Ferry from Southampton to Ireland
Searching for a ferry from Southampton to Ireland? While Southampton is a major port city with strong maritime connections, there are currently no direct ferry services operating between Southampton and any Irish port.
Despite the city’s location on the south coast of England, Ireland is not served from this terminal.
Fortunately, there are two practical and well-established alternatives for reaching Ireland by ferry from Southampton.
The first option is to drive from Southampton to Liverpool, which takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours depending on traffic. From Liverpool (Birkenhead terminal), you can board the ferry to Belfast, operated by Stena Line. This route runs twice daily and welcomes both vehicles and foot passengers, providing a comfortable and scenic journey across the Irish Sea.
Liverpool To Ireland Ferries
Alternatively, you can drive from Southampton to Holyhead in North Wales, a journey of about 6 to 6.5 hours. From Holyhead, Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate frequent sailings to Dublin, making this an ideal choice if you’re heading to the Republic of Ireland. The crossing takes just over three hours and offers excellent onboard amenities.
Holyhead to Dublin Ferries
So, while a direct Southampton to Ireland ferry doesn’t exist, travelling via Liverpool or Holyhead provides the most efficient way to reach your destination.
Once you arrive, visit our Ireland destination guide for travel tips, must-see attractions, and ideas to help you make the most of your time in Ireland.