SMS Irene was a protected cruiser of the Kaiserliche Marine launched on 23 July 1887 and commissioned on 25 May 1888.

In 1894, SMS Irene was assigned to the Ostasiatische Station in Kiautschou, and made frequent voyages through Germany’s Pacific colonies.  She participated in the initial occupation of Kiautschou in 1897-1898, and in the Philippine Crisis of 1898.

She returned to Germany in 1901, and served in various duties until being converted to a U-boat tender in early 1914.  She was eventually scrapped in 1921.