A Step Back In Time
I've always liked the idea of being a time traveler. While visiting Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, I was transported to the glamorous days of the 1930s and 40s. The golden age of aviation...the flying boats of yesteryear.Walking through the door, I stepped back in time. Tunes from the era played in the background. Helen, our guide, welcomed us to the glamorous past where women dressed up, and men stood when a woman walked into the room....an age of elegance. She said, "It is a past filled with romance, danger, and Hollywood stars. I think you will recognize them. The flying boats made history when they touched down in Foynes." She had me at romance.
Helen escorted us to a small cinema right out of the 1940s. Our introduction to Foynes would be via a short film, 'Atlantic Conquest.' The lights dimmed...original black and white footage filled the screen, and sound from the 40s filled the room. We were time travelers.
The Village Of Foynes—Tradition Continues
Foynes sits on the Shannon River, the largest deep-water river in Ireland. With a population of less than 500 when the flying boats came to call, Helen said, "Many of the town folk were employed by the air terminal. Many of their descendants are employed by the museum. It has come full circle."Flying Boats—Could They Make The Trip Across The Atlantic?
Helen explained, "There were many proving flights to test the ability of the aircraft and the routes they would take across the Atlantic. The flying boats were immense, and the distance between New York and Ireland was great. Remember, there was no radar...they flew between 8000 to 12,000 feet. You will see where bad weather can stop a flight and create history. But let's continue our tour."
A Diverse Collection
Walking through the collection of aviation artifacts brings an appreciation for the pioneers who paved the way. The Radio and Weather Room contain the original equipment used during the period. Helen shared, "The radio officers and meteorologists were constantly searching for news by picking up messages from ships and other radio and weather stations. Can you imagine using Morse Code?" I cannot.
Christened by Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt, Pan Am's Yankee Clipper was the first to deliver transatlantic airmail from the United States. According to Helen, 14 bags of mail were deposited at Foynes in June 1939.
In July 1939, with 17 passengers and a crew of 12, the Yankee Clipper made history again by flying the first commercial transatlantic flight from the United States to Europe. Helen said, "The price was a staggering $337...the price of a house back then. Round trip was $675."
The Big Three
Pan American Airways (Pan Am), British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), and American Export were the main commercial airlines that regularly flew into Foynes.
It was normal to have at least one flying boat land or take off daily when the weather allowed.
Crossing the Atlantic was challenging. They could not predict the exact time of arrival or departure. Weather conditions would dictate the route the flying boat would take and the length of time a flight took. With three airlines (sometimes more), the unknown times were daunting.
According to Helen, "Quite often, the tower would receive a message in the middle of the night advising a plane was returning due to bad weather. This could occur up to 6 hours after departure. The airport hired a farmer with a horse to ride to the homes of the ground crew to tell them to return to work. He was known as the 'horseback crier.' His granddaughter Margaret is the Director of the Museum."
Step Onboard The Pan Am Yankee Clipper B314
Stepping out of the terminal, the Boeing Pan Am Yankee Clipper B314 floats before our eyes. I stood there a few minutes before walking up the gangway, trying to visualize what flying in this marvelous machine must have been like. I was not prepared for its size or grandeur.
The full-scale replica oozes luxury.
There is a 14-seat dining room complete with white linen, crystal, and china. Though small, seven-course meals were produced in the galley. There's even a spacious 'Honeymoon Suite' and berths for the rest of the passengers.
Bob Hope, Humphrey Bogart, Queen Wilhelmina of Holland, and John F. Kennedy are just a few of the people who crossed the Atlantic aboard the Yankee Clipper.
The flight deck sits above the passenger deck. This area is roomy, unlike what we see today.
Many 'Firsts' And A 'Forever Link' To Hollywood
In 1942, Captain Charles Blair was the first pilot to fly transatlantic with passengers and mail. He departed from Foynes in an American Export Excalibur NC41880. Twenty-five hours and 40 minutes later, he landed in New York.
He broke the record for the fastest transatlantic flight in 1944...New York to Foynes in 14 hours, 17 minutes.
Captain Blair was the last pilot to fly out of Foynes when the airport closed in 1945. He flew to New York, slept, and flew back to Shannon Airport, making him the first pilot to land in Shannon.
The Captain was married to actress Maureen O'Hara who later became the Patron of the museum. Helen said, "We are working on a special wing dedicated to her. She was a lovely woman and enjoyed visiting Foynes."
They are hoping to have the new wing opened sometime this year. It's a good time to start planning your visit.
When You Go
Admission: Adults €11, Seniors and students €9, Children 14 and under €6, and under five free.
The village of Foynes is located along The Wild Atlantic Way, which spans 1500 miles along Ireland's western coast. Save some time to drive along the coastline. With jaw-dropping scenery, you'll be glad you did.
***I was a guest of Failte Ireland and Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum. All opinions, as usual, are entirely my own.***
First appeared on MilesGeek.
Photos by Barb Harmon