Based in Donaghadee, County Down our charity (NIC 105987) promotes the heritage and culture of our part of the Ards Peninsula in Northern Ireland.  We conserve and maintain the historic Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat and keep alive her story. The 'Kelly's courageous crew rescued 33 people from the worst maritime disaster in the Irish Sea since the Second World War. The MV Princess Victoria car ferry foundered just off the Copeland Islands on 31st January 1953. Despite the heroic efforts of several rescue vessels, 133 people lost their lives.  Tour the historic Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat --it's free! Scroll down for details of our opening hours and where to find us.


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Visit us in the Marina carpark in Donaghadee.


We are open : 



Friday-Sunday 2pm-5pm 

And by appointment. 


If the weather is very windy, please check out our Facebook page to be sure we are open. 


We are dog-friendly! Our site is wheelchair accessible.


Join Us!

Becoming a member is a great way to contribute to the restoration of the Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat and to support the aims of our organisation. A quarterly e-newsletter enables you to chart  our conservation activities and see the difference your money makes.


Or why not join us as a volunteer? We need hands-on help with the restoration; administration skills; research and library skills; and tour guides and greeters are always welcome. We can train you. You'll have a lot of fun and meet a lot of great people.


Your support will help us conserve and maintain the Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat and keep her open to the public for future generations to enjoy.

Thanks for your contribution

Invite us to visit you

Our practised storytellers can bring the 'Kelly experience to you. We customise our talks to meet the needs of schools and youth or community groups. People of all ages find that our dressing up box and props help them engage with the terrible events of 31 January 1953. People who remember the MV Princess Victoria disaster are given time and space to reminisce and reflect. 

Contact us
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