How Foynes was at the centre of transatlantic aviation
The replica of the B314 flying boat at Foynes. A visit to the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum is a must for anyone even remotely interested in airplanes and their history, writes Trish Whelan . Ireland has a long standing affection for flying boat aircraft as Foynes in Co Limerick was at the centre of the world from 1939-1945 when it was the hub of aviation activity between North America and Europe during World War Two. The small harbour village was chosen as the European stop over terminal for transatlantic flights following agreement by the USA, the UK, Canada and the Irish Free State that all aircraft would land in Ireland when flying east or west. The bronze sculpture outside the Museum, installed in 1966 by local artist Jim Connolly. The mound represents the Northern hemisphere of the globe. The site was selected for its position on the west coast of Ireland and for the wide and relatively calm waters of the River Shannon which would provide a water runway for the flying ...