Ferry from Portsmouth to Ireland
Looking for a ferry from Portsmouth to Ireland? While Portsmouth is a major ferry port with routes to France and the Channel Islands, there are currently no direct ferry services operating between Portsmouth and any port in Ireland.
Despite the city’s strong maritime links, Ireland is not one of the destinations served from this south coast hub.
That said, getting from Portsmouth to Ireland by ferry is still very manageable, thanks to two reliable alternative routes.
The first option is to drive from Portsmouth to Liverpool, which typically takes around 4.5 to 5 hours. From Liverpool (Birkenhead terminal), you can take the ferry to Belfast, operated by Stena Line. This service runs twice daily and is open to both vehicles and foot passengers. Once in Belfast, you’ll have direct access to Northern Ireland and easy onward travel options.
Liverpool To Ireland Ferries
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Alternatively, you can drive from Portsmouth to Holyhead in North Wales—a longer journey of around 6 to 6.5 hours. From Holyhead, both Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate frequent sailings to Dublin, making it a great option if you’re heading to the Republic of Ireland.
Holyhead to Dublin Ferries
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So, while there’s no direct Portsmouth to Ireland ferry, travelling via Liverpool or Holyhead offers the most efficient and flexible alternatives.
Once you arrive, visit our Ireland destination guide for travel ideas, local highlights, and tips to make the most of your time across the Irish Sea.
