English: The "Ulster" Paddle-Steamer recently launched at Birkenhead, belonging to the City of Dublin Steam-Packet Company. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 10 March 1860.

RMS Ulster
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NEW MAIL-PACKETS BETWEEN HOLYHEAD AND DUBLIN.,ON Saturday, the 25th ult., the Ulster, the first of a new class of steamers intended to carry the mail between Dublin and Holyhead, was launched from the shipbuilding yard of Messrs. John Laird and Sons, of Birkenhead, in the presence of a numerous, attendance of ladies and gentlemen. She was "named" by the Marchioness of Chandos, who at the same time launched the vessel by cutting a silk cord which communicated with the machinery employed to knock away the dogshores. The motion of the vessel, which at first was slow, rapidly increased till she darted with the rapidity of an arrow into the Mersey. Yet, in spite of the great way on the vessel, and the strength of the tide, two light Trotman anchors brought her up within about her own length from the shore. Her appearance in the water, as will be seen by our Engraving, is as light and beautiful as can well be conceived; and it is confidently anticipated that she will run at an average rate of twenty miles an hour. The dimensions of the Ulster are:-Length over all, 350 feet; depth of hold, 20 feet; width, 35 feet. Her draught of water at load-line will be from twelve to thirteen feet; her tonnage is about 200 tons; and her nominal horse power is 700. She is divided into ten water-tight compartments, and the passenger accommodation is superb. There are two other steamers-the Munster and the Connaught-in course of construction by Messrs. Laird for the same line; and another, the Leinster, has been constructed by Messrs. Samuda Brothers at Blackwall. The latter vessel was successfully launched on Tuesday, and seems likely to realise the high expectations which are entertained of the seagoing performances of these boats. She was named by Lady Jane Repton.