Manx ferry services to Larne to start in April

Services to Northern Ireland will sail to Larne from April

Regular ferry services between the Isle of Man and Irish ports are set to begin next year as part of an expanded schedule by the operator.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said former flagship vessel the Ben-my-Chree would carry out three sailings to Larne along with two to Dublin each week in the peak season, with the three trips to Northern Ireland continuing during the off season.

Changes to the 2026-27 schedule would see other vessels in the fleet freed up for more sailings on core routes to Liverpool and Heysham, the firm said.

The government-owned operator said the initial commitment to the increased routes to Irish ports was for two years but it was "a case of use it or lose it".

The new timetable marks the first time in 15 years that three vessels would be regularly operated by the firm outside of the TT period.

The schedule would include additional summer daytime sailings to the Manx-owned Liverpool ferry terminal by the fast craft Manannan with the Manxman continuing winter weekend sailings to the port.

The Ben-my-Chree has been the Steam Packet's back-up vessel since August 2023

The introduction of sailings to Larne, in Northern Ireland, comes after a trial sailing to the port by the Ben-my-Chree last month.

The Steam Packet said the use of the vessel would also see the Dublin timetable "massively enhanced".

The Ben-my-Chree became the fleet's back-up vessel when the Manxman took over as the flagship vessel in August 2023 and is currently on a five-week charter by Stena Line.

While sailings to Larne are set to begin in April, the Ben-my-Chree is not listed on the route until July, with the Manxman and Manannan carrying out scheduled journeys to Ireland until then.

The Steam Packet said the use of the back-up vessel would "allow for the development of freight and commercial links" between the two countries.

Managing director Brian Thompson said recent growth in ferry travel following new pricing initiatives, such as children travelling free of charge, had been "very positive".

The firm was "investing heavily in growing our business", he said, which was increasing the economic and social opportunities for the island.

"What I would say, though, is this is a case of use it or lose it. We cannot, as a company, afford to back an initiative that loses money over the long term," he said.

Support from businesses and residents would be needed to "make sure it succeeds", he added.