Irish Naval Service

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Irish Naval Service

The Naval Service is the State's Principal Seagoing Agency. The Irish Naval Service (INS) is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles.

Defence roles include defending territorial seas, deterring intrusive or aggressive acts, conducting maritime surveillance, maintaining an armed naval presence, ensuring right of passage, protecting marine assets and contributing to a blockade if required. The INS must also be capable of supporting Army operations by sea lift and close naval support. The Naval Base is on Haulbowline Island, Co Cor

k. The INS is currently recruiting for a wide range of positions, please see the following link for the most up to date information on open competitions:

https://www.military.ie/en/careers/current-competitions/

17/06/2026

Late last year the Irish Naval Service arranged for the donation of an Anchor from the former flagship LÉ EITHNE and a propeller from the Peacock-class coastal patrol vessels to the Inishowen Maritime Museum in Greencastle Co Donegal.

The museum has now mounted these items for display that will stand as a proud remembrance to these great ships who provided the state steadfast Service.

15/06/2026

The Irish Naval Service recently conducted evaluation and testing of an Offshore Patrol Vessel to confirm it's readiness to carry out Maritime Defence and Security Operations in order to establish Maritime Security within Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial seas. These evaluations are carried out by the Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training (FORST) unit who check for a crews ability to carry out damage control, fire fighting, warfare, gunnery, seamanship, advanced navigation and maritime interdiction operations.
As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, these evaluation test play an important part in ensuring the Irish Naval Service is prepared to respond to evolving security challenges and provide critical maritime capabilities in support of national security.

13/06/2026

LÉ JAMES JOYCE conducted a PASSEX (Passing Exercise) with the Royal Navy Ship HMS SOMERSET earlier in the week. This opportunity allows both navies to strengthen ties and cooperation on the high seas. This opportunity allow the ship to text it manoeuvring and communication skills

29/05/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our valued colleague, Mr Barry Looney, who served with distinction as a civilian employee in the Fisheries Monitoring Centre, demonstrating exceptional diligence and a keen awareness of the public trust placed in our fisheries protection duties. Their professionalism and dedication to safeguarding our marine resources earned the utmost respect of the team. Barry will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

https://rip.ie/death-notice/barry-james-looney-cork-glanmire-631909

26/05/2026

The Naval College was delighted to welcome Jo Lawlor from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, who delivered an informative and eye opening brief on platelet and blood donation.
Jo highlighted an important reality: Ireland’s blood and platelet supplies need constant replenishment, and more donors are urgently needed to support lifesaving care across the country.

A sincere thank you to Jo for sharing her expertise, and to everyone who already donates. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a donor, now is a great time to take that step, your donation saves lives.
The NS shall be hosting blood donation events on the base over the coming months for members of the NS to donate much needed blood supplies.

25/05/2026

Irish Naval Service Personnel conducting boat training while conducting Maritime Defence and Security Operations. These training activities included manoeuvring drills and launch and recovery drill in order to practice the full spectrum of Maritime Interdiction Operations that our crews can be called upon to carry out.

Small boat operations will form an important element of the wider national security framework supporting events during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026

23/05/2026

Irish Naval Service Offshore Patrol Vessel conducting Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO) in the North West in recent days. These operations involve the maintaining of Maritime Domain Awareness in a complex and dynamic environment.
As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of Europe Union in 2026, the Irish Naval Service at sea capability will form an important element of the wider national security framework supporting high-profile Government and international engagements.

21/05/2026

Best of luck to Lt Molloy, CPO Malone, CPO Quigley and AB Lavan who will represent the Irish Naval Service in the Portimão Box Cup next week.
Train Hard Fight Easy 🥊🇮🇪

12/05/2026

The Naval Service recognised International Day against Homophobia,Lesbophoboa,Transphobia and Biphobia by raising the IDAHOBIT Flag. This is the 6th year that the flag has been raised on the Naval Base. We were delighted to welcome members of the LGBTI+ Cork City Interagency committee who participated in the event.

09/05/2026

If you work in a kitchen and love the craft but are tired of split shifts, late finishes, and low pay, read this.

The Naval Service has opened a new Trainee Chef pathway through General Service Recruit entry. You do not need a QQI Level 6. You do not need any culinary qualification. The training is provided.

Here is what changes when you join the Naval Service galley instead of a restaurant:

The schedule. At sea, you cook as part of the crew for patrol periods of 3 to 4 weeks, then you are back ashore for similar time.

The environment. You cook for a crew of 50 to 56 people. Jamie Brophy, a Leading Chef with 7 years' service, describes the galley: "The galley tends to be like a hub for everybody. Anybody can come in for a chat. It is a great way to unwind. It is like putting on the fire at home. People cracking jokes."

The variety. You plan menus. You handle dietary requirements. You can do a kebab night, a Mexican night, or a barbecue when the weather is good. A serving chef: "I don't know any restaurant where you'd experience something like that."

The training. Full training at the Defence Forces School of Catering, McKee Barracks, Dublin. You earn a QQI Level 5 Major Award in Professional Cookery, with a clear progression route to QQI Level 6 and a BA in Culinary Arts from TU Dublin. All funded.

The pay. Over €42,000 per year after training. Plus Patrol Duty Allowance for every day at sea, pension, free healthcare, free dental, 28+ days annual leave, and accommodation during training. Jamie also noted on pay: "The rate they advertise for a qualified chef is about 70,000 a year before tax" (once you are fully qualified and sea-going).

The extras. Chefs in the Naval Service are also trained for wider crew duties, including damage control and emergency response. As Jamie put it: "I don't know any restaurant where you'd experience something like that."

The Trainee Chef pathway is year-round. Ages 18-39. No prior qualification required.

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