#OPEN HOUSE- The National Maritime Museum of Ireland is to participate in the Open House Dublin weekend in early October, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The former Old Mariners Church was built between the years 1838-1867 for the Church of Ireland, though the architect is unknown. Its construction involved granite rock quarried from Dalkey Hill.
In June of this year the museum was reopened following several years of extensive renovations and a subtle refurbishment which was carried out to ensure its impressive collection can be showcased.
Among the exhibits is a model of the RMS Leinster which was torpedoed off the Kish during WWI with the loss of 500 people. A notable display is an optic from the Baily Lighthouse on Howth Peninsula. It was installed in 1902 and removed in 1972 when the lighthouse was modernised. Also on view is a uniform of Captain Robert Halpin, who was master of the Great Eastern which laid the first successful telegraph cable across the Atlantic from Ireland to the US.
The museum is located on Haigh Terrace, off George's St. Upper, the main street in Dun Laoghaire. Facilities include a coffee dock, a Wi-Fi hotspot and museum shop. Most of the museum is wheelchair accessible.
No booking is required and opening times on Sunday 7th October are 12noon-4.30pm. For information and links to other buildings in the Open House Dublin programme click HERE