New exhibition and event space opened at Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum

Pictured are Chairman of the Board of the Museum Eamonn Brennan, Margaret O’Shaughnessy, Director Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum and JP McManus . Pic Arthur Ellis

Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum launched their new exhibition and event space and unveiled Blair Gallery and the enhanced Irish Coffee Experience

Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, officially opened a significant new chapter in the continuing development of the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum with the launch of its new exhibition and event space, alongside the unveiling of the Blair Gallery and the enhanced Irish Coffee Experience in Foynes, Co. Limerick.

Noreen and JP McManus were amongst the guests who attended the launch to celebrate the museum’s newest attractions and facilities.

The investment marks another important milestone for one of Ireland’s most unique visitor attractions, further strengthening its position as a leading tourism, heritage and business destination in the Midwest region. Over recent years, the museum has embarked on an ambitious programme of development, creating a range of versatile spaces designed to cater not only to visitors interested in aviation and maritime history but also to corporate clients, community organisations, educational groups and international visitors seeking high-quality conference and event facilities.

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Speaking at the opening, Minister O’Donovan praised the vision and commitment behind the project, highlighting the museum’s contribution to preserving Ireland’s rich transport heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism, culture and economic development saying, “The addition of the new exhibition and event facilities ensures that the museum can host a wider range of activities, from business conferences and cultural exhibitions to community gatherings and special events.”

The Blair Gallery provides a dedicated space for exhibitions, storytelling and cultural engagement, allowing the museum to showcase both permanent and temporary displays in a modern and accessible environment. Meanwhile, the expanded Irish Coffee Experience celebrates one of Ireland’s most famous exports, commemorating the moment in 1943 when chef Joe Sheridan first created Irish Coffee for passengers at Foynes Airport. The immersive visitor experience continues to attract guests from around the world who wish to discover the origins of the iconic drink.

The development is particularly significant as Foynes prepares for a new era of connectivity and growth. The planned reopening of the Foynes–Limerick railway line, ongoing improvements to the Foynes-Limerick Road and the continued expansion of the Port of Foynes are expected to further enhance the town’s strategic importance. These infrastructure projects will improve accessibility to the region and support increased tourism, trade and investment.

Foynes has long occupied a special place in Ireland’s transport history. During the 1930s and 1940s, it served as Ireland’s first transatlantic airport and was one of the most important aviation gateways between Europe and North America. The famous Flying Boats that landed on the Shannon Estuary brought passengers, dignitaries and celebrities through Foynes, cementing its reputation as a global transport hub. Today, the museum preserves and celebrates that remarkable legacy while continuing to evolve to meet modern needs.

The new facilities ensure that the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum remains at the heart of the community and the wider region, combining heritage, tourism, education and business under one roof. As visitor numbers continue to grow, the development is expected to make a valuable contribution to the local economy and reinforce Foynes’ status as one of Ireland’s most important heritage destinations.