Maiden voyage for MV Julia

The maiden voyage for the restored ferry service between Cork and Swansea is almost complete, with the vessel due to dock in Ringaskiddy later this morning.

The MV Julia was bought and refurbished after individuals, businesses and councils formed a co-op to reintroduce the link which was stopped in 2006.

Bookings with Fastnet Line have already topped the €1m mark.

It is hoped the new ferry will bring millions to hard pressed local tourism on both sides of the Irish Sea.