Stationed in Dun Laoghaire
Dun Laoghaire
1919 - 1939
This historic vessel is one of the largest pulling and sailing lifeboats built for the RNLI and has a fascinating history that spans several decades.
Introduction
Dunleary Lifeboat Project
Our organization is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the RNLB Dunleary ON658 45’ Watson Class Lifeboat, with the generous support of the Heritage Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. As a non-profit community organization, we are committed to ensuring that this important piece of maritime history is safeguarded for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
The Dunleary Lifeboat Project has set out an immediate mission to find a suitable location that incorporates a maritime environment to undertake ongoing restoration and maintenance of this vessel. This is an admirable goal that will ensure the preservation of this valuable pieces of history for future generations.
We invite you to follow along with us on this exciting journey as we bring the Dunleary back to its former glory. Join us as we uncover the secrets of this remarkable vessel and celebrate the legacy of the RNLI and the brave souls who served aboard the 45 ft Watson-class lifeboats.
The Dunleary lifeboat itself is a significant piece of history and played a crucial role in saving countless lives during the war and beyond. It was the first motor lifeboat funded by the civil service and made a total of 81 launches, saving 85 lives during its time in service. Its war service was equally impressive, with 34 launches and 28 rescues made from Lytham.
The restoration of the Dunleary lifeboat is a costly and extensive process, and the project welcomes donations from members of the community and local businesses who share the passion for preserving Ireland’s maritime heritage. This project is a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and work towards a common goal that benefits the entire community.
The Dunleary, is a 45 ft Watson-class lifeboat that served the Royal National Lifeboat Institution between 1919 and 1956.
The Dunleary lifeboat itself is a significant piece of history and played a crucial role in saving countless lives during the war and beyond.
About
Dunleary Lifeboat
In 1919, the “Dunleary” lifeboat was built by the Civil Service, Post Office and British Telecom Lifeboat Fund and stationed in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland. She quickly became a symbol of courage and skill, with a legacy that lives on in the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s ongoing mission to save lives at sea.
The Dunleary, is a 45 ft Watson-class lifeboat that served the Royal National Lifeboat Institution between 1919 and 1956. This historic vessel is one of the largest pulling and sailing lifeboats built for the RNLI and has a fascinating history that spans several decades.
The restoration of the Dunleary is a labour of love, a tribute to the brave men and women who risked their lives to save others at sea.
It has received numerous awards, including four Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum, one bronze medal, ten silver medals, and two gold medals for gallantry.
BLOG
Blog & Article
Heritage Council Grant 2026 awarded for Dunleary’s restoration
Heritage Council Grant 2026 awarded for the next phase of the Dunleary’s restoration We are…
Thank You to the Heritage Council
Thank You to the Heritage Council The Dunleary Lifeboat Project is delighted to announce that…
Heritage Week 2026
Heritage Week 2026 The Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat Project is delighted to once again take part…
A Great Day for the Dunleary – Heritage Week 2025
A Great Day for the Dunleary – Heritage Week 2025 We were delighted to welcome…
History
RNLI Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat Station
Welcome to the thrilling history of the Dun Laoghaire lifeboat station, where courageous volunteers have risked their lives to save countless others from the treacherous waters off the Irish coast.
In 1803, the Dublin Ballast Board placed the first lifeboat at Sandycove, and in 1817, another was stationed at Old Dunleary. Before the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) took over the station in 1861, brave rescues were already taking place, resulting in several awards for gallantry, including a gold medal in 1829 and seven silver medals in 1844 and 1861.
Donate Today!
We invite you to follow along with us on this exciting journey as we bring the Dunleary back to its former glory. Join us as we uncover the secrets of this remarkable vessel and celebrate the legacy of the RNLI and the brave souls who served aboard the 45 ft Watson-class lifeboats.
Fleet Of Luxury Yacht
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Luxury Class
Luxury Brooklyn Yacht
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Luxury Class
Luxury Josephine Yacht
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Luxury Class
Luxury Serenity Yacht
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Dunleary Lifeboat Gallery
We invite you to embark on a visual journey through the rich maritime heritage of Dunleary. Our gallery showcases a captivating collection of photographs, artifacts, and historical documents that narrate the remarkable story of the Dunleary lifeboat.
Donation
Choose Your Suitable Plan
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Deluxe Package
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$56
/ Month
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Basic Package
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$56
/ Month
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Our Official Sponsors
We are thrilled to announce that the Dunleary Lifeboat Project has been selected as a recipient of the Heritage Council Ireland’s Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2023!
