Our Story

About Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries has been at the heart of maritime travel in Ireland since 1999. We connect communities, move freight across the Irish Sea, and create memorable journeys for passengers who trust irishferries as their gateway to adventure.

Who We Are

A Journey That
Began in 1999

Irish Ferries was founded with a single purpose: to make crossing the Irish Sea simple, comfortable, and reliable for every passenger and every piece of cargo entrusted to us.

What started as a small fleet operating between Dublin and Holyhead has grown into Ireland's most recognised ferry service, serving millions of passengers and handling thousands of freight units each year. Our home port at Howth, Dublin, is both our operational hub and our proudest symbol of a deep-rooted connection to Irish maritime heritage.

Over more than two decades, irishferries has expanded routes, modernised its fleet, and pioneered new standards in passenger comfort, safety, and environmental responsibility. We believe that every crossing should be more than a journey — it should be an experience worth remembering.

Get Started

25+

Years at Sea

2M+

Passengers

Routes

98%

On-Time Rate

Irish Ferries vessel departing from Howth pier, Dublin

1999 Est. Year

Our Direction

Mission, Vision & Purpose

Three pillars guide every decision we make — from the routes we sail to the services we build.

Our Mission

To provide Ireland with world-class maritime connections — delivering passengers and freight safely, on time, and with genuine care for every person on board or ashore.

Our Vision

To be the most trusted and environmentally progressive ferry operator in Europe, setting new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainable sea travel by 2030.

Our Purpose

We exist to keep Ireland connected — to its neighbours, its trading partners, and the wider world — because open routes create open opportunities for everyone.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

These values aren't words on a wall — they shape how our crew operates every single day.

Safety First

Every voyage begins and ends with the safety of our passengers, crew, and cargo. No compromise, ever.

Excellence

We pursue the highest standards in vessel maintenance, customer service, and operational reliability.

Sustainability

We invest in greener technologies and responsible operations to protect Ireland's seas for future generations.

Integrity

Honest pricing, transparent communication, and keeping our promises — every crossing, every time.

Community

Irish Ferries is proud to support coastal communities and the maritime culture that defines our island.

Innovation

We embrace new technology and new thinking to make travel smarter, faster, and more enjoyable.

Reliability

With a 98% on-time record, our passengers and freight partners know they can count on Irish Ferries.

Openness

We celebrate the connections that bring people together — across seas, cultures, and borders.

Our Journey

History & Milestones

From a single route to an island-wide network — here is how irishferries grew into what it is today.

1999

Founded at Howth Pier

Irish Ferries is established at 1 West Pier, Howth, Dublin. Our first vessel, the Celtic Spirit, launches the Dublin–Holyhead passenger route.

2003

Freight Division Launched

Growing demand from Irish exporters leads us to create a dedicated freight logistics division, expanding our cargo capacity threefold within two years.

2007

One Million Passenger Milestone

Irish Ferries carries its one-millionth passenger — a landmark that affirmed our place as Ireland's favourite sea travel option.

2012

Fleet Modernisation Programme

We invest €80 million in two new high-speed vessels, cutting crossing times and dramatically improving onboard comfort and facilities.

2017

Green Ferry Initiative

Irish Ferries becomes the first Irish operator to adopt LNG-compatible engines and onboard waste reduction systems, cutting emissions by 28%.

2022

Digital Booking & Smart Ports

Our fully redesigned digital platform and smart-port technology at Dublin cut check-in times by 60%, making Irish Ferries the easiest way to cross.

2025

Two Million Passenger Mark

We celebrate carrying two million passengers since our founding — and look ahead to even more routes, greener vessels, and unforgettable crossings.

The People Behind the Vessel

Meet Our Leadership Team

Experienced, passionate, and committed — our team leads Irish Ferries with pride and purpose every day.

Ciarán O'Brien

Chief Executive Officer

With 20+ years in maritime logistics, Ciarán has steered Irish Ferries through every wave — from post-recession recovery to record passenger growth.

Aoife Brennan

Chief Operations Officer

Aoife oversees daily fleet operations, port scheduling, and safety compliance across all Irish Ferries routes, ensuring every crossing runs like clockwork.

Declan Murray

Head of Freight & Logistics

Declan built our freight division from scratch and now manages the movement of thousands of units across the Irish Sea each month.

Sinéad Walsh

Head of Customer Experience

Sinéad leads the passenger experience team, driving the service standards and innovations that keep Irish Ferries passengers returning voyage after voyage.

Want to join a passionate team dedicated to Ireland's sea routes?