What they said...

As novelties go, the MV Cill Airne is in a league of its own, situated on the North Wall Quay, just opposite The Convention Centre at Spencer Dock this boat has more to offer than your typical tavern. Having moved to the Docklands area recently, I was starting to panic at the apparent lack of traditional style local bar(s) that I had become so accustomed to over the years. A fellow country mouse (of the sibling variety) had come to visit the new bolt-hole and once we had oohed and aahed enough at its loveliness, we decided that our conversation would be greatly enhanced by the consumption of alcohol.

So we decided not to venture too far into town making the Blue River Bistro Bar (as part of the MV Cill Airne) our first port of call. Since then, I can safely say I’ve fallen hook, line and sinker - yes, that cliché - for the place. Price wise, it’s no better or worse than your average pub in the city. The place is generally heaving on a Friday evening as the nearby IFSC office suits and their colleagues often pick this location as their post-working week watering hole of choice. If you’re looking for atmosphere, visit at some stage over a weekend. Earlier in the week, you’re likely to meet smaller groups or couples desperate for a bit of down time in an unusual setting.

The boat has plenty of on-deck seating, which explains why it is generally full to overflowing throughout the summer. It’s a holiday on your doorstep. Be mindful of the Irish weather though as I did see one punter running on the spot over a wet deck, post rain shower. It’s also an ideal spot for drinks or food before or after an O2 concert. Each time I visit I meet the most interesting people ranging from French naval officers (score!) to elderly new age types eager to strike up conversation. Universal Pictures recently chose the venue for an after show event to celebrate The Boat that Rocked premiere, giving the boat a little more kudos as a party location. And as part of the same promotion, Today FM broadcasted from there for an entire day. I can’t be certain but I think (and hope) there was even an American style buy back drinks system in place one a while back.If drinking is not your thing (you sorry, sorry people) check out the Quay 16 Restaurant where, I am assured, you will not be disappointed. Though it doesn’t actually journey anywhere, the MV Cill Airne could be Ireland’s floating version of the Orient Express!
Priscilla Dinan, Solo-Magazine.com, June 2009

Adorned with an array of twinkling lights and docked quietly at the IFSC, the Cill Airne liner is home to Dublin’s most intriguing dining experience, Quay 16. Like your own personal Titanic (without the watery end of course!), this restaurant provides some welcome old world glamour to evenings spent at the very modern IFSC. The decor includes crisp, white, linen tablecloths, original brass fittings and stunning period timber that covers not only the walls in between the many windows, but also the floor of both the restaurant and the bar. The restaurant feels nice and secluded as it idles on the Liffey, and that certainly adds to the amorous atmosphere that dining on this stunning vessel creates.
Laura Whiston, Living In Magazine, February 2009

Ship ahoy! shiver me timbers! Etcetera! This ship-shaped restaurant on the MV Cill Airne is a classy little joint. The ship, a sister of the MV Blarna, was commissioned in 1961 to take passengers and mail to and from the larger ocean liners that were too big to make it into Cork Harbour.

There is a bistro, a restaurant and a bar. We loved the novelty factor... Make a reservation with a group of friends, and get onboard... And go now, before the secret gets out - we don’t like the idea of too many people on such a small vessel.
The Dubliner Magazine, June 2008


This beautifully restored ship is a breath of fresh air, and a unique place for dinner. The food was excellent and a pre or post dinner drink on deck is wonderful on a Summers evening... hop aboard, you won’t be disappointed.
Taste of Ireland.com with Paolo Tullio, May 2008


Like many ships of its era it has a wonderful level of finish and its recent restoration in Cork is of a high standard. In short it’s shipshape and Bristol fashion... There’s a pretty extensive wine list and, for once, the tasting notes were clear, informative and accurate... We had good bread on the table to eat until our starters came, the scallops served with a slow-roasted belly of pork for Gerard and for me - well, since we were sitting on the Liffey - a Dublin Bay prawn cocktail. These were both decent dishes and presented well. This was also true of our mains.
Paolo Tuillo, Irish Independent Weekend, May 2008


It has been sensitively restored with plenty of shiny brass fittings, plush red cushioning and highly polished woodwork... There were some interesting combinations, such as my starter of seared scallops with slow braised pork belly. This 21st century surf ‘n’ turf worked particularly well with the black pudding crisp and lightly pickled cabbage. The frontrunner had the warm quail salad on a Thai salad with a ninji dressing. The quail was exquisite and the warm temperature meant all the flavours and sweetness danced with the salad and the addictive, prune-like vinegar sauce.
Ross Golden Bannon, Sunday Business Post, April 2008