Captain Robert Halpin, the legendary master mariner from Wicklow played a critical role in the laying of the first transatlantic cable from Valentia Island to Newfoundland.

Halpin became an honorary Commander of the British Royal Navy Reserve – the branch of the Navy that comprised merchant seamen enlisting to serve in the event of war or emergency.

Halpin's dress uniform, along with many other artefacts, were donated to the National Maritime Museum by the Halpin family.

The Museum, with funding under Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2021 has refurbished his dress uniform and it will be on display, along with many other of Halpin’s possessions, from April 21st 2022.

His spectacular dress uniform symbolises the high regard in which his achievements were held and acknowledged in his lifetime. The project to refurbish, display and preserve the uniform will bring his story to life, provide a tangible visualisation of the man and appropriately honour his legacy for future generations.