces ongoing improvement. Surely an attraction that is worth visiting and deserving of support.

Getting there:

• Only a five-minute walk from the Dún Laoghaire Dart Station
• Dún Laoghaire is serviced by a variety of bus routes
• The museum does not have its own parking; however, there are a number of car parks nearby (e.g. DLR Lexicon, Pavilion Theatre & Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Museum Eircode W91 W284

Br. Acting Joint Sec:         Eamonn Kerrigan