Carlingford ferry opens up north east

The Scenic Carlingford Ferry this week made its maiden cross border voyage from Greencastle, Co Down to Greenore in Co Louth, marking a significant milestone in the development of a project that has been an aspiration for almost 50 years. The new ferry service which is set to provide a boost to tourism in the scenic and historic north east region will create 18 new full time jobs in the local areas serviced by the ferry.

The launch of the transformational service is the result of a €10 million/£8.8 million investment by Frazer Ferries Group, Limerick which included the construction of bespoke terminals at Greencastle and Greenore as well as investment in expert navigation equipment and a state-of the-art 44 car-vessel. .

The crossing will take 15 to 20 minutes and will traverse one of the most scenic stretches of water on the island of Ireland, connecting stunningly beautiful and historic areas; from the Mourne Coastal Route in the Ancient Kingdom of Mourne to the Carlingford and Cooley Peninsula through the gateway to Ireland's Ancient East. Taking the one mile journey by ferry will save passengers almost 35 miles and up to 90 minutes by road. 

Paul O'Sullivan, founder and managing director of Scenic Carlingford Ferry said: “Carlingford Lough is located midway between the two major population centres of Dublin and Belfast. This corridor encompasses a resident population of almost 2.2 million people. Scenic Carlingford Ferry will act as a catalyst for economic development in the South Down/North Louth region, and will become an essential infrastructural link which will stimulate economic growth in a range of sectors, including the tourism industryâ€.

Chief executive of Scenic Carlingford Ferry, Pamela Houston added: “Thanks to the experience of our crew, engineering teams and our marine contractors, L&M Keating Limited along with the amazing support from regulatory bodies, Greenore Port, Warrenpoint Harbour Authority and Carlingford Lough Pilots, today we are delighted to have a beautiful new travelling experience open for business. This unique visitor experience will take your breath away with its stunning beauty, of mountains, castles and wildlife including seals, dolphins and birdlife. A must do summer experience. We look forward to welcoming you on board.â€

Frazer Ferries has vast experience of the ferry industry, comprising two of the founding families of Shannon Ferries, founded in 1969, linking counties Clare and Kerry.  Frazer Ferries acquired the successful Scenic Passage East Ferry last year which operates between Counties Waterford and Wexford since 1982 and also are operators of the Scenic Lough Foyle Ferry linking the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal on the Wild Atlantic Way with the Causeway Coastal Route.