Holyhead to
Dublin Ferry.

About the crossing between Holyhead and Dublin

There are several ferry operators who provide the crossing from Holyhead to Dublin. Popular choices include Irish Ferries, Stena Line, which operate several departures per day.

The crossing from England to Ireland takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes (the Fast Ferry from Irish Ferries). However, mini cruises are also possible: these are more comfortable, but last a little longer (up to 3.5 hours)

You can enjoy various facilities on board both Irish Ferries and Stena Line. All vessels have restaurants on board and you can optionally book comfortable seats to relax during the crossing to Ireland.

The crossing from Holyhead to Dublin is interesting for travelers from England who want to travel to Ireland quickly and carefree. Especially travelers who want to go on holiday to Ireland by car.

Ferry to Ireland by car

All ferry ships sailing from Holyhead to Dublin are suitable for transporting vehicles. So you can go on holiday to Ireland from England by car via these ferries.

Foot passengers from Holyhead to Dublin

Taking the ferry to Dublin without a car? That is also possible: Stena Line in particular offers many options for this (with Irish Ferries you cannot board as a foot passenger from 8:15 am to 8:15 pm).

How long does the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead take?

The duration of the ferry journey depends on which service you choose.

Irish Ferries offers a fast ferry service that reaches the other side in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Their slower cruise ferries take 3 hours and 15 minutes or 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach Dublin. Stena Line’s crossings consistently take 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Please note that actual sailing times may vary due to currents and weather conditions.

Check-in Times

When estimating your total travel time, remember to factor in check-in times. Most Irish Ferries and Stena Line passengers should check in at least 30 minutes before departure.

Stena Line foot passengers must arrive at least 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

We advise allowing extra time in your schedule to accommodate potential traffic congestion.

Booking Tickets for the Dublin to Holyhead Ferry

You have the option to book directly with the ferry companies or utilize a ferry comparison tool. This approach allows you to plan your journey just once, after which you'll receive a comprehensive overview of all available sailings and their prices, enabling you to purchase your ticket immediately.

• Purchase directly from Irish Ferries.
• Secure your passage via Stena Line.
• Compare and buy tickets using DirectFerries for a broader view of options.

Alternative Routes

There are several ferry routes possible between England and Ireland:

• Fishguard-Rosslare
  Departing from the south of Wales, this route offers a scenic journey.
• Pembroke-Rosslare
  Another departure option from the south of Wales, providing an alternative for travelers in the region.

Ferry map with the route From Wales to Dublin

The ferry route, spanning a mere 67 miles (108 kilometers), offers the shortest maritime link between Wales and Dublin. This direct and efficient connection is advantageous for travelers journeying from the Midlands and Northern England to Dublin, Ireland, ensuring a swift and convenient transit.

Fast Ferry or Cruiseferry?

The main choice on this crossing is whether to take the regular ferry service or the fast ferry.

In our opinion, the fast service is the clear winner for convenience and travel time. If you can book the Dublin Swift (Irish Ferries) at a reasonable price (available in our booking module), we highly recommend it.

Are there any downsides to the fast ferry?

The Dublin Swift is more likely to be canceled during a storm compared to the regular ferry services. Those concerned about seasickness might prefer the Cruise Ferries, which are much larger and more stable on the water.