Launched on 17 August 1872, she was built by Joseph T. Eltringham & Co., South Shields (Yard No.
In 1899 it was reported that the company had been receiving £700 per annum for the regular service to the Aran Islands three times per week.
The Duras was kept for towage and relief works until 1921, when she was sold to Frederick Palmer in Boston, Lincolnshire and later other owners before she was broken up in Denmark in 1954.
Following the waiving of the sums outstanding on the loan, the government made agreement with the company under the Aran Islands (Transport) Acts, 1936 and 1946,[3] that the vessel would transfer to the government if the company ceased to operate the service to the Aran Islands.
A new boat built in Dublin, MV Naomh Éanna, operated the service between 1958 and 1988.