#navalvisits - A pair of 25 knot fast patrol and training boats from the British Royal Navy will be making a two-day visit to Dublin Port, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The ‘Archer’ class patrol boats HMS Dasher and HMS Express are no stranger to Irish waters given that they and their sisters over the years make summertime visits.

On this occasion the pair will visit the capital with an afternoon arrival. They will berth along Sir John Rogersons Quay and will remain in port until Thursday.

In total there are 14 Archer P2000 Fast Inshore Patrol Craft that form the First Patrol Boat Squadron. Among duties are fishery protection and safeguarding the integrity of the UK's territorial waters.

They were built as Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) training vessels, but after limited use they were transferred to their primary role to support the University Royal Naval Units (URNU).

The craft provide training and maritime experience for URNU students and also provide support to Fleet tasking and exercises.