Foynes Flying Boat Museum

29/05/2026

✈️ On this day in aviation history – 29 May 1951 ✈️

Captain Charles F. Blair made history when he flew his P-51 Mustang, Excalibur III, solo from Bardufoss, Norway, to Fairbanks, Alaska in just 10 hours and 27 minutes — becoming the first person to fly solo over the Arctic.

The achievement was far more than a remarkable feat of endurance and navigation. As Blair’s future wife, Irish actress Maureen O’Hara, later wrote in her autobiography:

“...flight across the North Pole had staggering implications. It not only demonstrated that transpolar flights were possible, but proved that the Arctic Ocean was no longer a safe defence against possible air attacks on the United States of America.”

Blair’s groundbreaking flight helped reshape thinking about global air travel and international security. In recognition of his achievement, he was presented with the Harmon International Aviation Award by President Harry S. Truman at the White House the following year.

A pioneering aviator, a record-breaker, and a figure forever linked to one of Ireland’s most beloved stars—Charles Blair’s story remains one of the great chapters in aviation history.

Come see our extensive Maureen O'Hara and Charlie Blair collections at the museum today!
Open 7 days a week, 10am-5pm.

Department of Culture, Communications and Sport

28/05/2026

✨ Fashion, glamour and elegance are coming to Foynes! ✨

Join us for a spectacular Gala Fashion Show with the Holman Lee Agency at the new Event Centre here on Friday, 12th June 2026.

👗 Featuring stunning collections from leading boutiques and designers across the region
🥂 Champagne reception on arrival
⭐ Special Guest: Celia Holman Lee
🕗 Show starts at 8 PM | Doors open 7.15 PM

Come enjoy an unforgettable evening of style, sophistication and entertainment in the unique surroundings of the museum.

🎟 Tickets: €20 on Eventbrite or at museum reception.

Tag your fashion-loving friends and make a night of it! ✨

Holman Lee Agency Asta Cibulskyte-Lee Department of Culture, Communications and Sport

27/05/2026

✈️ On This Day in History ✈️

Born on 27 May 1914 in Dublin, Sister Katherine Bayley Butler made Irish aviation history in remarkable fashion.

On 15 January 1936, she became just the third woman in Ireland to earn a pilot’s licence. Just five days later, on 20 January, she joined the Sisters of Mercy — becoming Ireland’s first “flying nun.”

A true pioneer whose story combined faith, courage, and a passion for flight. 🌍💙

26/05/2026

We were delighted to welcome Bill Dunne from Old Mill Co. Limerick and his friend Kevin O’Neill to the museum recently.

Bill kindly donated this beautiful model of the Short Sunderland in memory of Charlie Banbrook. The Short Sunderland holds a special place in aviation history and in the story of Foynes, making this a meaningful addition to our collection.

We sincerely thank Bill for his generosity and for helping to preserve and share these important stories for future generations. ✈️

Department of Culture, Communications and Sport

25/05/2026

☀️ The sunshine is here — and so are we! 🍹

Great news from Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum — our restaurant is now open 7 days a week!

If you’re out enjoying the heatwave today, call in and cool down with a nice cold drink, a tasty lunch, or a sweet treat overlooking the Shannon. 😎🌊

Whether you’re visiting the museum or just passing through Foynes, we’d love to see you.

📍 Open daily
🍴 Food served every day
🥤 Cold drinks, coffee, ice cream & more

Tag someone who needs a sunny day road trip! ☀️

Visit Foynes Flying Boat Museum and experience walking in the footsteps of pioneering aviators and Hollywood icons.

25/05/2026

🎶 Gearóid McCarthy Live at Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum 🎶

Join us for a fantastic evening of live music with Gearóid McCarthy at the museum on Saturday, 13th June at 8pm. We look forward to having our first concert in new event hall with a local man being the first there act to perform there!

🎟️ Tickets are now available and can be purchased:
• At the museum reception
• Online via Eventbrite

Don’t miss this special night of music in the unique surroundings of the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum.

📍 Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
🗓️ Saturday, 13th June
🕗 8:00pm

Book early to avoid disappointment!

22/05/2026

🚨 Great news 🚨

We’re now officially open 7 days a week — including Mondays! 🎉

That means even more opportunities to step back in time, explore the golden age of aviation, discover the story of Irish Coffee, and experience one of Ireland’s most unique museums.

📍 Open Monday – Sunday
🕘 10am-5pm, with last admission at 4pm

Plan your visit today and make a trip to Foynes part of your week! ✈️☕🌊

Department of Culture, Communications and Sport

21/05/2026

🎬 On this day in 1979, Irish screen legend Maureen O’Hara appeared before the U.S. Congress alongside Elizabeth Taylor to passionately support awarding John Wayne the Congressional Gold Medal — one of America’s highest civilian honours.

O’Hara, Wayne’s longtime friend and co-star, famously told Congress:
“John Wayne is not just an actor… John Wayne is the United States of America.”

The medal was awarded shortly before Wayne’s passing, and today visitors can see this remarkable piece of Hollywood history here at the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum.

A powerful story of friendship, loyalty, and cinematic history — right here in Foynes. ✨

Department of Culture, Communications and SportDepartment of Culture, Communications and Sport

16/05/2026

16/05/2026

After a fantastic 5 days exploring Ireland on our Galway & The Cliffs of Moher, Tom and Lauren return home today🏡 Our jam packed itinerary includes; the Killimer Ferry across the Shannon Estuary, Listowel, Foynes Flying Boat Museum where we made (and tasted!) our Irish Coffee, Galway, The Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and Athlone🇮🇪 What an amazing week!