Travel
Steam Packet Tests The Waters for New Ireland Route
The Steam Packet is exploring the practicality and feasibility of expanding its services to include more routes to Ireland, and Manx travellers are already getting excited about the idea of a Northern Ireland run.
Discussed at last month’s Isle of Man Government Conference, the ferry operator said the move underlines its ‘commitment to enhancing connectivity and providing more travel options for residents and visitors.’
This week, the company’s veteran vessel Ben-my-Chree will swap her usual Heysham run for a trial sailing to Larne, as part of a series of tests to see whether a regular route to Northern Ireland could become a reality.
A Steam Packet spokesperson was quick to stress, however, that it’s far from a done deal just yet.
‘We would like to make it clear at this stage that this is only a trial and that no final decision has been made regarding the addition of the route to our schedule, or any other alterations to our schedules,’ the spokesperson said.
‘This test will help us assess operational viability, port suitability, and sustainability before determining any further steps.’
Manxies have long called for more direct connections to Ireland, particularly the north, with only seasonal sailings to Dublin currently available during the summer months.
If successful, the Larne link could make spontaneous weekend trips for a fry up and a pint of Harp that bit easier.
