Maritime Museum Themes

Merchant Navies and Inishowen Sea Captains

Seafaring has played an important role in the life of many families in the Inishowen peninsula. It provided a well-paying, if dangerous, means of making a living in an area where other work was scarce.

Fishermen from Inishowen became competent seamen by joining merchant ships during seasonal periods of poor fishing.

The anchorages in the Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly, and the proximity of the ports of Derry and Glasgow created opportunities for Inishowen men to get their first jobs at sea. Some rose through the ranks to command ships trading all around the world.

We highly recommend booking in advance to ensure your spot, as ticket holders will be given priority access.

Family and group rates available. School groups especially welcome!

More Maritime Museum Themes

The Drontheim Boat

Focuses on the traditional Drontheim, a prevalent fishing boat along Ireland's North Coast, vital for local fisheries.

Malin Head Radio Station

Established in 1902, this station played a crucial role in maritime communications, including contact with the RMS Titanic.

Irish Naval Service

Chronicles the evolution of Ireland's naval forces from early coastal defense to a full naval service established in 1946.

Shipwrecks

Highlights the perilous waters off Inishowen that have claimed numerous ships, documented through museum exhibits.

La Trinidad Valencera

Tells the story of a 16th-century Spanish Armada ship wrecked off Inishowen, with artifacts displayed in the museum.

Inishowen Maritime Memorial

A tribute at the museum's entrance honoring locals lost at sea, symbolized by an armillary sphere used as a sundial.

Visitor Reviews

Our visitors testimonials shine a light on the wonders, memories and moments that await you at Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium

Aaron Mooney

A brilliant attraction with something for everyone. A fascinating insight into the history of Greencastle, as well as Inishowen more widely. The VR experiences were wonderfully engaging and heightened the experience. For such a small fee, the Museum is more than worth it!

Olena Anoricheva

The museum is excellent! It is really really worth it, especially for teenagers and adults. I didn’t expect the museum to be so great! Very educational. Everybody who’s interested in ships, lighthouses, radio technology and ship wreckage findings should visit it. There’s even a virtual reality simulator to play as a Lieutenant of a ship.

Fionn D

A brilliant museum with many unique and interesting artefacts. Being able to see all the items up close and being able to touch and operate some of the receivers and radios. The VR experience was also brilliant ! The collection of various items, from war medals, and pieces of shipwrecks and crashed bombers was very […]

Raymond Mackey

Brilliant local museum, housed in historic coastguard buildings. The museum has a wide range of displays, ranging from the recent history of local lighthouses right back to the ruins of ships from the Spanish Armada. There are many links drawn with the local areas history and connection to the sea and fishing. Well worth a […]

Esther Upritchard

Excellent experience, beautifully set in an amazing building . To be honest, we didn’t even know it was there (Googled for places to see in the area ). The weather made it all the more enjoyable . Lovely staff friendly and helpful, we will return to see the planetarium which we missed out on.

Join Our Mailing List

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates, special offers, and insider information on upcoming exhibits and events