The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is highlighting its new and expanded services at Northern Ireland’s largest travel exhibition, the Holiday World Show, taking place at the Waterfront ICC Belfast from today, Friday 9, to Sunday 11 January 2026.
In partnership with Visit Isle of Man, the Company will showcase enhanced travel opportunities between Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man, including the new Larne route launching this year.
The Larne service, announced in October 2025, represents a major investment in strengthening links between the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland. The first sailings from the Port will take place in April 2026, with the full schedule getting underway in July. The Company has made a two-year commitment to the route. From July 2026, the schedule sees three sailings a week all-year-round, providing greater flexibility for leisure, business and freight travel.
To mark the occasion, the Steam Packet Company is welcoming the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate the new Larne route and showcase the enhanced travel links between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, underlining the importance of the new connection between the two destinations.
The Mayor said: “We are delighted to welcome the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s new Larne service, a significant boost for connectivity, tourism, and trade in Mid and East Antrim.
“The launch of this route underlines Larne’s importance as a vital link in the Irish Sea network and showcases our Borough as a region open for business and leisure - creating exciting opportunities for our local economy and fostering closer ties with the Isle of Man.
“This new service is a fantastic investment that will draw visitors and boost growth which are key priorities for Council. With breathtaking landscapes, vibrant events, and a proud heritage, Mid and East Antrim is the perfect place to invest, visit and explore.”
Laura Gilmour, General Manager of Larne Harbour, said:
"We are thrilled to welcome the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s new service to Larne. This route not only enhances connectivity across the Irish Sea but also highlights Larne’s strategic position as a gateway for both leisure and freight travel. We are confident this partnership will deliver long-term benefits for passengers, businesses and the wider region and we look forward to working together to make this service a success.”
The stand will also feature TT rider, Phillip McCallen, celebrating the strong motorsport links between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Brian Thomson, Managing Director of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, will attend the media and trade morning alongside senior colleagues.
Brian Thomson said:
“The Holiday World Show provides an excellent opportunity to engage directly with the Northern Ireland travel trade and media as we prepare to launch our new Larne route in 2026. This service significantly strengthens connectivity between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man and reflects our long-term commitment to growing travel and tourism across the Irish Sea.
“We’re delighted to be working alongside Visit Isle of Man at the show to highlight the Island as an accessible, high-quality destination for short breaks, events and family travel, while also supporting vital freight and business links.”
Alongside the new Larne service, the Steam Packet Company will continue to operate its established Dublin route, with the Manannan and Manxman serving Ireland from April to September. From July 2026, the Ben-my-Chree will become the dedicated vessel for both Larne and Dublin services, bringing increased capacity, reliability and onboard comfort following a significant interior refurbishment.
The expanded Ireland programme sits alongside improvements across the Company’s core routes, including additional daytime Liverpool sailings during the summer season, as well as continued initiatives such as Kids Go Free and 10% off Flexi Fares, designed to support passenger growth and accessibility.
The Holiday World Show is firmly established as Northern Ireland’s largest and best-attended travel exhibition, attracting thousands of visitors each year and offering a global marketplace of destinations, exclusive show offers, travel-themed entertainment and competitions.
The Steam Packet Company and Visit Isle of Man will be available throughout the show to discuss sailings, travel options and destination highlights with both trade partners and the public.
The full 2026/27 sailing schedule is now available to book up until late May 2027 via the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company website.
ENDS