A new car ferry on Carlingford Lough that will link Greenore Co. Louth and Greencastle Co. Down is set for its first sailing this June.
New Carlingford Car Ferry Opens exciting new tourism possibilities
The €9.75 million project that has been privately financed and is being developed by Frazer Ferries Group has taken nearly 10 years to complete. This will be the first vehicular ferry across Carlingford Lough with the previous two ferries having carried passengers only.
Construction at the Scenic Carlingford Ferry terminals is well advanced and they hope first sailing of this new venture will take place in early June.
Mr. Paul O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Frazer Ferries is delighted to see the project finally under construction. “We are very pleased to have arrived at this stage after a long and exhaustive permitting process in two jurisdictions. The outstandingly beautiful South Down and coastal regions of the Mournes and the Cooley Peninsula have intrinsic natural attractions but restricted access to the areas is a significant problem.We are very confident that the new ferry service across the mouth of Carlingford Lough will be a major attraction and will allow both regions to be marketed holistically as a single destination.”
Mr. O’Sullivan continued “Tourism Northern Ireland has adopted the Mournes as a Signature Project for its potential as a world class destination. On the southern shore, Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula is designated a European Destination of Excellence. The ferry will link both regions and create a new destination for Irish and overseas visitors and be a new stimulant for economic growth”.
The 44 car vessel will take just 15 minutes to traverse one of the most scenic stretches of water in Ireland. Passengers will enjoy a gorgeous vista with breathe taking scenery, historic castles, iconic Haulbowline lighthouse and a varied range of splendid wildlife.
The scenic Carlingford Ferry will operate from 7am to 7.30pm from November to March and 7am to 9.30pm from April to October. It will operate hourly from Greencastle on the hour and hourly from Greenore on the half hour.
