Carlingford Lough Ferry Service Suspends 2026 Operations, Impacting Cross-Border Tourism

The Carlingford Lough Ferry, connecting Greenore in Louth and Greencastle in Down, announced it will not operate in 2026. This suspension is a significant blow to cross-border tourism in the Cooley Peninsula and Mourne Mountains region.

The ferry, a multimillion-euro project launched in 2017 as part of the Frazer Ferry Group, has been instrumental in attracting visitors. Tickets valid for 2026 will have their expiry dates extended for future use. The notice did not specify when services would resume.

Local businesses express disappointment. Eavan Brady, owner of Coast and Co café in Greenore, noted the loss of extra visitors and summer job opportunities. Richard Lewis of On Yer Bike bicycle hire in Carlingford called the news «devastating», highlighting the ferry's role in cycling routes and events. Local Councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille emphasized the ferry's identity for Carlingford Lough and called for support for the company.

DUP MLA Diane Forsythe for South Down described the suspension as a «major blow» to tourism, citing a perceived lack of support from tourism bodies and the Department for the Economy. She believes the ferry has been «disregarded» as the Narrow Water Bridge Project, linking Omeath in Louth with Warrenpoint in Down, progresses towards its late 2027 opening. Both Ms. Forsythe and Cllr Mhic Conchoille believe there is room for both the bridge and the ferry as separate tourism assets.