Shannon Aviation Museum

15/10/2026

We were very sad to hear that Rob Gallagher slipped the surly bonds of the earth this week.

This photo was taken on his last day with us in Dec 2016, as one of our most regular 737 sim pilots, trained at Atlantic Flight Training Academy he was heading off to start his first job as First Officer with Norwegian Airways a few weeks later. He came home and joined Aer Lingus, his dream job.

Our deep condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at Aer Lingus.

Blue Skies Rob . . . . .

14/10/2026

SAM TY Aviation Academy is designed to attract teenagers who have a keen interest in an aviation career and gives them a real insight into the range of careers available.

This course has no formal application process, it is open to all TY students who wish to partake.

The week's highlights include; a behind the scenes tour of an aircraft engine repair facility, a maintenance training centre and a tour of a live aircraft maintenance hangar - it’s a real eye opener for future engineers! Plus, everyone gets a chance to fly the B737NG flight simulator!

This course is suitable for students in TY only with two course weeks available this academic year:

17th - 20th November 2026 inclusive
9th - 12th March 2027 inclusive

Places are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Find out more on https://shannonaviationmuseum.com/sam-ty-academy/

Shannon Aviation Museum Irish Aviation Foundation CLG
Registered Charity Number 20151737

14/10/2026

We are delighted to announce a special evening viewing of a film detailing the 1946 Tarrea plane crash near Kinvara Co Galway followed by a not to be missed storytelling session on Saturday 24th October with John Conneely.

Furthermore, Peter McGarry will provide a short presentation on the crash of TWA Constellation 'Star of Cairo' which went down on its approach to Shannon Airport in 1946.

This event is free and will commence at 5pm; tickets must be pre-booked online as spaces are limited. Please don't book tickets unless you are sure you can attend!

Book now on https://shannonaviationmuseum.retailint-tickets.com/.../TPC.

This event is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
Image credit: Irish Press 1946

13/10/2026

We were delighted to attend the opening of the fantastic new exhibition at Foynes Flying Boat Museum to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of continuous service of the AirNav Ireland North Atlantic Communications Centre at Ballygireen.

Close to our Trustee Harry O'Loughlin's heart, having been the General Manager there for many years until his retirement in 2011. We are very fortunate to have our unique aeronautical history preserved and protected for future generations in such a fantastic Museum.

Thanks to all the team at Foynes Flying Boat Museum and to AirNav Ireland for the ch*****ne, lunch, pavlova, tour of the new exhibition and hospitality!

12/10/2026

We are delighted to announce a special evening viewing of a film detailing the 1946 Tarrea plane crash near Kinvara Co Galway followed by a storytelling session on Saturday 24th October with John Conneely.

Furthermore, Peter McGarry will provide a short presentation on the crash of TWA Constellation 'Star of Cairo' which went down on its approach to Shannon Airport in 1946.

This event is free will commence at 5pm, tickets must be pre-booked online as spaces are limited. Please don't book tickets unless you are sure you can attend!

Book now on https://shannonaviationmuseum.retailint-tickets.com/Event/TPC.

This event is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

Image credit: Irish Press 1946

Shannon Aviation Museum Irish Aviation Foundation CLG
Registered Charity Number 20151737

11/10/2026

The annual Commemoration of the RMS Leinster, which was torpedoed and sank 16 nm out from Dun Laoghaire in 1918 with the loss of some 570 lives.

Our Trustee Harry's grandfather was the chef, and his granduncles were crew on the ship, and their brothers-in-law. His grandfather and one granduncle survived. Henry, the chef, locked the Galley before he left the ship, put the keys in his pocket and jumped, he was pulled aboard and crewed the lifeboat to safety. Another granduncle was not so lucky; his name is on the memorial stones.

After some welcome refreshments at the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, and a look around all their fantastic exhibits, we were privileged to board LE Samuel Beckett to visit the site and allow family members to pay their respects.

We even managed to see the Bridge and the Radio Room, to Harry's delight.

Some things only happen once, this was one of them to be sure!

09/10/2026

A great review from Graeme, a recent visitor to the museum.

If you've visited recently and feel like sharing your experience, why not leave a review on Google or TripAdvisor!

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

Why not visit Shannon Aviation Museum this October?

Step into the story of the construction of Shannon Airport, the world's first duty free and discover how it became one of the world's most famous airports. Explore the new cabin crew exhibition, international collection and wander among the wings of the newly unveiled national aviation collection.

Join one of our expert guided tours through the museum and discover the rich historical treasure of Irish aviation.

Find out more on https://shannonaviationmuseum.com

📸 feetwetaviation

Visit Clare

06/10/2026

We are very sad that our good friend Leonard Craig has slipped the surly bonds of earth.

Our sincere condolences to Leonard's family and all his friends at Ulster Aviation Society for their great loss.

We met Leonard in 2012 when he arrived at the door in a boiler suit carrying a toolbox, offering to help with the Buccaneer that had just arrived. A talented engineer, he had a solution for most problems, of which we had many!

He visited every month thereafter, with a few gaps but not many. Awarded the title of Knight in Oily Boiler Suit, we became good friends over the years, and he was very much part of our SAM team always.

Blue Skies Leonard, we will really miss you.