Ferries to Ireland (Republic of Ireland) – Destination Guide
Where is this?
Compare ferry prices to Ireland, check live availability, and choose the cheapest ferry from the UK to Dublin or Rosslare. Find the best prices, fastest routes, and choose the most convenient ferry for your journey.
Ireland is one of the most popular ferry destinations from the UK, with multiple daily crossings to Dublin and Rosslare. Whether you’re travelling with a car, looking for the cheapest ferry to Ireland, or comparing routes and operators, there are several flexible options available.
Ferries from Wales to Ireland connect key ports including Holyhead, Fishguard and Pembroke, with fast crossings and year-round sailings. Travelling by ferry allows you to bring your vehicle, avoid luggage restrictions, and explore Ireland at your own pace, from Dublin’s city streets to the Wild Atlantic Way.
👉 Compare ferry prices to Ireland, check live availability, and choose the cheapest route from the UK.
How to get to Ireland by ferry
You can travel from the UK to Ireland via several ferry routes connecting Wales to the east and southeast coast of Ireland.
The most popular crossings operate from:
|
Car & 4 passengers from £263Car & 4 passengers from €315
|
|
Car & 4 passengers from £263Car & 4 passengers from €309
|
|
Car & 4 passengers from £264Car & 4 passengers from €319
|
|
Car & 4 passengers from £264Car & 4 passengers from €319
|
These routes are operated by leading ferry companies and run multiple times per day, with both daytime and overnight sailings available.
Why choose ferry?
Taking a ferry to Ireland offers several advantages over flying:
- Bring your car – ideal for road trips across Ireland
- No luggage restrictions – perfect for longer stays
- City-to-country access – easy reach to rural areas and hidden gems
- Comfortable travel – lounges, dining, and onboard facilities
- Flexible travel times – multiple daily departures
For travellers planning to explore beyond Dublin, ferries provide the most convenient and cost-effective way to experience Ireland fully.
Compare ferries to Ireland
You can compare ferry routes to Ireland based on price, duration, and departure port. The most popular routes include Holyhead to Dublin for speed, and Fishguard or Pembroke to Rosslare for access to southern Ireland. Prices vary depending on season, demand, and whether you’re travelling with a vehicle, so it’s worth comparing options in advance to find the best deal.
👉 We compare multiple ferry routes and operators to help you find the best option for your journey to Ireland.
Ferry routes from the UK to Ireland
Comparing routes can help you find the cheapest ferry to Ireland and the most convenient crossing time. The most popular ferry routes to Ireland include Holyhead to Dublin and Fishguard to Rosslare. Here are all the main ferry routes from the UK to Ireland:
|
Car & 4 passengers from £263Car & 4 passengers from €315
|
|
Car & 4 passengers from £263Car & 4 passengers from €309
|
|
Car & 4 passengers from £264Car & 4 passengers from €319
|
|
Car & 4 passengers from £264Car & 4 passengers from €319
|
- Fishguard to Rosslare – Stena Line
A reliable route into southeast Ireland, with crossings of around 3.5 hours. Perfect for travelling onwards to Kilkenny, Waterford, and Cork.
- Holyhead to Dublin – Stena Line + Irish Ferries
The most popular UK to Ireland ferry route, with multiple daily sailings and crossing times from around 2 hours. Ideal for direct access to Dublin and the east coast.
- Pembroke to Rosslare – Irish Ferries
A quieter alternative to Fishguard, offering a smooth crossing into Rosslare and easy access to southern Ireland.
👉 Check ferry times and prices for all UK to Ireland routes.
Best ferry routes to Ireland from the UK
The best ferry route depends on your destination and travel style:
If you’re heading straight to Dublin, Holyhead is the most convenient. For exploring beyond the capital, Rosslare routes often provide a smoother start to your journey.
👉 Comparing ferry routes can help you find the cheapest and most convenient option for your journey.
Who runs them?
Stena Line and Irish Ferries operate the main ferry routes between the UK and Ireland, offering multiple daily sailings, onboard facilities, and options for both ferry routes between the UK and Ireland are operated by Stena Line and Irish Ferries, both offering frequent sailings on key UK to Ireland routes including crossings to Dublin and Rosslare.
These operators provide a range of options for both foot passengers and vehicles, including cars, motorhomes, and larger vehicles. Onboard, you’ll find comfortable seating areas, dining facilities, and optional cabins on selected sailings, making the journey convenient whether you’re travelling for a short break or a longer road trip.
With multiple daily departures and modern ships, both Stena Line and Irish Ferries offer reliable and flexible ways to travel between the UK and Ireland.
Where do they go?
Ferries from the UK to Ireland operate from several key ports, with routes connecting Wales to both Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort. Choosing the right ferry port can make a big difference in travel time, cost, and convenience.
The best port to choose depends on whether you’re travelling to Dublin or exploring southern and western Ireland.
- Holyhead – The main departure port for ferries to Dublin, offering the fastest and most frequent crossings. Ideal if you’re travelling to Dublin or the east coast.
- Fishguard – A smaller Welsh port with direct sailings to Rosslare, suitable for reaching southeast Ireland and destinations like Kilkenny and Waterford.
- Pembroke – Another convenient route to Rosslare, often quieter than other ports and a good option for accessing southern Ireland.
- Dublin Port – Located close to the city centre, Dublin Port is the busiest ferry port in Ireland and the best choice for city breaks or onward travel across eastern Ireland.
- Rosslare Europort – Situated in southeast Ireland, Rosslare is ideal for road trips, with easy access to Kilkenny, Cork, and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Each port provides easy road connections to major cities and tourist regions.
What can I do there?
Travelling by ferry to Ireland gives you the flexibility to explore multiple destinations in one trip, whether you start in Dublin or arrive via Rosslare and head further afield.
As Ireland’s capital, Dublin is the most popular arrival point for ferry travellers. The city offers a mix of history, culture, and nightlife, with highlights including Trinity College, Temple Bar, and the Guinness Storehouse. Dublin is also the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of the country, with easy access to Wicklow, Belfast, and the west coast.
Located on Ireland’s west coast, Galway is known for its lively atmosphere, traditional music, and arts scene. It’s a gateway to some of Ireland’s most famous landscapes, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way. Galway works best as part of a longer road trip, especially if you’re travelling by ferry with a car. Many travellers combine Dublin and Galway in the same itinerary.
Limerick sits along the River Shannon and is a great base for exploring western Ireland. The city blends medieval heritage with a growing cultural scene, with attractions like King John’s Castle and nearby Bunratty Castle. It’s well positioned for travellers heading from Dublin or Rosslare towards the west coast.
Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s most charming medieval cities, known for its castle, cobbled streets, and food scene. It’s an easy stop if you’re arriving via Rosslare, making it a popular first destination for travellers entering Ireland through the southeast. Kilkenny fits perfectly into a southern Ireland itinerary, alongside Waterford and Cork.
What should I know?
- Prices can vary depending on demand, so comparing ferry routes in advance helps secure the best deals.
- Consider overnight sailings to maximise travel time.
- Arrive at the port at least 60–90 minutes before departure.
- Bringing a car makes exploring Ireland much easier.
- Rosslare routes are often quieter than Dublin routes.
- Check for flexible tickets if your plans may change.
FAQ
If you’re planning to travel from the UK to the Republic of Ireland by ferry, you may have a few questions about routes, travel times, and what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ferry travel to the Republic of Ireland.
Hi looking at Scotland to Dublin.
Over night ferry.
How long?
How much ?
May or June?
Thanks
Hi Michael,
Unfortunately there is no direct ferry between Scotland and Dublin. May we suggest either Cairnryan to Belfast (Stena Line) or Cairnryan to Larne (P&O Ferries). I’ve linked both of them to see if they would be of any use. I hope this helps?