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The lifeboats of Dundrum Bay

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH
image of a beached sailing ship

About

In 1824 the fledgling RNLI was created by a consortium of 3 men, led by Sir William Hillary who were appalled at the loss of life and property from shipwreck on the coasts of the UK. Having failed to convince the Admiralty of the need to set up means to help protect victims of shipwreck, they established an institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck. The RNIPLS, as it was, depended entirely on voluntary donations and its founding principles remain the same today.

One of the first lifeboats established in Ireland was commissioned and paid for by the gentry of the Lecale region around Dundrum Bay led by the Marquis of Downshire. The first lifeboat was accordingly sent to Rossglass in 1825; in 1836 a lifeboat was sent by Dombrain from Dublin to the coastguard station at Tyrella; the renamed and remodelled RNLI established stations at Newcastle in 1856 and Tyrella in 1860. Between them these lifeboat stations rescued over 200 before the Tyrella station was stood down in 1899, leaving the Newcastle Station to carry the proud tradition into the 20th and 21st centuries. The presentation will look at the early lifeboats and their rescues before homing in on the unbroken service of the Newcastle lifeboats.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • All areas accessible to disabled visitors

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking
  • Station nearby

Guide Prices

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Please contact the organiser for any further information that's required.

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  1. Down County Museum is located in the old county Gaol of Down. It houses fascinating…

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Entrance to Down County Museum, DownpatrickDown County Museum, DownpatrickDown County Museum is located in the old county Gaol of Down. It houses fascinating exhibitions on the history of Down as well as restored cells with life-size figures of prisoners and their gaolers.

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