The National Maritime Museum was officially opened by President Michael D Higgins in a ceremony in Dún Laoghaire today..
Housed in the Mariners' Church dating from 1837, the museum has been closed for six years while extensive renovation works were carried out.
Speaking under the spectacular revolving Baily Optic, the light from the Baily lighthouse in Howth, Mr Higgins said the relationship between Ireland and the sea was an important one and needed to be documented.
"This magnificent old Mariners' Church is one of the few large mariner churches in the world. It is a beautiful building."
"It is a great pleasure to be here on such a celebratory occasion and to see so many people present. Social history is very important. It is great to raise public awareness of our maritime heritage… to tell the story of times long gone and of people who lived their lives at sea."
Mr Higgins, who is the patron of the Maritime Institute of Ireland, paid tribute to all those involved in the restoration project, including the Office of Public Works and people on a local community employment scheme.
And after unveiling a commemorative plaque and planting an oak tree in the grounds of the museum, Mr Higgins declared it open.
Institute president Peadar Ward said the re-opening of the museum was a testament to what voluntary organisations could achieve with help from the State.
"The re-opening could not have come about without government funding and direction and advice from the OPW… The building is truly magnificent. We are indebted to the Church of Ireland who initially leased the premises to us and subsequently facilitated our purchase of it," he said
"[We also] could not have done it without workers from the community employment scheme. It is largely due to the efforts of these skilled craftsmen, carpenters and others, that you see the finished product today."
The total cost of renovating the church came to just under €4 million. It involved replacing the roof, rebuilding the stained glass windows, repairing walls and replacing plastering. A new heating and lighting system was installed. Where possible, the original roof slates were used.
Some of the exhibits on show include the aforementioned Baily Optic, whose light was originally equivalent to 2,000,000 candle power. It now shines a lesser light over the museum.
The history of the Irish naval service is also traced through models, photos, documents and uniforms and the sinking of the RMS Leinster in October 1918 12km off the coast of Dún Laoghaire with a loss of 500 lives is commemorated by a number of artefacts including excellent models of the ship.
The museum, which opened to the public two months ago, is attracting a lot of interest, according to Noel O'Reilly, a volunteer who works there.
Opening hours are 11am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. The museum is also open on all Bank Holidays. Admission is €5.