Steam boat train crossing pier, Dun Loaghaire, Co. Dublin, 1959. Courtesy of National Library of Ireland

Mail Pier at Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Courtesy of National Library of Ireland

Ship docked at Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Courtesy of National Library of Ireland

The first drive-on / drive-off car-ferry service between Dun Laoghaire and Holyhead started in 1965. Courtesy of sealink-holyhead.com

Irish Cross Channel Passenger Services Timetables, Summer 1955. Courtesy of Ferguson / McGowan Archive

Hibernia which operated between Dun Laoghaire and Holyhead from 1947 to 1976. Courtesy of sealink-holyhead.com

Aerial view of Holyhead, 1950s. From this Welsh seaport Irish emigrants could link to urban centres across Britain by train and bus. Courtesy of sealink-holyhead.com"

B+I Line Munster leaving Cork, c. 1969. Photograph by Frans Anders Nygen. Courtsey of Aidan McCabe

B+I Line Connacht awaiting cars in Liverpool, c. 1980. This is a familiar site for returning emigrants. Photo Courtesy of Aidan McCabe."

B+I Connacht alongside in Liverpool, mid-1980s. Courtsey of Aidan McCabe.