Discover Schools & Kids
We have something to offer all ages - including the young at Arklow Maritime Museum
School trips and family visits
Boatbuilding has been part of Arklow for centuries. At the beginning of the 1800s, most of this work was carried out on the north side of the river at a location known as the Back Guts or Back Cuts, now Arklow Marina. In the mid-19th century, there were not enough shipwrights to meet the demand. The names Tracey and Canterbury stand out, but the family which was to become inextricably associated with this enterprise was the Tyrrell family. In 1864, the industry entered a new stage when John Tyrrell opened his new boatyard on the south side. By the time the company ceased production exactly 130 years later, Tyrrell’s of Arklow had established an international reputation for innovative design and first class craftsmanship. A fourth generation continues this tradition today as Arklow Marine Services.
Working with Teachers
The museum committee and staff are eager to foster a close working relationship with schools both local and further afield. We have twenty-question quiz sheets, and these can be tailored to suit a teacher’s specific needs, perhaps based around the curriculum. Using some of the items or stories in the collections, different ways to teach maths, geography, history, art and literature can be found. Simple ideas can easily lend themselves to your needs.
School projects
Most Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate and Transition Year students have projects to do as part of their studies. Our growing library has many books, local history journals, photographs and other material on a wide range of topics. While our main focus is maritime related, we can also help with projects on local archaeology, the history of education and religion in the area, folklore, the development of health, housing, and hygiene.
We are particularly strong on industry and how the port was vital to many of these industries. We will also be able to point to sources on aspects of sport and leisure. The role of women in a maritime community was very different to that of their land-based counterparts, a range of projects can be hand from looking at the strong, independent women of Arklow.. The list is endless and well worth exploring.