February 2, 2019

Dublin’s historic No.11 Liffey Ferry will today officially return to the capital’s waters after a 35-year absence, following a complete restoration in a joint project by Dublin Port Company and Dublin City Council.

The much-loved ferry service had been vital in linking the North docks and South docks communities at a time when the nearest river crossing was Butt Bridge but was decommissioned in 1984 following the completion of the East Link Bridge.

But now the No. 11 will be a familiar sight again in the heart of Dublin as she taxis passengers between three points – the 3Arena to Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to MV Cill Airne at North Wall Quay and back – starting Monday 11^th February, running Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring will be a guest of honour at a ceremony held by Dublin Port Company today to mark the No. 11 Liffey Ferry’s return to service. On board for her first official trip across the river again will be Mr Richie Saunders from Ringsend, who worked on the No.11 originally as a coxswain, who was instrumental in preserving the boat in recent years, and who will be back at the helm again to ferry a new generation of passengers north and south of the river.

The service to cross the Liffey dates back to 1665 when it was given a Royal Charter by King Charles II and went on to last more than 300 years. The new service will have capacity for 18 people at a time, and commuters across Docklands making the trip will pay €2 for each three-minute journey point to point – with the vessel equipped to accept both Leap Card and cash fares.