Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin in Ireland
If you are travelling from Holyhead to Dublin in Ireland then you have the choice of two ferry operators, Stena Line and Irish Ferries. With up to nine departures daily it’s one of the busiest ferry connections between the UK and Ireland.
If you need to get there quick, Irish Ferries run two crossings on their Dublin Swift ship. These can get you to Dublin within 2 hours!
Holyhead to Dublin Ferries
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The Wales to Ireland route is served by the largest car ferry on the Irish Sea. The Ulysses sailing will take you to the heart of Dublin in just over 3 hours. If you need to get there faster the Dublin Swift fast ferry will have you in Dublin as quickly as 1 hour and 49 minutes!
Stena Line and Irish Ferries provide a stress free journey from the UK to the shores of Ireland. Dublin has one of Europe’s most vibrant and exciting nightlife cultures. So whether it’s the traditional pubs with Irish music. Or the hip and trendy bar and club scene that you’re after, you’ll find it all in Dublin! If you are travelling on the fast ferry to Ireland, in less than 2 hours you will be enjoying all that the city of Dublin has to offer.
Travelling around Ireland
If you are travelling further into Ireland, Dublin really is an ideal starting point. You can reach just about anywhere within a 3 hour drive. With major places like Galway, Limerick, Cork or Belfast are all roughly a 2 hour drive away.
So why not take the ferry to Dublin with Irish Ferries or Stena Line and travel in comfort with your car. There are no additional charges for baggage when you travel by ferry. So you can bring as much as you can fit in your car!
Holyhead is situated in Anglesey in North Wales and is served by the A55 and A5 road networks. The A55 expressway has newly been improved reducing journey times by up to 30 minutes and A5 road networks. If you are a foot passenger Holyhead also has an excellent rail service providing connections to rail stations throughout Britain.
Stena Line offers Free WiFi and Free movies on all their sailings, so if your looking to stay connected or keep you little ones entertained then, Stena Line may be the best choice for you!
Can I take a medium sized car and 8m long caravan?
Hi Tony
On both Irish Ferries and Stena Line vessels you can take a medium sized car along with an 8m long caravan. Just select the appropriate size for each vehicle when booking. I hope this helps.
I’m a Brazilian visiting the United Kingdom, and I want to make a day trip to Dublin. Will I need to go through immigration on the way there and back?
Hi Paulo
Due to the complexity of your question we are unable to give you a definite answer. We would advise you check with the Brazilian Government what their policy is for travel to The Republic of Ireland. I am sorry we cannot be of more help.
Can we travel in our camper van ?
Hi John
Of course you are can take your campervan on the ferry. It would be a wonderful way to explore the open road once you arrive. Both companies have guidelines for the size of campervan allowed onboard. Stena Line states your campervan must be less than 4m in height and ;less than 12m in length. Irish Ferries states that your campervan must be less than 2.5m in height and less than 8m in length.
Stena Line currently have an offer running where you can “Save big when you take your motorhome to Ireland from Britain“. Why not click on the link and view the offer in full. I hope this helps.
Hi
I am planning to travel to Dublin on 28th Feb to conduct work from Holhead and return the same day.
Are there any covid restrictions i need to be aware of such as Flow tests ect ?
Thanks.
Hi Tony
Thank you for getting in touch. I am assuming for this post, that you are a British Citizen residing in the UK. There are still a few restrictions in place for travelling to Ireland, These depend on whether you are fully vaccinated or unvaccinated. I’ll link the current Entry Requirements for Ireland, so you can see what is required. I hope this helps.
Hi Natasha we are looking at bringing our camper van over to Ireland, to pick up a puppy, do we need a passport to bring it back into England kind regards John
Hi John
Thanks for getting in touch. Firstly, congratulations on getting a new puppy! When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs:
1) a microchip
2) valid rabies vaccination
3) an animal health certificate, or a valid pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re travelling to
tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta
Why not check out our Travelling with a Dog – Passports and Vaccinations guide for some more information. I hope this helps.
where are the on board kennels have we access to them
Hi Jill
The kennels are located in the car deck of a ferry. You will not be permitted access to the kennels during a crossing, without a member of the ferry crew accompanying you. I hope this helps.
Hi, can my son (16+) travel on foot, alone from Dublin to Holyhead?
Hi Marianna
For both Stena Line and Irish Ferries, they class 16 as an adult, so your son would be able to travel on his own as a foot passenger on these routes. Hope this helps.
can you take a dog on the Dublin swift, are there any charges,.
Hi Peter
Dogs are permitted on the Dublin Swift, and there is no charge for booking the kennels. Kennels must be booked prior to travelling. I hope this helps.
hi can i hire a car at the dublin port for 3 days hire,
Hi Paul
Yes, you are able to hire a car at the Dublin port for three days. Irish Car Rentals, has a base situated at the dock. Please check out their website for prices and vehicle types. I hope this helps.
Is it postable to take motorbike on the ferry crossing from holyhead to Dublin?
Hi Kevin
Yes you can take your motorcycle on this route. Just select “Motorcycle” as your vehicle choice. I hope this helps.
Hi can you please tell me do I need a letter from a doctor to take my tablet with me as I am diabetic. Also if I need passport or a driving lic to go to Dublin as I am British
Hi Kay
As a general precaution you should schedule an appointment with your diabetics team as you will need to bring a letter on medical stationary stating you have diabetes and use pens/meters/pumps. We would also advise you bring a written prescription with generic terms of the medication in case you need to get extra supplies or have to visit a doctor.
With regards to ID, as a British citizen you do not need to bring a pssport with you to Ireland, although a form of ID (like a driving license) is required. Have a look at our Passports and Identification page for more details. I hope this helps.
Hello I was looking to book a minibus with 14 passengers on crossing from Dublin to Holyhead return but on website only goes up to 9 persons. Can you advise if this is possible and how to go about booking please?
Hi Caroline
For bookings larger than 9 people, you have to contact Stena Line directly to make the booking. I hope this helps.
I am retired and rarely use my mobile so considering get rid of it. Fortunately, I have not done this yet as Irish Ferries will not let me book unless I give a mobile number. Presumably, you cannot sail without possessing a mobile? How odd?
Hi Maurice
Thank you for getting in contact with us. The reason Irish Ferries ask for your mobile number is so they can endeavor to make contact with you in the event of any major disruption to your crossing (you may be on route to the terminal at the time when crossings may be cancelled).
You have two options in this situation: 1) Keep you mobile for situations like this. 2) Get rid of your mobile phone, and book your travel tickets via their phone lines rather than online, calling the one of the following numbers: (Tel: 0818 300 400) (Tel: +353 818 300 400). I hope this helps.
Can my two adult passengers leave the car and walk onto the ferry with baby in a pram while I drive the car onto the ferry?
Hi Brian
Unfortunately not. All passengers will have to remain in the car while you drive on. Sorry for the inconvenience.
My vehicle is a transit day van, one with windows in the sides. Is that charged as a normal car or a Van. No commercial goods being carried etc
Hi Tony
It would depend on the length and height of your van, as to whether it was charged as a car or a van. I hope this helps.
Hi I’m travelling by car from holyhead to dublin in August I’m meeting my sister at holyhead shes a footpasenger can she get in my car when I get there? Regards
Anna
Hi Anna
Unfortunately not. As she has purchased a ticket as a foot passenger, she will have to board and disembark the ship as a foot passenger (ie. not inside your car). I am sorry for the inconvenience.
I want to travel out on 2/6/17 and return on 4/6/17.
How do I book as I’m travelling by motorcycle.
Thanks
Hi Nigel
Simply input your desired dates into the online booking section. Then under “How are you travelling”, select “motorcycle/trike”. I hope this helps.
As disabled passenger i wish to travel in an electric wheelchair arriving in Holyhead by train……i would like to know if any companies will asist me in doing this- i would need a lift or ramp to go up or down
Hi Ken
Thanks for getting in touch. All of our ferry companies are always pleased to make arrangements for anyone who requires help at the ports or onboard ships. If you have a disability, reduced mobility or other impairment & require assistance please advise us of your specific requirements at least 48 hours before the start of your journey. This can be done by contacting the ferry operator directly. I hope this helps.
Hi
A client has asked me to carry out some training in Belfast. I am a fire trainer and would be transporting a 13kg cylinder of propane and around 10 fire extinguishers in the back of my VW transporter. Is this allowed
Hi Matt
Yes you are able to transport propane and fire extinguishers on ferry’s, but Under International and UK legislation passengers wishing to carry gases in cylinders (pressure or gas receptacles) need to comply with the provisions which the Company are obliged to apply in accordance with the appropriate regulations. Each ferry company will have a different policy, so we advise you contact them directly on how best to proceed. Sorry we cannot be of more use to you.
Can I buy a ticket at the ferry terminal?
Hi Barbara
Unfortunately not, all tickets must be purchased in advance. Sorry for the inconvenience.
does your dog have to put in kennels on boat or can he say with you??
Hi Shell
You dog is able to remain with you in your vehicle, otherwise it will have to be booked into the onboard kennels. I hope this helps.
I am a US citizen traveling from Dublin to Holyhead with a car. Where is the closest place I can return the rental car (AVIS) and get a train into London?
Hi Donna
The nearest AVIS rental car location to Holyhead is Llandudno Junction Rail Station. It is approximately 50 minutes drive from the ferry port. (Old Aberconwy Filling Station, 113a Conwy Road, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9NH).
From there you can get the train to London Euston (via Chester). The journey takes approximately 4 hours). I hope this helps.
We have booked on the fast ferry from Holyhead to Ireland next week, can I confirm that our dog can travel on that ferry and stay in our car. Many thanks
Hi Peggy
Yes we can confirm your dog can travel on this route and remain in your vehicle. Please check that you pre-booked your dog onboard, otherwise you may not be allowed to travel. I hope this helps.
Will I need a passport to table to Ireland from UK?
Hi Maz
If you are a British / Irish citizen travelling across the Irish Sea you do not need a valid passport. However, it is advised you bring a form of identification with you. If you are a non British or Irish citizen then you will require a passport. Have a look at our Passport and Identification for more information. I hope this helps.
I will be going to the Irish republic for a few days holiday in July’ I don’t have a current passport or driving licence, what ID should I provide?
Hi Brenda
If you are a British / Irish citizen travelling across the Irish Sea you do not need a valid passport. However, it is advised you bring a form of identification with you. If you are a non British or Irish citizen then you will require a passport. Have a look at our Passport and Identification which will show you what types of identification is acceptable. I hope this helps.
why is it more expensive to travel to ireland or northern ireland from england or scotland when its a short ferry crossing the price is a disgrace when you consider you used to be able to travel in a car an 2 passengers on a 5 day return for £79 come on seriously what is stena line an P&O an irish ferries playing at when its more cheaper to sail to europe from england on a 5 day return with a car an 2 passengers?
Hi John
Thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately we here at Ferry To Europe have no control over the price of the crossing. These are determined by the ferry operators. We are sorry to hear you are dissatisfied. We hope you will continue to use our service.
How much earlier than the departure time do we need to be at Holyhead-we will be taking our car
Hi Sheila
Check in times for each route and craft are shown on your E-ticket and Reservation Advice. Please check this before travelling, as it will have all the details you need. I hope this helps.
Can I take syringes in my luggage for daily self administration on medical prescription?
Hi Emily
This will depend on whether the medication which you are taking is legal in Ireland or not. If it is, then yes you can take it in your luggage with you. Have a look at the NHS website for some guidelines about taking medicine on holiday. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/medicines/can-i-take-my-medicine-abroad/. I hope this helps.
Do I need a passport to travel to Ireland,from England
Hi Harry
This will depend on your nationality. If you are a British / Irish citizen travelling across the Irish Sea you do not need a valid passport. However, it is advised you bring a form of identification with you. If you are not a British / Irish citizen, then you will require a passport on this route. Please check out our Passports and Identification Guide for more details. I hope this helps.
Hi how far is the rail station at Holyhead to the place you get on the ferry? Also can I get a train connection from Dublin to Kilkenny?
Cheers
Hi Jacqui
Holyhead port and train station are part of the same building – simply follow the signs within the terminal to get to the train platform.
You can get a direct train from Dublin to Kilkenny. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes. I hope this helps.
Can a bicycle be taken on a ferry as a foot passenger ? Is there any extra cost?
Hi Clive
Yes a bicycle can be taken onboard as a foot passenger. Whilst booking, select bicycle as your vehicle. This will incur a small fee. I hope this helps.
do you allow pedal bikes or just cars and foot passengers
Hi Angela
Yes bicycles are allowed on this route. Just select bicycle as your mode of transport. I hope this helps.
I am travelling with a disabled passenger. Can I have assistance when I drive onto the ferry?
Of course. The ferry companies are always pleased to make arrangements for anyone who requires help at the ports or onboard their ships. Please contact them in advance though to ensure that someone will be in place to help.
How do ẃe get from the train to the ferry in Holyhead? Can we walk from the train station? or must we take a cab?
Hi Kris
Holyhead port and train station are part of the same building – simply follow the signs within the terminal to get to the train platform. I hope this helps.
how mutch is it for car only it will have to be driven on and off for me to collect it at dublin
You (or someone else) will have to travel with the car.
Could you let me know if your ferries are disabled friendly as I am wheelchair bound
All ferries operating on the Holyhead to Dublin routes are “disabled friendly”. For the best possible travel experience you should contact the operator a few days before travelling to identify yourself as having reduced mobility, this means your booking will be flagged and every effort will be to try and position your vehicle close to the passenger lift on-board thereby making the transfer from the car deck to the upper passenger deck areas as easy as possible.
Please can you tell me what, if any, identification myself and my children will need to travel as day foot passengers from holyhead to dublin, as we won’t have time to renew passports?
Thank you very much.
British or Irish citizens travelling on Irish Sea routes do not need a passport to travel to Britain or Ireland but are advised to take a form of identity. A driving licence, citizenship card or utility bill will usually suffice. A birth certificate will provide adequate proof of identity for your child to travel.
is there a SECURE car park at the port or nearby in hollyhead i can leave my car in if i want to travel as a foot passenger to dublin im only stopping over night in sept
Long Term parking is available a short distance from the main terminal building. The cost is £8.00 per day. Pay and ticket machines are located at the car park. A free “park and ride” shuttle bus will bring passengers to/from the car park.
I am taking my car and staying in a cottage, will I be able to take groceries. Do you have to go through custons.
Yes.
Is it OK to take a dog on the boat?
Yes, your dog can remain in your vehicle or be put in the on-board kennels.
EU pet passport rules apply throughout the European Union. All Dogs, Cats and Ferrets should have a Pet Passport to travel and it is your own responsibility to ensure that you have the correct documentation for your pet.
However as both Ireland and the UK have not experienced indigenous rabies for many decades compliance checks on pets travelling between these two countries are not currently applied.
If we should happen to miss our return journey sailing from Holyhead-Dublin.would we be allowed on the next sailing ,we will be travelling with a camper van and 2 dogs.
Hi Brian
If you miss your original booking, the ferry company will endeavour to book you onto the next sailing, subject to availability. You may be charged an amendment fee depending on your ticket type plus any difference in fare. Please note that unused tickets are not refunded. I hope this helps.
I want to travel to travel to Ireland as a foot passenger and leave my car at Hollyhead. Could you please advise me of the earliest boat from Hollyhead to Dublin in the morning for both the outgoing and incoming journey and the price please.
With many thanks.
There is currently departures from Holyhead at 2.40am 11:50am 2.10pm 5.15pm with Irish Ferries and 2.30am 8:55am 1.50pm 8.30pm with Irish Ferries.
There is currently departures from Dublin at 8.05am 8:45am 2.30pm 8.55pm with Irish Ferries and 2.15am 8:20am 3.10pm 9.15pm with Irish Ferries.
How much will it cost for two people:- walking on the ferry (no vehicle), travel first class, on the 26th March and returning 27th March early evening? And of course, is there availability? That is from Holy Head to Dublin. (Once we arrive in Dublin we need to get to Ballymount Dublin 24. If you can help with trains or trams too?)
The price will depend on what sailing you choose. Just use the get a quote link above to get an accurate price and availability.
Dublin Port is very centrally located, only minutes from Dublin city centre. Buses and taxis provide a regular service from the port to the city and beyond.
Dont arrive in Dublin late say on the evening 8.30pm from Holyhead as there is no public transport to city centre or at least there wasn’t some time ago,as on their official timetables.
Watch early morning as well.
Maybe now that it’s summer the transport is better.
during the day time it is ok.