Irish Naval Ship to visit Cardiff Bay to celebrate strong Wales-Ireland links
A naval ship from Ireland is taking a break from its normal sea patrols to dock in Cardiff Bay this week and will be open to visitors and offering tours.
The Irish Naval Service vessel LÉ Róisín will sail into Britannia Quay, Cardiff Bay from 18th-20th July with members of the public able to come on board, and the crew will host a range of events in collaboration with the Consulate General of Ireland.
Organisers say the visit will celebrate the strong relationship between Ireland and Wales and will mark the recent establishment of the Irish Consulate.
Moored a short walk from the Millennium Centre and Senedd, the ship will be open for free public viewings from 14:00-17:00 on Monday 18th July, 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00 on Tuesday 19th July.
There will also be a crew member on the ground who will be able to talk about life on the ship with any visitors with mobility or accessibility requirements.
This is a rare opportunity to visit an Irish navy vessel, meet the crew, and learn about the Irish Defence Forces and their experiences of seafaring.
Close connections
The ship – constructed at Appledore Shipyards in Devon – was designed to patrol in rough Irish and North Atlantic waters all year round. At a length of 78.8m the ship is described as having a long sleek appearance which improves conditions for the crew.
Onboard facilities include more private accommodation, a gymnasium and changing and storage areas for boarding teams.
Róisín entered service with the Irish Naval Service in September 1999 and is based at the Haulbowline Island, Cork Harbour Headquarters and Dockyard.
The high level of automation incorporated into the ship’s systems allows the ship to be operated with just 47 crew including eight officers
Commenting on the Irish Navy’s visit, Consul General of Ireland, Denise Hanrahan said: “I am delighted that Cardiff Bay will be home to the Irish navy’s LÉ Róisín from the 18th to 20th of July.
“We look forward to welcoming many visitors on board in celebration of the close connections between Wales and Ireland, and to express our appreciation for all the support we have had in establishing Ireland’s diplomatic presence in Wales.
“Our maritime heritage and the Irish Sea are central to the diverse and vibrant cultural, economic and community relationships between Ireland and Wales.”
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
These are the sort of links that we need to foster, look to our neighbours to the West and learn from their experiences in developing self determination and a confident nationhood.
tiocfaidh ár lá
I wish I could get down there… We should be looking to ensure our links to Ireland and Scotland are maintained and celebrated.
Wow, how cool is that ! Put it on the telly…somebody ask them to stop off in Caergybi so we can pay our respects too…I’m going to Email their Embassy…Their Airforce had two seater Spitfires post war…
With independence we’d no longer have to pay the huge percentage of GDP on defence as the Brits feel the need to, some empire hangover no doubt.
We’d obviously have no need for a nuclear deterrent but would still need some form of military. I wonder if some kind of pact with Scotland and Ireland would work, sharing the cost of naval ships and airforce?
Another interesting factor in the independence journey.
“some empire hangover no doubt.” Perhaps, but more likely a continuing inflated sense of importance. Every time Truss threatened the Kremlin or made other infantile noises I got a vision of groups of Russian military experts rolling around laughing. What is she going to do ? Set off the doomsday event or bring down multiple biblical plagues ? Big mental health issues in that cabinet.
This is a wonderful thing and a recognition of our country, the land of my Mother, from the country to our west, the land of my Father. I am purring at the significance of this. Watch for negative comments from blue side like ‘down with this sort of thing’.
Look forward to the day when a naval ship from the defence force of an independent Wales docks at an irish port
Absolutely!
N.C do you have a reporter in Cardiff who could go aboard, ask a few questions and take a few photographs and publish it on here as a special…Given the sentiments expressed here it would be a treat? How about it…and put in a request for short visit to Caergybi…I have visited by sea several Irish ports in my time from Valentia to Malahide and have been warmly welcomed in all 9 of them…
Shame that the ship has to berth at ‘Brittania Dock.’
That’s one for re-naming – try Porth Ifor Hael !