New Ferry Option For People Taking Their Cars to South Wales

The Fastnet Line's MV Julia will make her inaugural crossing from Cork's Ringaskiddy Terminal to Swansea's King Dock on March 1.

The vessel's departure time of 9.00pm will allow motorists from Northern Ireland plenty of time to make their way south. The crossing takes 10 hours arriving in Swansea around 7.00am. Return crossings depart from Wales at the same time which means people can make the most of their stay in the 'Principality'.

Fastnet Line's Chief Executive Tom Barrett said confirmed bookings had already topped 1,200.

'The service expects to enjoy strong demand from both tourist and freight customers on both sides of the Irish Sea. It is worth more than €50 million annually to this region and that should be replicated in the Swansea Bay, Mumbles, Gower and the UK as we progress. We look forward to welcoming passengers aboard our fantastic ship and providing a relaxing and efficient route between the two countries," he added.

MV Julia 'a Comfortable, Sturdy and Seaworthy Ferry'

"MV Julia is a comfortable, sturdy and seaworthy passenger/car ferry. It is well capable of providing a year-round service, and is backed by a team of industry professionals who have sailed the seven seas in vessels such as this. We are looking forward to welcoming people aboard for an enjoyable and safe trip to and from Swansea."

There will be three overnight sailings in each direction per week. This will rise to four during the peak period between July 11 and the end of August. One of these will be a daylight crossing departing Swansea at 9.00am on Sundays.

Bookable accommodation onboard includes Pullman seats; two, three and four berth cabins and a suite.