Step back in time and discover the remarkable story of Foynes and its place in the golden age of aviation, transatlantic travel and Irish hospitality.

Located on the banks of the River Shannon in County Limerick, Foynes was once one of the world’s most important aviation hubs. During the 1930s and 1940s, flying boats from Europe and North America regularly arrived at Foynes, bringing pioneering aviators, celebrities, business leaders and travellers across the Atlantic.

It was here, at the former Foynes Flying Boat Terminal, that a unique chapter in aviation history unfolded. The museum preserves this extraordinary heritage, telling the story of the pioneering flying boats, the people who worked at Foynes and the passengers who passed through its doors.

The museum is also famous as the birthplace of Irish Coffee. In 1943, chef Joe Sheridan created the now world-famous drink for passengers whose flying boat had returned to Foynes due to bad weather. Today, visitors can discover the story behind Irish Coffee and see how this simple creation went on to become an international icon.

A Museum with a Hollywood Connection

Foynes Museum has a special connection with one of Hollywood’s most celebrated stars, Maureen O’Hara. Born in Dublin, O’Hara had a lifelong connection with Ireland and aviation, and she became closely associated with the museum and its work preserving the story of Foynes.

In 1989, Maureen O’Hara officially opened the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, helping to establish it as a permanent home for the remarkable history of the Foynes aviation era. Her involvement remains an important part of the museum’s story.

Explore the Golden Age of Aviation

Visitors can explore the original terminal building and discover fascinating exhibits covering:

• The pioneering flying boats that crossed the Atlantic
• The history of Foynes as a major transatlantic aviation base
• The story and origins of Irish Coffee
• The communications and technology that made transatlantic flight possible
• The experience of passengers travelling across the Atlantic in the golden age of aviation
• The town's connections with Maureen O'Hara & Hollywood

The museum offers visitors the chance to experience a unique piece of Irish, aviation and maritime history – in the very place where so much of it happened.

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a history lover, a fan of Maureen O’Hara, or simply looking for a fascinating experience in County Limerick, Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum offers a journey into a remarkable period when Foynes was quite literally a gateway between Europe and America.

Come and discover the story of Foynes – where aviation history, Irish hospitality, Hollywood and Irish Coffee come together.