THE NATIONAL Maritime Museum was officially reopened yesterday, after six years of renovation works, by President Michael D Higgins at a ceremony in Dún Laoghaire.
Housed in the former Mariners’ Church, dating from 1837, the museum has been closed for six years while extensive renovation works on the building were carried out.
Speaking under the spectacular revolving “Baily Optic”, the light from the Baily lighthouse in Howth, Mr Higgins said the relationship between Ireland and the sea was an important one and needed to be documented.
“This magnificent old Mariners’ Church is one of the few large mariner churches in the world. It is a beautiful building,” he said.
“It is a great pleasure to be here on such a celebratory occasion and to see so many people present. Social history is very important.”
“It is great to raise public awareness of our maritime heritage,” he added.
Mr Higgins, who is the patron of the Maritime Institute of Ireland, paid tribute to all those involved in the restoration project, including the Office of Public Works and workers on a local community employment scheme.
After unveiling a commemorative plaque and planting an oak tree in the grounds of the museum, he declared the facility open.
President of the Maritime Institute Peadar Ward said the reopening of the museum was a testament to what voluntary organisations could achieve with assistance from the State.
The total cost of renovating the church came to just under €4 million. It involved replacing the roof, repairing walls, rebuilding stained-glass windows and replacing plastering.
New heating and lighting systems were installed and, where possible, the original roof slates were used.
Some of the exhibits on show include Baily Optic, whose light was equivalent to two million candle-power.
The museum is open from 11am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday and on bank holidays. Admission is €5. See mariner.iefor details.