RMS Leinster

Not too far from the Old Carlisle Pier in Dun Laoghaire, stands a monument to the ill-fated RMS Leinster.  The Leinster was one of four well-known steamers operated by the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company, the others being the Connaught, the Munster and the Ulster running between Dun Laoghaire and Holyhead. 

In 1918, on 10th October, RMS Leinster left Dun Laoghaire for Holyhead with a total of 771 people on board.  Less than 14 miles out from port,  the ship was torpedoed and sunk by a german submarine UB123.  This action resulted in the death of 501 persons, making it one of the highest number of casualties ever on the Irish sea.

The dead included military personnel from many nations, civilians, crew and 21 post office workers who were on duty sorting out the mail when the torpedo struck. A horrific incident so close to land and one month before the end of the war.

For further information:

Death on the Irish Sea - by Roy Stokes

Torpedoed - by Philip Lecane