The world's largest passenger ferry docked in Dublin today ahead of regular service on the Irish Sea.
The IR£80 million Ulysses, named after the hero of the classic James Joyce novel, was built for the Irish Ferries company in Finland, and set off on its maiden voyage from Scandinavia to Ireland last week.
The 12-deck vessel has parking decks extending for nearly three miles, enough room for more than 1,340 cars or 240 articulated trucks on each trip.
It will also be capable of carry 2,000 passengers and crew on each trip when it starts sailing on the route between Dublin and the Anglesey port of Holyhead.
Crowds lined the Dublin port and the coastline of Dublin to witness today's arrival of the giant ferry.
The craft will be formally named later this month by Mairead Berry, 25, a gold medal winner for Ireland at last year's Paralympic Games, at a ceremony attended by Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and other VIP guests.
PA