Dublin is re-launching this historic form of public transport along the Liffey

This way about town is coming back after a 35-year absence

The Liffey Ferry water taxi service will be re-launching in February after having not operated in over three decades.

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As part of a joint effort by Dublin Port Company and Dublin City Council, the No. 11 Liffey Ferry service will set sail yet again on February 11.

Dublin’s historic No.11 Liffey Ferry will today officially return to the capital’s waters after a 35-year absence, following a complete restoration in a joint project by Dublin Port Company and Dublin City Council. Read More: https://t.co/Vf8CiJ5l8C pic.twitter.com/swkfsekVbp

— Dublin Port Company (@DublinPortCo) January 22, 2019

The service was decommissioned back in 1984 when the East Link Bridge first opened which connected Dublin’s north and south docks.

In 1983, RTE reported on the new East Link Wall and how it triggered the end of the Liffey Ferry service:

The No. 11 Liffey Ferry dates back to 1665 and was purchased by Dublin Port Company in 2016. It was preserved by its former coxswain Richie Saunders, who will now help captain the ferry. 

The Independent reports that the newly relaunched service will have three stops: the 3Arena, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, and MV Cill Airne at North Wall Quay.

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The cross-river journey will only take three minutes. The refurbished ferry can carry up to 18 people, and service will operate Monday - Friday from 7 am to 7 pm.

The service, which will cost passengers €2, will be operated by the Irish Nautical Trust. Proceeds from the fares will benefit a training programme “aimed at giving practical sailing and maritime experience to young adults from the inner city and docklands areas.”

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Prior to being taken out of service in 1984, the Liffey Ferry service ran for three centuries, most often delivering dock workers to their jobs.

Nial Ring, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, said on Tuesday: "The ferry will be returning to a very different Dublin than the one she left.”

"But I have no doubt that a new generation of Dubliners will enjoy this very welcome addition to the city just the same."

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Eamonn O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company, said: "There is also a new generation living and working in the port and docklands, and I am confident that the No. 11 Liffey Ferry will create new traditions and memories on the river.”

"I would encourage everyone in the city to support the service, knowing that this will, in turn, help the Irish Nautical Trust in its work to train and create employment opportunities for young people in the maritime industry.”

After a 35-year absence, the historic No.11 Liffey Ferry is relaunching in Dublin | https://t.co/l6clBugKYn pic.twitter.com/ddwf8KybOe

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 22, 2019

Did you ever ride on the Liffey Ferry? Let us know in the comments!