Maritime Museum Themes

The Drontheim Boat

The Drontheim, or Greencastle Yawl, was once the most common fishing boat along Ireland’s North Coast. The name “Drontheim” is a corruption of the port of Trondheim, Norway, from which the original boats were imported on ships trading into the area.

Rigged with a simple sprit-sail and jib, or rowed, the drontheim was used for fishing with drift nets and lines. It was also used for transporting people, goods, and livestock to markets around the coast.

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

Fishing

Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly offered diverse fishing opportunities, from shellfish gathering to offshore expeditions.

Location, Location, Location

Derry's trading port, rich fishing grounds, and deep-water loughs have deeply influenced Inishowen's seafaring culture and heritage.

Greencastle/Magilligan Ferry

For centuries, the Greencastle-Magilligan crossing facilitated trade and military control, evolving from small ferries to a modern car ferry service established in 2002.

Irish Naval Service

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

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