Builders: Laird Bros, Birkenhead1897
Propulsion type: Twin screw, triple expansion engines
Owners: City of Dublin Steam Packet Co Ltd.
Service dates: 1897 -
Tonnage: Gross 3000
Comments:
The City of Dublin Steam Packet Co Ltd was the carrier for the Royal Mail from England to Ireland and following the signing of a 21 year contract renewing this status, four new ships were commissioned the first of which, the Ulster, went on station in 1897. With a length of 372 ft she was a large steamer sporting a straight stemmed bow, oval stern, two light pole masts and two large funnels. She had three decks which were practically flush from end to end. The upper deck had a smoking-room which was fitted out in leather and oak. This deck also had a ladies lounge which was fitted out in the "Louis Seize" style, decorated in white and gold. The dining saloon on the main deck catered for 68 persons per sitting and was fitted in Chippendale style. With a passenger complement of 1400 it is likely that the dining room was rarely empty.
A main feature of the boat was a mail room and post office which was equipped for sorting letters en route so they would be ready for distribution on arrival at Kingstown or Holyhead. Over 250 bags per trip were carried and 30 sorters were employed on board Ulster. The crossing took, on average, around two and three quarter hours, pier to pier, at 24 knots. I do not have a record of her final fate, but do have more information on her layout and measurements if any visitor is interested.
The above picture and information comes from "The Engineer" of 28 June 1901.
Isle of Man, Ireland and North West of England Steamers index