The Irish Navy has said a fond farewell to its former flagship LÉ Eithne as she leaves Cork Harbour for the last time.
The vessel is to be taken apart for scrap after hopes to convert her into a museum never materialised.
LÉ Eithne was built at the Verolme dockyard in Cork harbour in 1984, before it closed.
The ship served for 38 years on missions at home and abroad before it was decommissioned in July 2022.
A statement on the Irish Navy's Instagram account said: "This weekend, we say a heartfelt goodbye to LÉ Eithne, the pride of the Irish Navy and our beloved flagship, as she leaves Cork Harbour for the last time.
"For decades, LÉ Eithne has been a symbol of strength, bravery and dedication, serving our nation with honour and distinction.
"From countless patrols safeguarding our waters, to providing humanitarian search and rescue in the Mediterranean and forging friendships with navies around the world in the diplomatic role, LÉ Eithne's legacy is etched in the hearts of all who served onboard her."
This weekend, we bid a heartfelt farewell to #LÉEITHNE #P31 as she leaves Cork Harbour for the last time. For decades, she has been a symbol of strength & dedication. Her legacy will inspire future generations. Fair winds and following seas #LÉEITHNE. Slán & go raibh maith agat🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/xTJMPIvHEW
— Irish Naval Service (@naval_service) June 1, 2024
The Irish Navy added: "Her departure marks the end of an era, but her spirit will forever remain a part of our naval heritage.
"To the personnel, who have served onboard her, called LÉ Eithne home, to those that supported and maintained her, to family and friends who supported our operations, we extend our deepest gratitude.
"Your courage and commitment have made Ireland proud. As we watch her depart, let us remember the countless memories, friendships, the challenges overcome, & the many lives touched by her service.
"Though she may no longer grace our shores, LÉ Eithne's story will continue to inspire future generations.
"Fair winds and following seas, LÉ Eithne. You will be missed, but never forgotten."
LÉ Eithne was the first Irish naval vessel to have helicopter capabilities, the first to cross the Atlantic Ocean to North America and the first to travel to the southern hemisphere.
In 2006, the ship travelled to Argentina in the first deployment of an Irish naval vessel to the southern hemisphere.
It took part in events in Buenos Aires to mark the 150th anniversary of the death of Admiral William Brown, who was born in Foxford, Co Mayo, and is considered the father of the Argentine navy.
Among its other deployments, in May 2015, LÉ Eithne joined a humanitarian rescue operation in the Mediterranean Sea.
