List of Irish state vessels

Last updated

This list identifies active and former maritime vessels of the Irish state, both civilian and military. This list is incomplete.

Contents

Active

Irish Naval Service

NameImageType No. Comm. DisplacementLengthNotes
Patrol vessels
LÉ Samuel Beckett LE Samuel Beckett.jpg Samuel Beckett-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV)P6120142,256  t (2,220 long tons)90 m (295 ft 3 in)In service on a "three-ship [..] operational rotation" as of July 2024 [1]
LÉ James Joyce P622015
LÉ William Butler Yeats P632016
LÉ George Bernard Shaw P642019 [2]
LÉ Róisín LE Niamh (P52).jpg Róisín-class large patrol vessel (LPV)P5119991,500 t (1,500 long tons)78.84 m (258 ft 8 in)In reserve as of July 2024. [1]
LÉ Niamh P522001Under re-fit as of July 2024. To be placed in reserve after re-fit completed. [1]
LÉ Aoibhinn HMNZS Rotoiti and HMNZS Pukaki in 2010.jpg Lake-class inshore patrol vessel (IPV)P712024 [3] 340 t (330 long tons)55 m (180 ft 5 in)Undertaking "Maritime Defence and Security Operations" as of July 2024 [4]
LÉ Gobnait P722024 [3]
NameImageType No. Entered serviceDisplacementLengthNotes
Motor launches
FionnghualaCygnus Typhoon motor launch [5] YP012024 [6] [7] 30 t (30 long tons; 33 short tons)12–14 m (39–46 ft)Used by NSR for port security (main role), coastal patrols and training. Manned by a crew of four. Mounts for 7.62 mm (0.3 in) machine guns.

Three more on order; Due to be named Aodh, Conn, and Fiachra. [8] [9] [10]

Garda Síochána: Garda Water Unit

Garda Patrol Boat Colm na Cora on the River Liffey Garda Patrol Boat on the Liffey.jpg
Garda Patrol Boat Colm na Cora on the River Liffey
QuantityTypeCommissioned
1Arvor 250 Inland Patrol Boat2007
1Targa 31 Colm na Cora Inland Patrol Boat [11] 2000
1Osprey Rigid Inflatable Boat1996
3Delta Inflatable Boat2007
1Zodiac Inflatable Boat1999
3Zodiac Inflatable Boat2013
5Other inflatable boats2009–2011 [12]

Revenue Commissioners

NameImageTypeEntered serviceDisplacementLengthNotes
RCC Suirbhéir [13] Irish Revenue Commissioners Cutter (RCC) Faire.jpg Customs cutter 200450 t (49 long tons)23.6 m (77 ft 5 in)
RCC Faire [14] 2009
RCC Cosaint [15] 202535 m (114 ft 10 in)

Marine Institute

NameImageTypeEntered serviceDisplacementLengthNotes
RV Tom Crean [16] RV Tom Crean - Horgans Quay Cork - 1 Dec 2022 - 3.jpg Multi-purpose research vessel202252.8 m (173 ft 3 in)Designed by Skipsteknisk AS, and built by Astilleros Armon Vigo S.A.
RV Celtic Explorer [17] RV Celtic Explorer (cropped).jpg Multi-purpose research vessel20032,425  GT [18] 65.5 m (214 ft 11 in)
Dulra na Mara [19] Inshore research vessel15.1  GT 12.3 m (40 ft 4 in)

Geological Survey of Ireland

NameImageTypeEntered serviceDisplacementLengthNotes
RV Keary [20] [21] Near-shore hydrographic survey vessel200936 t (35 long tons)15.5 m (50 ft 10 in)Built by Veecraft Marine, South Africa
RV Geo [20] [22] Shallow water survey vessel20077.4 m (24 ft)Redbay Stormforce RIB
RV Tonn [20] [23] Shallow water survey vessel20157.9 m (26 ft)Cheetah Catamaran
RV Mallet [20] [24] Inshore hydrographic research vessel18 m (59 ft)
RV Lir [20] [25] Shallow water survey vessel11 m (36 ft)Redbay Stormforce RIB
RV Galtee [20] [26] Shallow water survey vessel

Commissioners of Irish Lights

NameImageTypeEntered serviceDisplacementLengthNotes
ILV Granuaile III [27] The ILV 'Granuaile' off Bangor - geograph.org.uk - 1763086.jpg Multipurpose support vessel20003,903 t (3,841 long tons) [28] 80 m (262 ft 6 in)

Dublin Fire Brigade

NameImageTypeEntered serviceLengthNotes
Rescue One [29] Redbay Stormforce RIB20227.4 m (24 ft)Search and rescue

Dublin Port

NameImageTypeEntered serviceDisplacementLengthNotes
Shackleton [30] Dublin Port Tugs Beaufort and Shackleton.jpg Harbour tug2010284  GT 24 m (78 ft 9 in)Built by Astilleros Zamakona [31]
Beaufort [32]

Inland Fisheries Ireland

NameImageTypeEntered serviceLengthNotes
Delta 1 - 12 [33] [34] [35] Delta 780HX RIB20187.8 m (26 ft)Fishery protection of rivers, lakes and coastal waters

Dublin City Council

NameImageTypeEntered serviceDisplacementLengthNotes
Jeanie Johnston [36] Jeanie Johnston.jpg Three-masted barque 2002518 t (510 long tons)47 m (154 ft 2 in)A museum ship replica of the original 1847 ship. Docked at Custom House Quay [36]

Former

Irish Naval Service

The following vessels have served with the Naval Service: [37] [38] [39]

NameImageType No. Service yearsFateNotes
LÉ Macha HMS Borage FL2711.jpg Flower-class corvette 011946–1970Sold for scrap in 1970Former HMS Borage
LÉ Maev 021946–1972Scrapped in 1972Former HMS Oxlip
LÉ Cliona 031947–1970Sold for scrap in 1970Former HMS Bellwort
LÉ Grainne HMS Glasserton (M1141).jpg Ton-class minesweeper CM101971–1987Sold for scrap in 1987Former HMS Oulston
LÉ Banba CM111971–1984Sold for scrap in 1984Former HMS Alverton
LÉ Fola CM121971–1987Sold to a Spanish company for scrap in 1987Former HMS Blaxton
LÉ Deirdre The LE "Deirdre" at Dun Loaghaire - geograph.org.uk - 626538.jpg Offshore patrol vessel P201972–2001Scrapped in 2014Prototype of the P20 class
LÉ Setanta Auxiliary ship A151976–1984Sold for scrap in 1984Former Irish Lights vessel Isolde
LÉ Ferdia Patrol vesselA161977–1978Chartered for one yearFormer MFV Helen Basse
LÉ Emer LE Aisling.jpg Emer-class offshore patrol vessel [40] P211978–2013Acquired by Nigerian Navy in 2015Modified version of LÉ Deirdre. Renamed NNS Prosperity
LÉ Aoife P221979–2015Donated to Maltese Navy in 2015Modified version of LÉ Deirdre. Renamed P62 by Maltese
LÉ Aisling P231980–2016Acquired by Libyan National Army in 2018Modified version of LÉ Deirdre. Renamed Al-Karama
LÉ Eithne LE 'Eithne', Tall Ships Belfast 2009 - geograph.org.uk - 1450163.jpg Helicopter patrol vessel [41] P311984–2022Scrapped in 2024Equipped with helicopter hangar and deck
LÉ Orla IE Orla in Dublin.jpg Peacock-class coastal patrol vessel [42] P411989–2022Scrapped in 2024Former HMS Swift
LÉ Ciara P421989–2022Scrapped in 2024Former HMS Swallow

Marine and Coastwatching Service

The Marine and Coastwatching Service was a naval service that operated during The Emergency. In 1946, the service was integrated into the Defence Forces as the Naval Service and these ships were sold off. [43] [44] [45]

NameImageTypeService yearsFateNotes
PV Muirchú HMCS Malaspina E-75597.jpg Patrol vessel 1939–1947Sold in January 1947 for scrap, but sank off Saltee Islands in May.Launched in 1908 and served the Irish Free State from 1923 as an unarmed fisheries protection vessel. Later armed with a 12-pounder gun.
SS Fort Rannoch [46] Armed trawler1939–1947Sold in July 1947 to commercial service, and scrapped in 1963.Leased by Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in 1937 for fisheries protection. Later armed with a 12-pounder gun.
SS SharkMinelayer1940–1948Sold in 1948 and scrapped in 1952.Built in 1891 as trawler, and later a salvage vessel.
Isallt Sail training 1940–1945Sold in 1945 and sank off Wicklow in December 1947.A wooden three-masted schooner built in Wales in 1909.
M1 M1 Irish Motor Torpedo Boat.jpg Motor Torpedo Boat 1940–1948Sold between 1948–1950 to Colonel James Fitzmaurice M1 and M2 were originally built for Estonia and Latvia respectively. Built by Thornycroft, they were 22 m (72 ft) in length, displaced 33 t (32 long tons), a crew of ten, and powered by Isotta-Fraschini engines giving a top speed of 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph). They were armed with two 18-inch torpedoes, a 0.303-inch Hotchkiss machine gun, and two depth charges.

M4, M5, and M6 were slightly larger, powered by Rolls Royce engines with a lower speed of 28 knots (52 km/h; 32 mph), and replaced the Hotchkiss with a 20 mm Madsen cannon. Their small size meant that these boats were not suited to Atlantic waters. [47] [48]

M21940–1948
M31940–1948
M41942–1948
M51942–1948
M61943–1948

Coastal and Marine Service

The Coastal and Marine Service was a short-lived naval service that operated during The Irish Civil War. The Service was disbanded in March 1924 after only several months of existence, and all of its ships, except Muirchú, were sold off. [43] [45] [49] [50] [51] [52] [53]

NameImageTypeNotes
SS DaintySalvage tug/Patrol sloopSTOIC-class tug built in Chepstow in 1918 for the Admiralty. She had a length of 43 m (142 ft), a displacement of 476 t (468 long tons) and armed with a 12-pounder gun.

Sold to French interests, renamed SS Cherbourgeois. [54]

PV Muirchú HMCS Malaspina E-75597.jpg Patrol vesselLaunched in 1908 as HMY Helga (Pendant No 064). Armed with a 12-pounder gun.

Disarmed and transferred to Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for fisheries protection.

John Dunn (Adty No 3741) RV George Bligh.jpeg Mersey-class trawler The Mersey trawlers were a class of over 100 naval trawlers built for the Royal Navy during World War I.

The trawlers were 45 m (148 ft) in length, with a displacement of 445 t (438 long tons), a crew of 15, a speed of 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph) and armed with a 12-pounder gun.

John Dutton (Adty No 3739)
William Honnor (Adty No 3796)
Robert Murray (Adty No 4256)
Thomas Thresher (Adty No 3572)
Christopher Dixon (Adty No 3563)
TR.24 Canadian naval trawler TR-9.jpg TR series trawler The TR trawlers were a Canadian version of the Castle-class trawler built by Canadian Vickers, Montreal during World War I.

The trawlers were 41 m (133 ft) in length, with a displacement of 283 t (279 long tons), a crew of 15, a speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) and armed with a 12-pounder gun.

TR.25
TR.27
TR.29
TR.30
TR.31
Inishirrer (Official No. 135637) Drifter Built in Arklow in 1913, she was 20 metres (65 ft) in length and was assessed at 51  gross register tons  (GRT). [55] [56]

Acquired from Congested Districts Board in August 1922. Armed with machine guns

John S Summers

(Official No 125960) (Admiralty No 2147) [57]

Built in Lowestoft in 1910, she was 23 m (77 ft) length and assessed at 62 gross register tons (GRT). [58]

Was hired by Royal Navy as a net vessel during World War I. [59] Armed with machine guns

ML1 Motor Launch ML 59.jpg Motor Launch Four ELCO motor launches were acquired in May 1922 for the Marine Investigations Department.

ML2 sank off Cornwall in July 1922 while being delivered. The launches were 24 m (80 ft) in length, with a displacement of 38 t (37 long tons), a crew of 8, a speed of 19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph), and armed with a 3-pounder gun. [60]

ML2
ML3
ML4
190 The Royal Navy during the First World War Q18000.jpg Steam pinnace A pinnace is a type of ship's boat.

They were 15 m (50 ft) in length, displaced 14.6 t (14.4 long tons), a speed of 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph), and armed with machine guns. [61]

199

There were also five unnamed patrol boats of unknown type used for river patrol.

Marine Institute

NameImageTypeService yearsDisplacementLengthNotes
RV Lough Beltra [62] Fishing trawler/research vessel1976–1997 [63] 21 m (68 ft 11 in)
RV Celtic Voyager [64] Celtic Voyager (IMO 9154842) -144529 (44006543874) (cropped).jpg Multi-purpose research vessel1997–2022 [65] 340 t (330 long tons) [66] 31.4 m (103 ft 0 in)

Coiste an Asgard

NameImageTypeService yearsDisplacementLengthNotes
Asgard II [67] Asgard II ..JPG Brigantine 1981–200826.6 m (87 ft 3 in)Was used for sail training

Sunk in Bay of Biscay [68]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 2 Jul 2024 - Vol. 1056 No. 6 - Other Questions". oireachtas.ie. 2 July 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024. The Naval Service is currently adopting a three-ship operational posture, which sees the four P60 class vessels on patrol in operational rotation [..] In addition [..] the LÉ Róisín is currently in operational reserve while the LÉ Niamh is in the process of completing a mid-life extension programme, after which she will enter operational reserve
  2. ↑ McDermott, Stephen (30 April 2019). "Ireland's fourth offshore patrol vessel, the LÉ George Bernard Shaw, has been officially commissioned". TheJournal.ie . Dublin. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  3. 1 2 "Two inshore patrol vessels commissioned in Haulbowline". RTÉ News. 4 September 2024.
  4. ↑ @naval_service; (26 July 2024). "LÉ Aoibhinn (#P71) on Maritime Defence and Security Operations off the East Coast, passing the Arklow Bank Wind Farm" – via Instagram.
  5. ↑ "Cygnus Typhoon 33ft - 46ft". cygnusboats.com. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
  6. ↑ "New Irish Navy vessel launches in Co Kerry". rte.ie. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
  7. ↑ "FM Marine Services Announces the Launch of the Naval Vessel Fionnghuala, Built for the Irish Naval Service Reserve". marine-ireland.ie. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
  8. ↑ Gallagher, Conor (19 April 2021). "Naval Service to acquire four new boats over coming years". Irish Times. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
  9. ↑ "Naval Service Reserve Vessel Fionnghuala Launched Off Kerry's Valentia Island". afloat.ie. Afloat Magazine. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
  10. ↑ Cdr Phil Dicker (July 2025). "Naval Service Reserve Operationalising Ambitions". An Cosantóir. The Military Archives. p. 13. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  11. ↑ "Gardai to keep the peace afloat on Shannon". Irish Times. 18 May 2000. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  12. ↑ "Dail Debates - Garda Equipment". Oireachtas.ie. 6 October 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  13. ↑ "Custom-built craft to be used by Revenue". Irish Times. 29 June 2004. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
  14. ↑ "New Customs Cutter Named in Howth". afloat.ie. 17 October 2009. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
  15. ↑ "New €9m Customs vessel arrives in Cork and will begin anti-smuggling missions in coming weeks". thejournal.ie. 9 August 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  16. ↑ "Tom Crean". marine.ie.
  17. ↑ "Celtic Explorer". marine.ie. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  18. ↑ "Celtic Explorer.pdf" (PDF). marine.ie. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  19. ↑ "Dulra na Mara". marine.ie. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Vessels". Geological Survey of Ireland . Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  21. ↑ "RV Keary". Infomar. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  22. ↑ "RV Geo". Infomar. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  23. ↑ "RV Tonn". Infomar. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  24. ↑ "RV Mallet". Infomar. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  25. ↑ "RV Lir". Infomar. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  26. ↑ "RV Galtee". Infomar. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  27. ↑ "ILV Granuaile". Commissioners of Irish Lights . Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  28. ↑ "Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) Multi-Purpose Support Vessel Granuaile". European Border and Coast Guard . Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  29. ↑ "VESSEL REVIEW | Dublin Fire Brigade Rescue One – Versatile response RIB for Irish waters". bairdmaritime. 21 September 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
  30. ↑ "SHACKLETON, IMO 9558854". balticshipping.com. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  31. ↑ "Voith Tractor Tug" (PDF). astilleroszamakona.com. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  32. ↑ "BEAUFORT, IMO 9558866". balticshipping.com. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  33. ↑ "Equipment and Technology | Inland Fisheries Ireland". fisheriesireland.ie. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  34. ↑ "Fisheries Protection Boats". deltapower.co.uk. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  35. ↑ "First of 12 new rigid inflatables for fishery protection launched". irishtimes.com. 11 June 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  36. 1 2 "Is the Jeanie Johnston Worth Its Cost?". 27 September 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
  37. ↑ "History of the Naval Service". Irish Defence Forces. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  38. ↑ "Naval Service > History > Fleet History". Irish Defence Forces. Archived from the original on 10 May 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  39. ↑ "LÉ Eithne: Former Flagship of the Naval Service to Be Sent Overseas for Disposal At Scrap Recycling Facility". afloat.ie. 4 December 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  40. ↑ "Naval Service > Fleet > Offshore Patrol Vessel". Irish Defence Forces. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  41. ↑ "Naval Service > Fleet > Helicopter Patrol Vessel". Irish Defence Forces. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  42. ↑ "Naval Service > Fleet > Coastal Patrol Vessel". Irish Defence Forces. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  43. 1 2 "The Irish Naval Service". corkshipwrecks.net. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  44. ↑ "Naval Association". irishnavalassociation.ie. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  45. 1 2 MacGinty, Tom (1995). The Irish Navy - A Story of Courage and Tenacity. Tralee: The Kerryman. ISBN   0-946277-22-2 . Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  46. ↑ "Scottish Built Ships". clydeships.co.uk. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  47. ↑ "Defending Ireland's Coastline | Irish Torpedo Boats in the 1940s". coastmonkey.ie. 28 June 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  48. ↑ "MTB questions". irishmilitaryonline.com. 10 January 2009. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  49. ↑ McCarthy, Patrick (July 2021). "The First Irish Navy - The Coastal and Marine Servie 1923-1924". An Cosantóir. The Military Archives. p. 18. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  50. ↑ Clancy, Noel R. (May 2025). "The Free State Coastal and Marine Service". An Cosantóir. The Military Archives. p. 26. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  51. ↑ Clancy, Noel R. (July 2025). "The Marine Investigation Department 1922-1923". An Cosantóir. The Military Archives. p. 26. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  52. ↑ Bourke, Dr Edward. "Early Irish Free State Naval Activity". lugnad.ie. Archived from the original on 27 June 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  53. ↑ "World War 1 at Sea - Ships of the Royal Navy". naval-history.net. 22 March 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  54. ↑ "1939-40 Lloyd's Register Steamers & Motorships under 300 tons, trawlers, etc". wrecksite.eu. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  55. ↑ "TYRELL". nautipedia.it. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  56. ↑ "Crew List Index Project". crewlist.org. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  57. ↑ Colledge, J. J. (1987). Ships of the Royal Navy, Volume 2. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  58. ↑ "Crew List Index Project". crewlist.org. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  59. ↑ "Royal Navy Auxiliary Patrol ships of World War 1, based on British Warships, 1914-1919 by Dittmar and Colledge". naval-history.net. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  60. ↑ "M.L.'s in the Service of the Irish Free State". motorlaunchpatrol.net. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  61. ↑ "50 ft Steam Pinnace". onetheslipway.com. 6 January 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  62. ↑ "Oceans of Learning celebrates Irish Marine Research Vessels, the Celtic Voyager and Celtic Explorer". marine.ie (Press release). Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  63. ↑ "RV Lough Beltra Cruise Survey Track Inventory". gov.ie. Marine Institute. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  64. ↑ "Celtic Voyager". marine.ie. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  65. ↑ "Retirement of the RV Celtic Voyager". gsi.ie. Geological Survey Ireland. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  66. ↑ "Celtic Voyager.pdf" (PDF). marine.ie. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  67. ↑ "Coiste an Asgard". Archived from the original on 10 June 2008. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  68. ↑ "Asgard II sinks off French coast". RTÉ. 11 September 2008. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
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