Ulysses
The Ulysses is a cruise ferry operated by Irish Ferries on the Holyhead–Dublin route. Entering service in 2001, it is the largest ferry on the Irish Sea, with capacity for 1,875 passengers, 1,342 cars, or about 4,100 lane metres of freight. The vessel reaches speeds of up to 22 knots (approximately 25 mph), making it the highest-capacity ship of the five ferries serving the crossing.
On Board
Facilities
On board the Ulysses, passengers have access to multiple decks with facilities, including restaurants, bars, lounges, a large duty-free shop and even two cinemas!
Family amenities such as a children’s play area are available, while those seeking extra comfort can book the Club Class lounge with upgraded seating and complimentary refreshments. The vessel also offers cabins for privacy.
Ferry Facts
- Type ship: Cruise Ferry
- Length: 686 ft
- Beam (width): 102.3 ft
- Draught (depth): 21 ft
- Passenger capacity: ~ 1875 passengers
- Vehicle capacity: ~ 1340 cars
- Cabins: 117 cabins, 228 beds
- Speed: 22 knots
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Year Built: 2000, Aker Finnyards, Finland
Good to know about the Ulysses
Onboard Highlights
- Largest ferry on the Irish Sea
When launched, Ulysses was the largest car ferry in the world, and it remains the largest on the Irish Sea today. Ulysses has a capacity for 1,875 passengers abd around 1340 cars (or over 4,000 lane metres). Its size makes it more stable than the smaller ferries on the route, which is especially beneficial during stormy weather and helps reduce the risk of seasickness. - Two onboard cinemas
A unique feature compared to the other Holyhead–Dublin ferries. Passengers can watch films during the 3-hour crossing, making the journey more enjoyable, particularly for families with children. - Club Class lounge
This premium lounge offers quieter and more spacious seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, and panoramic views. Club Class passengers also benefit from priority boarding and disembarkation, saving time at the port. - Pet facilities
In addition to pet-friendly cabins, Ulysses features a dedicated Pet Den, allowing passengers to bring their pets onboard and visit them during the voyage, a feature not available on every vessel serving the route.
Cabins
On board Ulysses there are 117 cabins and suites, providing 228 berths in total. All are located above the waterline, fully air-conditioned, and come with private en-suite facilities. A “2-berth Window Suite” includes extra comforts such as a separate seating area, TV, mini-fridge, and tea/coffee facilities.
The cabins are concentrated on Deck 10, keeping them close to the ship’s amenities while remaining sheltered from the busier upper decks. Some suites also include priority boarding for motorists, ensuring a quicker start and finish to your journey. Designed as more than just a place to sleep, these cabins combine comfort and convenience to help passengers arrive truly refreshed.
Book easily online
The Ulysses is the largest ferry on the Irish Sea, operating year-round on the Holyhead–Dublin route with a crossing time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes. When booking, it pays to plan ahead as fares on Ulysses follow a dynamic pricing system, which means tickets are usually cheaper the earlier you secure your place.
With space for almost 1,900 passengers and extensive vehicle capacity, the ship is popular during peak travel periods. Booking in advance not only guarantees the best price but also ensures availability for your car or van on busy sailings. For added comfort, you can choose from cabins, Club Class seating, or standard lounges when selecting your ticket.
