The ship will house two new restaurants, Quay 16 and Blue River Bistro. The Blue River Bistro is located in the refurbished deck of the Cill Airne, with views of the waterfront and Docklands will offer casual dining with a capacity of 120. In the New Year, Quay 16, which is located below deck, will offer fine dining for up to 60 guests.
The opening of the Cill Airne follows the Docklands Authority's call for water-based businesses that will enliven the River Liffey. The initiative is part of the Dockland Authority's River Regeneration Strategy, which is focused on returning the River Liffey to centre of Dublin life and has already seen the launch of business ventures such as the Liffey Voyage tour service, Dublin City Moorings, the Liffey Ferry and the purchase of the replica famine ship, the Jeanie Johnson.
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The ship is owned by Dublin businessmen Larry Crowe, Brian Flannery and Robin Payne, who also own well known restaurants, One Pico, Bleu and Nancy Hands.
David Higgins, Director of Finance, Docklands Authority, said: "The Cill Airne will further enhance the Docklands area and ensure that the River Liffey will be the heartbeat of Dublin once more. We look forward to making further announcements on new water-based attractions that will appeal to Dubliners and visitors alike."
The Cill Airne was commissioned by the Irish Government in July 1961 and was one of the very last riveted ships to be built in Europe. Designed to carry over 1,000 passengers, the ship suffered from the collapse of the liner trade following the increase in airline traffic and was handed to the Maritime College as a training vessel for naval cadets. The Maritime College's move to a new building with mock up engine room and sailing simulators resulted in the Cill Airne becoming obsolete and she was placed up for auction by the College.
(GK/JM)
