Arklow Maritime Museum
Arklow Maritime Museum
4.5
10:00 - 17:00
Monday
10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
About
Described as "one of the most valuable collections of maritime artifacts in the state", a treasure trove containing items, many brought back from far flung corners of the globe, all documenting the towns long association with the sea. Arklow's maritime history stretches back to the mists of pre-history. There is evidence to show that the 2nd century cartographer Ptolemy knew of its existence. In the 9th century the Vikings established the town and port on a permanent basis. The Normans consolidated its seafaring traditions. By the turn of the 20th century Arklow was Ireland's premier fishing port and had a fleet of 80 schooners, brigs and brigantines. To this day Arklow Shipping Ltd. has the largest fleet of vessels trading under the Irish flag and boat building still continues to be carried out by Arklow Marine Engineering Ltd. Until recently, wooden boats and ships were being constructed by John Tyrell & Sons Ltd., who designed and built Chichester's Gypsy Moth 3, the Irish sail vessel Asgard 2, numerous fishing vessels, trading vessels, pilot boats and many other types.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
47 reviews
Excellent
34
Very good
13
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Leah
Dublin, Ireland12 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Brian (staff) gave us a great tour of the place and we had such a fun time with the kids. We had a brilliant time as a family. I highly recommend it for families as it will only cost €10 for a family of 3 or more. I suggest you go in groups so the staff can tour you around, then will you truly appreciate the wonders of maritime.
Written 25 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am glad you and your family enjoyed your visit to the museum. Thank you for your feedback also we appreciate it.
Written 26 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Villeneuve1959
Salisbury, UK116 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Found this little museum on TA for a rainy day visit in area. Interesting for local history, starting with a short film on maritime influence on the town and area. The kind staff pointed out things of significance in the many display cases, and our group wandered around looking at objects and photos happily for half an hour. Recommended if you are visiting Arklow for an overview of the background to the town and people who lived there.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are glad you liked your visit to the museum. Thank you for your kind review.
Written 18 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
0707David
Languedoc-Roussillon, France369 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
This small museum dedicated to things maritime is well worth a visit. The entrance fee is minimal. There are many interesting and well documented exhibits.
Written 26 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gauntlett2016
Oxfordshire, UK52 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
This is not going to knock your socks off, but you will probably come away with a very warm feeling. Lovely little exhibition of all things nautical from Arklow area. Personal guide was charming and very informative. It is very inexpensive too.
Lots of models of boats (who knew you could do that with a chichi bone). Bought a really interesting book called "Farewell to Famine" by the museums historian. Well worth a quick visit,
Lots of models of boats (who knew you could do that with a chichi bone). Bought a really interesting book called "Farewell to Famine" by the museums historian. Well worth a quick visit,
Written 18 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank for your kind remarks. We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit
Written 20 May 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter D
Poynton, UK22 contributions
Sept 2017 • Friends
Just a few doors away from the new Aldi on the north side of the river this nuseum is a bargain at 3Euros for seniors and will beeven better value when it shortly expands into next door.
Written 29 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review, We are delighted that you enjoyed it. Jim.
Written 9 November 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emily S
Dublin4 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
We really enjoyed our visit to the Arklow Maritime Museum. The 15 minute video was well worth watching and the small space was full of interesting artifacts. Great value and well worth a visit. We particularly enjoyed the chicken bone ships and it is worth a visit just to see these. The guy who was staffing the museum was very warm and friendly and was willing to share his knowledge.
Written 23 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank for your kind words - we try to please.
Written 27 September 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
james m
3 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
It was fascinating. It was good to see that it gave Irish seafarers caught up in the first and second world wars their due. Enjoyed all displays and particularly the short film. Really enjoyed the friendly and knowledgeable curator who was happy to answer our questions. Well worth a visit!
Written 8 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony M
Limerick, Ireland41 contributions
Nov 2015 • Solo
To many, Arklow is a gritty little port with few obvious attractions. In some ways that's good - it missed the Celtic-Tigerisation that made many Irish small towns so uniform.
But it was Ireland's major seaport back to ancient times - on the first maps of the country made by Ptolemy. It's still the home port of (what's left of) the Irish Merchant Fleet.
If you're there at all, walk onto the Nineteen Arches Bridge - the longest stone-spanned bridge in Ireland, and then cross over to the modern (and quite good) Bridgewater Shopping Centre. Tucking unobtrusively (and a little incongruously) on its modern sea front facade is the entrance to Arklow Maritime Museum.
Though not as impressive or well resourced as its better known big brother in Dunlaoire, this little museum immediately transports you back to the busy days of Arklow's Maritime heyday. If you're friend or other half is shopping in the Bridgewater, it's an excellent way to while away an idle hour.
9.30 to 6.00 most days, check website.
But it was Ireland's major seaport back to ancient times - on the first maps of the country made by Ptolemy. It's still the home port of (what's left of) the Irish Merchant Fleet.
If you're there at all, walk onto the Nineteen Arches Bridge - the longest stone-spanned bridge in Ireland, and then cross over to the modern (and quite good) Bridgewater Shopping Centre. Tucking unobtrusively (and a little incongruously) on its modern sea front facade is the entrance to Arklow Maritime Museum.
Though not as impressive or well resourced as its better known big brother in Dunlaoire, this little museum immediately transports you back to the busy days of Arklow's Maritime heyday. If you're friend or other half is shopping in the Bridgewater, it's an excellent way to while away an idle hour.
9.30 to 6.00 most days, check website.
Written 3 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William M
Arklow, Ireland62 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
Small maritime museum with lots of interesting things from the local bodybuilding and marine industries that once was very strong in the town.
Written 4 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
albert0069
Venice, Italy25 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
Small Museum where you can learn a lot of things about Arklow and its relationship with the Sea.
Staff really kind and helpful.
If you are in torno and you an hour to spend you can visit it and your time Will not be wasted
Staff really kind and helpful.
If you are in torno and you an hour to spend you can visit it and your time Will not be wasted
Written 10 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you liked the visit.
Written 11 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello, I was just wondering roughly how long people tend to spend at the museum and if there are tours?
Written 9 February 2018
The normal time spent by visitors is 45-60 minutes. We have a 15 minute introductory video, outlining the history of the town and port, then whoever is on duty will give a guided tour of his favourite items with stories you might otherwise miss, and then feel free to browse and ask questions for as long as you wish. The standard fee is 5 euro; 3 euro for students, under 16s and seniors; 10 euro for a family of three or more. Neither the video not the tour is compulsory, but they do add to the experience.
Written 10 February 2018
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