List of ports in Ireland: Explore Ireland's Maritime Network

Ireland's maritime network is a vital part of the country's economy and trade. With 15 major ports and numerous smaller harbors, Ireland has a rich maritime history.

The ports in Ireland are strategically located to facilitate trade with the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world. Many of the ports have undergone significant developments in recent years to improve their capacity and efficiency.

Dublin Port is the largest port in Ireland, handling over 50% of the country's cargo traffic. It's a major hub for the import and export of goods, including containers, fuels, and livestock.

The port of Cork, located on the south coast, is another significant hub, with a strong focus on the export of agricultural products and seafood.

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Dublin is a major maritime hub in Ireland, with the Port of Dublin being the largest port in the country. It's situated at the mouth of the Liffey River, in Dublin Bay on the eastern coast of Ireland, making it a vital center for commerce, finance, and culture.

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The port handles around 50% of all maritime traffic in Ireland, with over 220,000 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) of cargo passing through it each year. It's also classified as a tier 1/tier 2 port by the national port policy and is a center and broad port in the EU's TENT-T network.

Dublin Port has a significant impact on Ireland's economy, with over 17,000 vessel movements each year. It's also a major tourist destination, with cruise ships docking mere minutes away from the vibrant city center. The port's commitment to innovation is evident in its ambitious masterplan to increase capacity and enhance sustainability.

Here are some key statistics about Dublin Port:

Dublin is a city with a rich history, dating back to the first century BC when it was known as 'Dubh Linn'. The city has been a significant hub for trade and commerce for centuries.

Dublin Port is the largest port in Ireland, handling around 50% of all maritime traffic. It's a bustling harbor that's also a famous tourist destination.

The port's geographical location in the heart of Dublin city and the depth of its waters have made it a crucial part of the city's infrastructure. It's a center of commerce, finance, and culture.

Dublin Port has seen significant growth in recent years, with a growth rate of almost 36.1% in total cargo volumes over 7 years. This has made it one of the busiest ports in the country.

Here are some key statistics about Dublin Port:

Dublin Port's strategic location in the heart of Dublin allows for seamless integration with the city's transportation network.

Dun Laoghaire is a bustling port on the east coast of Ireland, located in the southern end of Dublin Bay. It's a major center for yachting in Ireland.

Dun Laoghaire Port occupies an area of about 95 hectares, providing ample space for various activities. The port has two breakwaters located on the west side of the harbor.

The port is a key destination for around 1,700 standard ferries and catamaran arrivals per year. Dun Laoghaire Harbour is located in the Southern part of Dublin Bay, ranked as 2nd-port in Dublin.

Here are some key facts about Dun Laoghaire Port:

Galway Harbour is nestled in the heart of Ireland's western seaboard, serving as a vital link between the rugged beauty of the West and the wider world.

The port dates back to the 10th century and is crucial for the economic and industrial development of the city.

Galway Harbour is positioned on the river Corrib at the deepest eastern end of Galway Bay, on the west coast of Ireland.

The port has a total quay length of 1189 m and 40 marina berths, with nine berths for larger vessels.

Galway Harbour's current redevelopment project aims to transform it into a modern, deep-water port capable of handling larger vessels.

The harbour can accommodate 9 vessels in the inner dock once, with a total length in quay of 1,044 meters.

Galway Harbour's unique position allows it to serve as a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's stunning coastal route.

The port is visited by over 300 ships carrying around 1,000,000 tonnes of cargo annually, with major exports including scrap metal and limestone.

The harbour's main imports are petroleum products, fish, dry bulk chemicals, manufactured steel, etc.

The high water level is secured by dock gates, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

Here are some key statistics about Galway Harbour:

Galway Harbour continues to play a crucial role in the region's economic and cultural life, with a rich history dating back to the 13th century.

Shannon Foynes is Ireland's deepest water port, capable of handling vessels up to 180,000 deadweight tonnes. It's located on the Shannon Estuary, providing sheltered, deep waters ideal for large vessels.

The port has six facilities, including the Limerick Dock, Shannon Airport Jetty, Aughinish Marine Terminal, Foynes, Tarbert Island Jetty, and Moneypoint Marine Terminal. These facilities cater to various types of cargo, including fertilisers, timber, fuel, oil, and conventional cargo.

Shannon Foynes can handle a wide range of vessels, from 10,000 DWT tankers to 180,000 DWT ships. The port's storage facilities include a 3800 m2 warehouse and an open storage yard.

Here are some key statistics about the port:

The port handled approximately 7,600,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It's a crucial component in Ireland's maritime strategy, particularly for bulk cargo operations.

The Port of Waterford is one of the busiest ports in Ireland, handling a significant amount of cargo and passengers. It's located close to mainland Europe, making it an important hub for trade.

The port is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is controlled by a national rail link, making it efficient for transporting goods. It's also capable of accommodating large vessels.

Here are some key statistics about the Port of Waterford:

Waterford is a significant port in Ireland, situated on the southeastern end of the country. It's a deep natural harbour on the Suir River, just 14 nautical miles from the sea.

The port has berthing areas on the northern banks of the river and a container terminal at Belview, around three nautical miles from the main port.

Waterford port handles a considerable volume of cargo, with around 820 ships, 2,600,000 tonnes of cargo, and 186,100 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) being handled annually. This makes it one of the busiest ports in Ireland.

The port is also a key hub for trade with European nations, being the nearest Irish port to Europe. It imports a wide range of goods, including cereals, grains, fertilisers, steel, paper, logs, and more recently, packed meat, limestone, fruits, and peat moss.

Here's a breakdown of the port's annual statistics:

The port operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is controlled by a national rail link, making it an efficient hub for trade.

Rosslare Europort is a modern seaport and one of the largest and busiest ports in Ireland, located in Rosslare Harbour in County Wexford.

It has outstanding road, rail, and sea connectivity, making it an expert in handling various types of cargo.

The port's ro-ro facilities excel in handling freight and passenger traffic to and from France and Wales, with frequent sailings making it a preferred choice for exporters and importers.

Rosslare Europort's strategic location near the southeasternmost end of the island of Ireland cements its position as a vital link in the Irish-European transport chain.

The port's efficient operations facilitate seamless trade despite changing political climates, making it a key player in Ireland's transportation network.

Here are some key features of Rosslare Europort:

Burtonport Harbour is a small fishing village on the west coast. It's a significant location for ferry services, connecting to Inishfree Island, Aranmore Island, and Rutland Island.

The harbour has very good shelter, which is a major advantage for boats and ships. This sheltered location helps keep vessels safe from harsh weather conditions.

Burtonport Harbour's minimum depth is two meters, which is equivalent to 6.56 feet. This depth is sufficient for most small boats and fishing vessels.

The harbour's coordinates are 53°23’N., 6°04’W.

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New Ross is a significant inland port in Ireland, located on the River Barrow in County Wexford. It's situated 18 kilometers from the sea and 9 kilometers above its junction with the River Suir.

This port is unique in that it's the only inland port in the country, offering a different set of advantages for shipping and trade. The port's facilities cater to a diverse range of vessels and cargoes, including containers, Ro-Ro, and bulk cargoes.

New Ross mainly exports agricultural produce, fertilizers, grain, livestock, and timber, while importing goods like acids, cement, petroleum products, coal, and salt. This variety of cargo is handled annually, with around 1 million tons passing through the port.

The port's strategic location provides sheltered berthing and cost-effective handling for smaller vessels, making it an attractive option for specific trades.

The Port of New Ross in County Wexford is a great example of Ireland's rich maritime history. Strategically located 32 kilometers upstream from the sea, it offers sheltered berthing and cost-effective handling for smaller vessels.

The Port of New Ross can accommodate ships up to 130 meters in length, with a maximum draft of 5.5 meters, allowing it to handle various bulk and break-bulk cargoes.

The port's diverse range of facilities caters to a variety of vessels and cargoes, supporting local industries and facilitating trade. Its historical significance adds an extra layer of interest, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts.

Here's a comparison of some of Ireland's regional ports:

The Port of Dundalk is the fastest-growing port in Ireland, administered by the Dundalk Port Co. It provides obligatory pilotage service that leads ships 8 kilometers from the sea, handling a range of cargo imports and exports.

The Port of Kinsale, the oldest commercial port in Ireland, has two fully-serviced Marinas and a fishing fleet. It's a landlocked natural harbor with good shelter and anchorage, making it an attractive option for vessels.

Killybegs is a significant fishing port in Ireland, located in Co Donegal. It boasts modern companies and fishing vessels.

The port operates as a general cargo facility, and it also has a coal import terminal. This terminal consists of a 380m long berth.

Killybegs serves vessels up to 200,000t DWT. This is a notable feature of the port, indicating its capacity for handling large ships.

Here's a breakdown of the port's key features:

The Port of Arklow is a commercial and fishing port on Ireland's east coast, offering excellent protection for vessels. It mainly imports sulfate of ammonia, animal feed, coal, and fuel, while exporting fertilizers, grain with timber, nitric acid, and machinery.

The Port of Dunmore East is situated in Waterford County, with unlimited LOA and draught. It can accommodate vessels up to 14,000DWT and is a busy fishing port with good shelter.

One of the biggest marine inlets on Ireland's southwestern coast is Bantry Bay, spanning 35 kilometers with an entrance 10 kilometers wide. The port handles approximately 1,000,000 tonnes of cargo annually, including seafood and stone.

Castletownbere Harbor is divided into the inner harbor and outer harbor, serving as a regional important fishing port and commercial and retail hub. It has a local fleet of 60 fishing boats.

The Port of Youghal is strategically located in the Southern part of Ireland, with an annual total cargo traffic of 70,000 tonnes. It mainly exports grain and imports fertilizer, coal, timber, and steel.

The Dundalk Port is the fastest-growing port in Ireland, handling cargo imports such as plasterboard, feedstuff, oil, coal, timber, and steel, as well as exporting metal scrap and turf.

Kinsale is a significant port in Ireland, boasting the title of the oldest commercial port in the country. It's managed and operated by the Kinsale Harbour Commissioners, who do a great job of keeping things running smoothly.

The port has two fully-serviced Marinas, which is a big draw for sailors and boat enthusiasts. These marinas are a great place to dock your vessel and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

The port caters to around 100 vessels every day, which is a testament to its importance in the region. The Kinsale Harbour Commissioners work hard to ensure that all vessels receive the service they need.

Bulk animal foods are a major import at the Port of Kinsale, which is essential for the local community. This is a vital trade that helps keep the region supplied with the goods it needs.

The port's top export is timber, which is shipped to the UK. This is a significant trade that helps boost the local economy.

Here's a summary of the Port of Kinsale's key features:

Ringaskiddy is a port located in Ireland with geographical coordinates of 51.833445° / -8.3226585°. It's situated in a strategic location, allowing it to accommodate vessels ranging from 5,500 to 6,000 TEU.

The port has a deep-water quay structure, making it suitable for large ships. It also welcomes ships with shore gantry cranes, which are essential for loading and unloading cargo efficiently.

One of the notable features of Ringaskiddy is its introduction of a Ro-Ro berth, which enables the transportation of rolling stock and vehicles. This is a significant development for the port, as it opens up new opportunities for trade and commerce.

Ringaskiddy's geographical location and infrastructure make it an attractive option for shipping companies. Its proximity to major shipping routes and its ability to handle large vessels make it an important player in Ireland's maritime trade.

Westport is a charming port town in Ireland, and one of its notable features is its harbour. Westport Harbour is a subport of Cork, with coordinates 51.8361N, 8.25W.

The harbour is a crucial part of Westport's economy, but unfortunately, we don't have information on the number of containers it handles, as it's listed as N/A for TEU.

Westport Harbour's connection to Cork is worth noting, as it highlights the importance of regional ports in Ireland's maritime infrastructure.

Bantry Bay is a significant marine inlet on Ireland's southwestern coast, spanning 35 kilometers and narrowing to 3 kilometers near its head.

The bay's entrance is 10 kilometers wide, making it a major access point for ships and boats.

Bantry Bay is home to two large islands, Bere Island on the northern shore and Whiddy Island on the southern coast.

Whiddy Island is also home to an oil terminal, where oil is transshipped to other vessels.

Approximately 1,000,000 tonnes of cargo is handled at the port annually, with essential export commodities including seafood and stone.

The port serves as a major transshipment point, accommodating oil tankers and other vessels.

It also welcomes cruise ships and offers marine leisure activities, including pleasure craft rentals and guided tours.

The region's economy relies heavily on the port, with fishing being a crucial industry for locals.

Species like herring, whitefish, salmon, lobsters, and crabs are abundant, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Here's a breakdown of the port's main productions:

Castletownbere is a significant regional port in West Cork, southwest of Ireland. It's a fishing port, serving as a commercial and retail hub.

The harbor is divided into two parts: the inner harbor and the outer harbor. This division allows for efficient navigation and management of the busy port.

A local fleet of 60 fishing boats operates from Castletownbere, contributing to the port's economic importance. The port's regional importance is a testament to its thriving fishing industry.

Castletownbere's geography provides good shelter and anchorage, making it an ideal location for a fishing port. This natural advantage has helped the port to establish itself as a major hub for the local fishing community.

Here are some key facts about Castletownbere Harbor:

The New Ross River Port is a vital part of Ireland's maritime history, dating back to the 13th century. It's a testament to the country's enduring legacy.

Located 32 kilometers upstream from the sea, this inland port offers unique advantages for certain types of shipping. Its sheltered berthing and cost-effective handling make it an attractive option for specific cargoes and trades.

The port's facilities can accommodate ships up to 130 meters in length, with a maximum draft of 5.5 meters. This capacity allows it to handle various bulk and break-bulk cargoes, supporting local industries and facilitating trade.

New Ross's historical significance adds an extra layer of interest to this working port. The town and port boast strong connections to the Kennedy family, with the ancestral home of President John F. Kennedy located nearby.

The New Ross Port is the only inland port in the country, situated on the river Barrow nine-kilometer above its junction with the River Suir and 18 kilometers from the sea. It handles around 1 million tons of cargo annually.

Here are some key statistics about the New Ross Port:

Killybegs in County Donegal is Ireland's premier fishing port, with state-of-the-art facilities and a deep-water harbor that can accommodate large pelagic trawlers.

Killybegs plays a crucial role in Ireland's fishing industry and serves as a vital economic engine for the northwest region.

The port has diversified its operations to include offshore support services, showcasing the adaptability of Ireland's maritime infrastructure.

Moneypoint Jetty, managed by Shannon Foynes Port Company, is designed to cater to around 250,000-tonne ships.

Killybegs demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through its involvement in marine research projects, balancing commercial fishing with environmental stewardship.

Moneypoint Jetty is managed by Shannon Foynes Port Company.

The jetty is designed to cater to around 250,000-tonne ships.

The Aughinish Alumina Jetty is a deep-water jetty in the Shannon, where the clean imports bauxite from Guinea and Brazil, and exports alumina filtered into aluminum metal. It's a significant facility for the alumina production plant it handles.

This jetty is designed to accommodate large vessels, with about 75,000 DWT bauxite vessels handled. The inside berths are used for tankers carrying fuel oil and caustic.

The maximum size of vessels that can be accommodated at the jetty varies depending on whether they are inside or outside the jetty. Inside, the maximum length is 180m, draught is 11.0m, and the maximum deadweight tonnage is 40,000DWT. Outside, the maximum length is 225m, draught is 12.5m, and the maximum deadweight tonnage is also 40,000DWT.

Here are the key details about the Aughinish Alumina Jetty at a glance:

Ireland's ports have played a vital role in shaping the country's history and culture. From the earliest days of trade and commerce, ports like Dublin and Cork have been hubs of activity, connecting Ireland to the rest of the world.

The Port of Dublin, for example, has been a major player in Ireland's economic development since the 12th century. Its strategic location on the River Liffey made it an ideal spot for trade and commerce.

The Port of Cork, on the other hand, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It was a key player in the transatlantic slave trade and later became a major hub for the export of Irish goods, such as wool and hides.

Drogheda Port has its roots tracing back to the 12th century, showcasing Ireland's rich history.

Located on the River Boyne, this port has witnessed centuries of trade and now stands as a key player in Ireland's maritime sector.

The port's facilities cater to a wide range of cargoes, from bulk commodities to project cargoes.

Its proximity to Dublin offers an attractive alternative for businesses seeking efficient import and export solutions without the congestion of larger ports.

Drogheda Port's ongoing expansion plans reflect its ambition to meet the evolving needs of Ireland's economy.

By investing in new infrastructure and technologies, the port positions itself as a forward-thinking entity ready to tackle the challenges of 21st-century maritime trade.

Waterford Port has a rich Viking heritage that dates back to the 9th century.

Founded by Vikings, the port has a fascinating history that's still visible today.

The port's deep-water quays can accommodate vessels up to 35,000 deadweight tonnes, making it a vital component of Ireland's maritime infrastructure.

This strategic location on Ireland's south coast provides excellent access to both European and transatlantic shipping routes.

Waterford Port's commitment to sustainable development is a testament to its forward-thinking approach.

By reducing carbon emissions and promoting biodiversity, the port is ensuring its continued relevance in an increasingly environmentally conscious world.

Ireland's ports are a diverse and dynamic network, each contributing uniquely to the nation's maritime prowess.

From bustling commercial hubs like Dublin and Belfast to specialized facilities like Killybegs and Greenore, these ports showcase Ireland's rich maritime heritage.

Ireland's ports are ready to adapt and evolve, facilitating international trade, supporting renewable energy initiatives, and welcoming cruise ships.

Cobh is a notable harbor in Ireland, located in the southern part of the country.

It's worth noting that Cobh Harbor is indeed the 2nd-largest natural harbor in the world.

Cobh's impressive size makes it a significant maritime hub, with a rich history and stunning natural beauty.

The harbor's strategic location in southern Ireland has played a crucial role in the country's maritime trade and commerce.

Cobh's unique blend of natural and cultural attractions makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Ireland's maritime heritage.

Ireland's ports are a diverse and dynamic network, each contributing uniquely to the nation's maritime prowess. The 12 ports of Ireland showcase the country's rich maritime heritage and promising future on the global stage.

From bustling commercial hubs to specialized facilities, Ireland's ports are adapting and evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Dublin and Belfast are two of the busiest commercial hubs, while Killybegs and Greenore specialize in specific areas.

Ireland's ports play an indispensable role in shaping the country's economic and cultural landscape. They facilitate international trade, support renewable energy initiatives, and welcome cruise ships.

The story of Ireland's ports is one of resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence. This is evident in their ability to adapt and evolve in the face of changing global circumstances.