
The City of Dublin Steam Packet Company was a major player in the Irish shipping industry, operating a fleet of steamships that connected Dublin to other ports in Ireland and the UK.
The company's fleet included the SS City of Dublin, a steamship that was built in 1884 and was one of the company's largest and most modern vessels at the time.
The City of Dublin Steam Packet Company played a vital role in the development of Dublin's port and the city's economy as a whole.
Broaden your view: Rose City Self Storage & Wine Vaults
History of the Company
The City of Dublin Steam Packet Company has a rich history that spans over a century. It all began in 1822 as Charles Wye Williams & Company in Dublin.
The company initially operated steam ships between Dublin and Liverpool, with the first service starting in 1822. This marked the beginning of a long and successful journey for the company.
In 1826, the line added service to London and Belfast, expanding its reach and operations. This was a significant milestone for the company, as it marked the beginning of its growth and expansion.
For another approach, see: Transportation Insurance Companies
The company's first transatlantic service to New York started with the Royal William departing Liverpool on 5 July 1838. This was a groundbreaking moment for the company, as it became the first steamer to depart for an Atlantic crossing from the River Mersey.
The company was awarded a contract to provide a night mail service from Holyhead in January 1839, with their ships docking at the Admiralty Pier. This contract brought in a significant revenue stream for the company.
In 1843, the company took over the routes of the St. George Steam Packet Company, extending its service to Wales. This move marked the beginning of the company's expansion into new markets.
The company won the contract for the most valuable route between Kingstown and Holyhead in 1850, marking a significant milestone in its history.
Explore further: Norfolk & Washington Steamboat Company
Ships and Fleets
The City of Dublin Steam Packet Company had a vast fleet of ships that operated on various routes, including Dublin to Liverpool and Dublin to Belfast. The company's first ship, the City of Dublin, was launched in 1824.
Discover more: Swift Transportation Company Phoenix Az
Some of the notable ships operated by the company include the City of Londonderry, the Commerce, and the Connaught, which were all launched in 1824. The company's fleet also included the Duchess of Kent, the Duke of Cambridge, and the Emerald, all of which were launched in the 1830s.
The company's ships were involved in several notable incidents, including the sinking of the RMS Leinster in 1918, which resulted in the loss of over 500 lives. The RMS Leinster was one of the company's largest ships, and its sinking was a major tragedy.
Here is a list of some of the company's notable ships:
- City of Dublin (1824)
- City of Londonderry (1824)
- Commerce (1825)
- Connaught (1860)
- Duchess of Kent (1837)
- Duke of Cambridge (1837)
- Emerald (1846)
- Leinster (1897)
The company also operated on several routes, including Dublin to Liverpool, which was extended to London in 1826. A Belfast-Glasgow route was also operated in the late 1820s.
Dublin Steam Packet Company
The Dublin Steam Packet Company was a significant player in the maritime industry, with a fleet of ships that operated from the mid-19th century. The company's ships were known for their speed and reliability, making them a popular choice for passengers and cargo.

Some of the notable ships in the Dublin Steam Packet Company's fleet included the City of Dublin, which was built in 1824 and had a Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) of 200. The City of Londonderry, also built in 1824, had a GRT of 250. The Commerce, built in 1825, was taken over by the Dublin & Liverpool S.N. Co. in 1826 and scrapped in 1859.
The Dublin Steam Packet Company's ships were involved in various notable incidents, including the wreck of the Queen Victoria in 1853, which resulted in the loss of 80 lives. The company's ships also played a significant role in the transportation of passengers and cargo between Dublin and other ports in Ireland and the UK.
Here are some of the Dublin Steam Packet Company's ships with their corresponding GRT:
- City of Dublin (1824) - 200 GRT
- City of Londonderry (1824) - 250 GRT
- Commerce (1825) - n/a GRT
- Liverpool (1846) - n/a GRT
- Royal William (1837) - 617 GRT
- Shamrock (1824) - 220 GRT
- Thames (1826) - 514 GRT
- Town of Liverpool (1824) - n/a GRT
Who Came Up With It?
John Tully was Secretary and Treasurer of the first Lough Derg Regatta, which suggests he might have played a role in its conception.

While we can't say for certain who came up with the idea, it's clear that the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company (CoDSPCo) was heavily involved in the event. They provided special packet boat services on the Lough Derg Navigation, and even used one or two of their own steamers.
The CoDSPCo also owned hotels in Killaloe and Williamstown, which were used as bases for the regatta. This strategic move likely helped attract visitors to the area and supported the company's marketing efforts.
The CoDSPCo's enthusiasm for the regatta is evident in their sponsorship of publications and special attention to visiting writers. They also invested in large-scale advertising, which further promoted the event.
Ships Operated by the Line
The Dublin Steam Packet Company operated a fleet of ships that connected Dublin to various ports in the UK and Ireland. One of the earliest ships in the company's fleet was the City of Dublin, launched in 1824.

The company's ships played a significant role in facilitating trade and travel between Dublin and other ports. The City of Londonderry, also launched in 1824, was another early ship in the company's fleet.
The company's fleet expanded rapidly in the 19th century, with new ships being added regularly. The Britannia, launched in 1825, was one of the many ships that joined the company's fleet during this period.
Here is a list of some of the notable ships operated by the Dublin Steam Packet Company:
- City of Dublin (1824)
- City of Londonderry (1824)
- Britannia (1825)
- Commerce (1825)
- Galway (1891)
- Kerry (1897)
- Leinster (2) (1897)
- Liverpool (1846)
- Longford (1870)
- Mayo (1880)
- Mona (1) (1825)
- Royal Adelaide (1838)
- Royal William (1837)
- Ulster (1) (1860)
- Windsor (1846)
The company's ships also played a significant role in the transportation of passengers. The Athlone, for example, made a notable journey from London to Dublin in 1849, with Thomas Carlyle on board.
Dublin Steam Packet
The Dublin Steam Packet Company had a fascinating vessel called the Dublin Steam Packet. It was a significant part of their fleet.
The Dublin Steam Packet was launched in 1844 and was specifically designed for passenger and cargo transport. It was a popular choice among travelers.

The vessel had a remarkable speed, reaching up to 12 knots, making it one of the fastest ships of its time. This allowed passengers to travel in comfort and style.
The Dublin Steam Packet played a crucial role in the company's expansion, connecting Dublin to other major ports in the UK and Ireland. Its success contributed to the growth of the company.
Ships and Operations
The City of Dublin Steam Packet Company had a diverse fleet of ships, with some notable vessels including the Albert 1845, which was one of the company's early ships.
The company operated ships with a wide range of names, from the Ballinasloe 1829 to the Windsor 1846. The RMS Leinster (2) 1897 was a particularly notable ship that was torpedoed and sunk off Kingstown in 1918, resulting in over 500 lives lost.
Some ships, like the City of Londonderry 1824 and the Commerce 1825, were part of the company's early fleet. The RMS Connaught (2) 1897 was another ship that met a tragic end, being torpedoed and sunk en route from Le Havre to Southampton in 1917.
On a similar theme: Garden City Trash Collection
The company's fleet also included the City of Dublin 1824, the Hibernia 1824, and the Mersey 1824. The Queen Victoria 1838 was a notable ship that was wrecked near Howth Head in a snowstorm in 1853, resulting in 80 lives lost.
Here is a list of some of the ships operated by the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company:
- Albert 1845
- Ballinasloe 1829
- Banshee 1848
- Belfast 1884
- Britannia 1825
- Carlow 1896
- Cavan 1876
- City of Dublin 1824
- City of Londonderry 1824
- Commerce 1825
- Connaught (1) 1860
- RMS Connaught (2) 1897
- Cork 1899
- Diamond 1846
- Duchess of Kent 1837
- Duke of Cambridge 1837
- Eblana 1849
- Emerald 1846
- Galway 1891
- Gipsy 1828
- Hibernia 1824
- Ireland 1885
- Iron Duke 1844
- Kerry 1897
- Kildare 1867
- Kilkenny 1903
- Leeds 1826
- Leinster (1) 1860
- RMS Leinster (2) 1897
- Leitrim 1874
- Liffey 1824
- Liverpool 1846
- RMS Llewellyn 1848
- Longford 1870
- Louth 1894
- Manchester 1826
- Mayo 1880
- Meath 1884
- Mersey 1824
- Mona (1) 1825
- Mona (2) 1832
- Mullingar 1868
- Munster (1) 1860
- Munster (2) 1896
- Nottingham 1827
- Pearl 1845
- Prince Arthur 1851
- Princess 1839
- Queen Victoria 1838
- Roscommon 1845
- Royal Adelaide 1838
- Royal William 1837
- Shamrock 1824
- Sheffield 1827
- RMS St. Columba 1848
- Town of Liverpool 1824
- Trafalgar 1848
- Ulster (1) 1860
- Ulster (2) 1896
- SS Lady Wicklow 1895
- Windsor 1846
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Dublin_Steam_Packet_Company
- https://www.benjidog.co.uk/TheShipsList/CityOfDublin.php
- https://gracesguide.co.uk/City_of_Dublin_Steam_Packet_Co
- https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1833/jun/28/dublin-steam-packet-company
- https://irishwaterwayshistory.com/tag/city-of-dublin-steam-packet-company/
Featured Images: pexels.com