Dublin sailings cancelled from the end of July

SPC says it's because of impact of ongoing disruption at Holyhead Port

Sailings scheduled to Dublin later this year have been cancelled.

The Steam Packet Company says it's due to ongoing disruption at Holyhead Port.

The work there is said to be having an impact on berth availability and scheduling across the wider Irish Sea Network, including at Dublin Port.

While sailings up to and including 19 July remain unaffected, all other sailings after that have been cancelled until 1 October.

The ferry operator says it's spent recent months trying to find contingency options, but hasn't found one that provides an 'operationally sustainable solution while maintaining the reliability of the wider network'.

It insists though it's not a withdrawal from Dublin and that it's committed to the route for Spring 2027.

Managing Director Brian Thomson said: "While these infrastructure challenges are outside the Company’s control, our responsibility is how we respond to them. This has been an extremely difficult decision because we recognise the importance of the Dublin route not just for passengers, but for business and wider relationships between the Isle of Man and Ireland.

"The Company has worked closely with Dublin Port to explore potential solutions to the ongoing berth availability constraints, but has not identified an option that provides an operationally sustainable solution while maintaining the reliability of the wider network. As a result, the Company will continue to focus on providing resilient and dependable services across core routes, while maintaining connectivity for passengers and freight customers travelling to and from Ireland via the existing Larne service.

"The impact of the change is limited to a relatively small number of sailings and customers, with alternative travel options remaining available through the Company’s Larne operations. From July, the Larne route will also expand to three sailings per week year-round, further strengthening connectivity and capacity for passengers and freight.

"We have taken the decision to cancel the route while we continue working with port authorities and stakeholders to secure improved operating conditions and more suitable berth access.

"This is not a withdrawal from Dublin. We remain committed to the route and sailings via Dublin for Spring 2027 (inclusive of TT) are still available to book."

Customers already booked on affected sailings are being contacted directly and offered the option of transferring to alternative Isle of Man Steam Packet Company services free of charge or receiving a full refund.

The Steam Packet said it remains committed to developing the Dublin route over the longer term and continues to monitor infrastructure developments and berth availability across the Irish Sea network ahead of planned future operations.