- The Eddie Ryan Wing opened at Shannon Aviation Museum on 21 August 2026
- The expansion houses Irish Air Corps aircraft including Fouga Magisters and Vampire
- Funding from Ei Electronics has secured the museum’s long-term future
- The museum offers interactive flight experiences including a 737 simulator
- The opening ceremony was attended by Irish Air Corps representatives and local politicians
The Shannon Aviation Museum formally opened its new Eddie Ryan Wing on Friday 21 August 2026 as a tribute to the late aviation heritage pioneer who co-founded the museum in 2007 alongside Jane Magill. The expansion houses additional Irish Air Corps aircraft including Fouga Magisters, a Percival Provost, de Havilland Chipmunk and Vampire, plus related artefacts, significantly enhancing the museum’s collection. Significant funding from a charitable foundation, provided by Mick Guinee of Ei Electronics, has secured the museum’s land and buildings for the long term.
The new exhibition facility houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to Irish military aviation history, where visitors can see iconic historic aircraft up close including a pristine Fouga CM170 Magister jet trainer and a Cessna 172 in full military livery. The broader museum continues to offer interactive flight experiences, including a Cessna Skymaster cockpit and a Boeing 737 flight simulator. The opening ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, representatives from the Irish Air Corps, and politicians including TD Cathal Crowe and Minister Niall Collins.
Speakers at the opening ceremony included representatives from the Irish Air Corps, Clare County Council, and local supporters, highlighting the site’s role in tourism, education, and preserving regional aviation history. The Eddie Ryan Wing expansion represents a significant development for the museum, which has become an important attraction for aviation enthusiasts visiting the Shannon region. The museum continues to operate as a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to preserving Ireland’s aviation heritage.
Eddie Ryan’s family, represented at the opening ceremony, shared: “Eddie was passionate about preserving Ireland’s aviation heritage, and this new wing ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of aviation enthusiasts.”
