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Logo of 'Three Sisters Irish Cruise & Boat Excursions' featuring a puffin over a sunset sea scene with boats. Text includes 'EST. 1935' and surrounds the circular design.
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Logo of 'Three Sisters Irish Cruise & Boat Excursions' featuring a puffin over a sunset sea scene with boats. Text includes 'EST. 1935' and surrounds the circular design.
Book Tickets
Logo of 'Three Sisters Irish Cruise & Boat Excursions' featuring a puffin over a sunset sea scene with boats. Text includes 'EST. 1935' and surrounds the circular design.
Book Tickets
Logo of 'Three Sisters Irish Cruise & Boat Excursions' featuring a puffin over a sunset sea scene with boats. Text includes 'EST. 1935' and surrounds the circular design.
Book Tickets
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OUR HISTORY

History

1935

The Three Sisters Cruise Company, with a family legacy in sea faring adventure.

1935

Willie Bates travels to the Saltee Islands

A black and white photograph of a young person with short, neatly combed hair. The image is aged and creased, adding a vintage feel. The person wears a collared shirt and looks slightly to the side with a calm expression.
Elderly man in a red sweater on a boat, looking into the distance. Another red and white boat is visible in the background on the ocean under a cloudy sky.

His son, Declan Bates, took over in the mid-90s, initially operating one boat but expanding the fleet in 2002.

In 2021, Declan refurbished and added the Barrow Princess, a ferry with a rich history in the Isles of Sicily, to the fleet.

The Spirit of Plymouth

The Spirit of Plymouth, renamed the Wexford River Cruise, was purchased and refurbished by Declan in 2023.

The company, renowned for its family values and maritime excellence, is largely run by Declan’s grandchildren and nephews.

White and green river cruise boat labeled "Cailin Deise" with "River Cruise" on the side, floating on water. Several passengers can be seen on deck, with cloudy skies in the background.
A historical document with handwritten entries lists age, occupation, and marital status of individuals. Columns include name, age, sex, rank/profession, and particulars. The text and handwriting are in grayscale.
LATEST NEWS / EVENTS

Check out what we have been up to!

A group of puffins with black and white feathers and orange beaks stand closely together on a grassy patch, appearing to engage with one another. The background is blurred, highlighting the birds.
24 Feb
News, Saltee Ferry News0Comments
The Puffins are back!
A group of people wearing sailor hats pose happily together on a dock beside a green and white boat. The sky is bright and partly cloudy, with other boats visible in the background.
23 Feb
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2025 Season Now Open
A stone bridge with two arches spans a calm river, reflecting in the water. Lush green trees surround the river, and the sky is clear and blue.
22 Feb
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Logo of Ireland's Ancient East featuring an artistic spiral motif in warm orange and yellow tones next to the text "Ireland's Ancient East" in capital letters.