A visit to Foynes Flying Boat Museum is one of the more unique things to do in Limerick.
The birthplace of Irish coffee (more on that later!), the Foynes Museum has something to offer young and old alike.
Below, you’ll find info on the Maritime Museum and the Aviation Museum to the very popular Irish Coffee Lounge.
Some quick need-to-knows about the Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Photo courtesy of Carsten Krieger via Ireland’s Content Pool
Although a visit to the Foynes Museum in County Limerick is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
The Foynes Museum is located in the heart of the town of Foynes on the banks of the River Shannon. It’s a 20-minute drive from Newcastle West, a 25-minute drive from Adare and a 45-minute drive from Limerick City.
2. Opening hours
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:30 with last admission 1 hour before close.
3. Admission
Entry to Foynes costs:
- Adults: €15
- Seniors/students: €13
- Family ticket: €35
4. The birthplace of Irish coffee
The story goes that Irish coffee was invented at Foynes in 1943 when a chef named Joe Sheridan was at the helm. The story goes that a flight destined for NYC had to return to Foynes due to poor conditions. Sheridan, who was made aware of their impending return, decided to knock up a hot drink that’d re-energise passengers. He added some Irish whiskey to coffee and the rest is history.
About the Foynes Museum
The town of Foyne is arguably best known for its deep water seaport which is operated by the folks at the Shannon Foynes Port Company.
This is the second largest port in Ireland and, while this is impressive, it’s the towns aviation history that really draws our interest.
Aviation
During World War II, Foynes became one of the largest civilian airports in Europe, which is a little bit nuts when you think about it!
The town became the last port of call for many seaplanes. In 1935, the building of a terminal was kicked-off and the first flights left Foynes on July 5th, 1937.
The Museum
The Foynes Flying Boat Museum & Maritime Museum was opened in 1989 to celebrate Foynes rich maritime and aviation history.
Over the last 33 years, the museum has gone from strength-to-strength and has become one of the most popular attractions in Limerick.
Things to do at the Foynes Museum
Photos by Brian Morrison via Ireland’s Content Pool
There’s plenty to see and do at the Foynes Museum, with a bit of something to pique the interests of most. Here’s a sense of what’s on offer:
1. The Aviation Museum
It’s inside the Aviation Museum that you’ll get the chance to travel back to a time when Foynes played a fundamental role in the early aviation years.
You’ll learn about the many passengers who flew from Europe to America in the 1930’s and explore the collection of ancient memorabilia.
It’s also home to the only B314 flying boat replica in the world along with a B314 flight simulator.
2. The Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum showcases the importance of Foynes port throughout the years. You’ll get an insight into the different weather conditions and how they affect sailings while checking real time weather and tides.
You can also board a paddle steamer cabin and watch a presentation on the role that the Shannon River had on the development of this area or check out an exhibition that hosts a vast display of commercial and leisure boats.
3. The Irish Coffee Lounge
Yes, it’s time for Irish coffee! It’s inside the Irish Coffee Lounge that the now-famous Irish coffee is said to have been first created.
It’s here that you can try the original recipe before or after having a nosey around the museum.
Things to do near the Foynes Boat Museum
One of the beauties of the Foynes Boat Museum is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Limerick.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Foynes!
1. Foynes Wood Park (1-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Foynes Wood Park is a short spin from the museum and it’s home to several walking trails to tip along. This is great spot for a bit of fresh air after you’ve explored the museum.
2. Curraghchase Forest Park (15-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Curraghchase Forest Park is home to some of our favourite walks in Limerick. There’s long and short trails here and there’s some beautiful woodland to ramble around.
3. Adare Village (25-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Adare is one of the more popular towns in Ireland. There’s plenty of things to do in Adare and the town is home to some great pubs and restaurants, too!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.