Ship Visits

Take an opportunity to tour some of the country’s naval, research, patrol and buoy laying vessels on the city’s quaysides.

Young people and families can tour the Naval Service’s LÉ Aoibhinn, the Marine Institute’s RV Tom Crean, the Commissioners of Irish Lights’ ILV Granuaile and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) Patrol Vessel.

L.É. Aoibhinn:

The L.É. Aoibhinn is an Inshore Patrol Vessel acquired by the Irish Naval Service from the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2023. She was previously named HMNZS ROTOITI.

Captained by Cork woman, Lieutenant Commander, Aisling O’Flynn, the ship is 55 meters in length with a top speed 25 knots which allows the ship to patrol within Irelands Exclusive Economic Zone. The ship carries a permanent crew of 4 personnel with the ability to embark a further 12 personnel. The L.É. Aoibhinn was commissioned into state service by the then Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheal Martin.

FREE. No booking required but queues are expected. Tours are on from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 23 May and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 24 May.

ILV Granuaile:

The ILV Granuaile is a versatile Class 1 DP vessel that serves the Commissioners of Irish Lights’ ‘aids to navigation management and maintenance’ programme.

Delivered in January 2000, it was one of the most advanced vessels of its type in the world at the time. It’s equipped to a high standard and has skilled crews experienced in working in all sea conditions.

FREE. No booking required but queues are expected. Tours are on from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 23 May and 10 a.m. 

RV Tom Crean:

The Marine Institute's marine research vessel the RV Tom Crean  will be open for tours during the weekend. Visitors will get to see where scientists work, sleep, eat and socialise while on board, meet the vessel's master and crew, and see some of the marine species found in Irish waters.

FREE. No booking required but queues are expected. Tours are on from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 23 May and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 24 May. 

Ocean Protector:

The EU fisheries patrol vessel, supporting member states’ operations in in European and international waters under the framework of the Common Fisheries Policy, on coast guard functions, with search and rescue operations and in and pollution response.

FREE. No booking required but queues are expected. Tours are on from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 23 May and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 24 May.