The first RMS St Patrick of the St. George Steam Packet Company was a wooden paddle steamer, launched by Mottershead & Hayes of Liverpool on 22 April 1822[a] for passenger service.

While sailing with troops and supplies, Restaurador Lusitano was severely damaged in a storm while attempting to aid another vessel in trouble.

[2] St Patrick was powered by a double engine of 55 horsepower (41 kW) made by Fawcett, Preston & Co. of Liverpool.

The St. Patrick "did not carry troops for the War Office, nor was she out for more than a night" indicating her speed and mail contract meant she was considered supreme.

[4] St. Patrick commenced service in May 1822, captained by J.P. Phillips, and arrived in Bristol on 10 May, and henceforth sailed the route Bristol-Dublin-Liverpool-Bristol, but also stopping at Tenby.

She left on her maiden voyage as the Restaurador Lusitano on 1/2 March and called at Lisbon to pick up 30 passengers, then arrived at Oporto around a day later.

The Restaurador Lusitano left Lisbon in September 1832 bound for north Portugal loaded with siege guns and troops.