European Causeway, seen approaching Larne, has been a mainstay of the North Channel crossing for more than two decades.
MARITIME PHOTOGRAPHIC
For more than 50 years the main ferry connection between Scotland and Northern Ireland was the route between Stranraer, on Loch Ryan, and Larne. The Larne and Stranraer Steamboat Company secured a mail contract as early as 1874, with sailings covered by the paddle steamers Princess Louise (1872-90), Princess Beatrice (1875-1904), Princess Victoria (1890-1910) and Princess May (1896-1910). They followed paddle pioneers Dasher and Arrow on the North Channel’s first recorded passenger trips from October 1861.
The 1890-built Princess Victoria was one of four sisters built for the route and linked Stranraer and Larne until 1910.