The iconic Naomh Éanna, which served as the main ferry link between the Aran Islands and the mainland for several decades up to the 1980s, is set to feature in a permanent maritime exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Mayo.
The Naomh Éanna was completed in 1958 and served the islands until it was decommissioned in 1989. During those years, she served the three Aran Islands transporting islanders, tourists, goods, and animals to and from Galway.
There have been renewed calls in recent months for the restoration of the historic vessel, which is now derelict and partially capsized in the Grand Canal Dock in Dublin.
The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, based in Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo, plans to include artefacts from the Naomh Éanna in a permanent gallery focusing on traditional Irish boats and the maritime heritage of the west coast.
The museum is calling on people to get in touch with objects and memories associated with the ship to feature in this gallery. The museum hopes to represent the important service provided by the Naomh Éanna to the people of Aran through the exhibits.
Anyone with material or memories that they wish to submit for inclusion can contact Noel Campbell of the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life at [email protected], phone 094 90 31762.
