Halpin Exhibition

Halpin Uniform Restoration

National Maritime Museum of Ireland offered over €11.5k in funding under Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2021

The National Maritime Museum of Ireland is delighted to announce we have been offered over €11,500 in Heritage Council funding to restore and display the Royal Navy Reserve ceremonial dress uniform of Captain Robert Halpin, the legendary master mariner from Wicklow who played a critical role in the laying of the first transatlantic cable from Valentia Island to Newfoundland.

Halpin became an honorary Commander of the British Royal Navy Reserve – the branch of the Navy that comprised merchant seamen enlisting to serve in the event of war or emergency. His spectacular dress uniform symbolises the high regard in which his achievements were held and acknowledged in his own lifetime.  The project to refurbish, display and preserve the uniform will bring his story to life, provide a tangible visualisation of the man and appropriately honour his legacy for future generations.

The museum intends to launch the refurbished uniform with a revamped exhibition on the life and career of Captain Halpin in October 2021.

This has been rescheduled to the 21st of April 2022.