Since entering service in 2019, Irish Ferries’ W.B. Yeats has set a new standard for comfort and design on the Irish Sea. Building on a relationship spanning more than 20 years with Irish Ferries, Minima founder Helen Kilmartin visited sister cruise ships and shipyards throughout the design process to inform the project.

Working alongside Danish naval architecture and marine engineering firm OSK-ShipTech, Minima led the design of the ship’s public spaces, deluxe suites, and the signature Lady Gregory restaurant. The interiors were conceived to feel contemporary, timeless, and calming, using durable materials, neutral tones, and carefully considered lighting throughout.

A standout feature is the Lady Gregory restaurant, where Kilmartin drew inspiration from Parisian dining destinations including Monsieur Bleu at Palais de Tokyo and Guy Savoy. Central to the design is an angular faceted ceiling in smoky gold metal, a feature Kilmartin personally researched and developed, working closely with engineers to achieve its sleek, futuristic appearance. The sculptural ceiling became a defining element of the space, creating an elegant focal point and a memorable onboard dining experience.

Featured in The Irish Times and Cruise&Ferry

Photographer: Barbara Corsico
Project Type: Hospitality, Naval
Client: Irish Ferries