Ferry to Wales from Ireland: complete 2026 guide

Set sail across the Irish Sea!
Fri, 12 June 2026 Ferryhopper

Ferries from Ireland to Wales operate year-round, connecting the ports of Dublin and Rosslare with Holyhead, Fishguard and Pembroke. With regular daily sailings and crossing times starting from just over 3 hr, ferry travel offers a comfortable and convenient way to reach Wales and continue your journey across Great Britain.

On Ferryhopper, you can compare all ferry routes from Ireland to Wales, check real-time prices and timetables, discover the latest offers, and book your ferry tickets online without hidden fees.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about the ferry to Wales from Ireland in 2026.

View of ferry crossing the Irish Sea

Set sail for Wales!

Wales to Ireland ferry routes

You can travel by ferry to Wales from Ireland all year round, usually with about 10-12 daily crossings. Ferries set sail from the ports of Dublin and Rosslare in Ireland and arrive at Fishguard, Holyhead and Pembroke in Wales.

Dublin - Holyhead

You can travel by ferry from Dublin to Holyhead with up to 8 crossings every day. The journey to Wales from Ireland normally takes 3 hr 15 min to 3 hr 30 min and ferry tickets are priced from £32 (€36).

Note: on this route, Irish Ferries does not allow foot passengers.

Rosslare - Fishguard

In 2026, the Rosslare - Fishguard ferry route is typically operated with 1-2 daily crossings. The trip across the Irish Sea usually takes around 3 hr 30 min and tickets cost from £39 (€44).

Rosslare - Pembroke

There are usually 1-2 daily crossings on the Rosslare - Pembroke route, with the journey typically lasting about 4 hr. Ferry ticket prices for this Ireland - Wales route start from roughly £38 (€43).

Note: for your return trip, have a look at our detailed guide on the Wales to Ireland ferry schedules in 2026.

Tickets, offers & discounts for ferry to Wales from Ireland in 2026

Ireland - Wales ferry ticket prices

The starting ticket prices for the ferry to Wales from Ireland range from £32 (€36) to £39 (€44). The final cost depends on the route, whether you travel as a foot passenger or with a vehicle, and the type of accommodation, as well as the ferry company and season.

Indicative prices for the Ireland - Wales ferry routes are as follows:

  • Dublin - Holyhead: from £32 (€36)
  • Rosslare - Fishguard: from £39 (€44)
  • Rosslare - Pembroke: from about £38 (€43)

The most budget-friendly ferry travel option is the route from Dublin to Holyhead, with ticket prices usually starting at around £32 (€36).

Offers and discounts

When planning your trip on the ferry to Wales from Ireland, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available to specific passenger categories. While these discounts may differ from one company to another, children under 16 are usually entitled to lower ferry ticket prices, while infants and toddlers up to 4 years old travel for free.

Additionally, the ferry companies periodically offer special deals on Wales - Ireland ferries, such as early-bird discounts or lower prices for round-trip bookings. As such, planning and booking your ferry well in advance is the best way to secure the lowest ferry ticket prices for your trip.

These discounts and special offers are applied automatically when you book through Ferryhopper, so you’ll always get the best available price.

Ferry companies operating Ireland - Wales ferry routes

There are 2 companies serving the ferry routes to Wales from Ireland:

  • Irish Ferries operates the Dublin - Holyhead and Rosslare - Pembroke routes.
  • Stena Line serves the Dublin - Holyhead and Rosslare - Fishguard routes.

Panoramic view of the coastline at Fishguard in Wales, UK

The dramatic Welsh coastline at Fishguard

On-board services & amenities

The conventional ferries travelling to Wales from Ireland are equipped with a range of modern amenities for a relaxed journey across the Irish Sea. Onboard, you will typically find:

  • Air-conditioned lounges and deck seating to enjoy the sea view
  • Cafés, bars and restaurants serving snacks, drinks and meals
  • Shops for the essentials, last-minute purchases and gifts
  • Entertainment, including movie lounges, play areas for children and casino games for adults
  • Wi-Fi hotspot with free and premium options available to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The Irish Ferries and Stena Line ferries operating the Wales to Ireland routes are generally accessible to travelers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, as well as wheelchair-accessible cabins with adapted amenities.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins & accommodation

Can you sleep on the Ireland - Wales ferry?

Yes, although the Ireland - Wales ferry routes are generally short, there are several crossings in the early morning and late evening, so you can book an en-suite cabin and arrive fully refreshed. Most ferries also have numbered reclining seats in their business or VIP lounges, where you can stretch out for a few hours.

What type of cabins can I book?

On the Irish Ferries and Stena Line ferries serving the Ireland - Wales routes, you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers. Depending on the ferry and crossing, you can typically choose between:

  • Standard interior cabins
  • Exterior cabins with a sea view
  • Deluxe cabins (with minibar, double bed and breakfast)
  • Cabins accessible for travellers with disabilities
  • Pet-friendly cabins
  • Shared cabins

Starting prices normally range from around £105 (€110) to £119 (€135) for a 2-person cabin.

What seats can I book?

In addition to standard deck/lounge tickets, most ferries also offer business-class or VIP seating options. These numbered reclining seats are usually located in an exclusive area and come with extra legroom and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Prices for seats in VIP and business lounges usually start from around £48 (€55) to £60 (€69).

Luggage

Each ferry company has its own luggage policy:

  • When travelling with Irish Ferries, you can bring as much luggage as you can carry on board. You are allowed to carry 1 small piece of hand luggage with you, while the rest must be checked in through the luggage handling facility. Each checked-in item must not exceed 22 kg.
  • On Stena Line ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry, with no weight restrictions. However, hand luggage must not exceed 60×50×40 cm and larger bags should be checked in before boarding.

Pet travel

You can generally bring your pet on the ferry to Wales from Ireland, provided you include it in your booking and purchase a ticket. Smaller animals must be kept in special carriers, while larger animals must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times.

Important: certain dog breeds are not permitted to travel on Ireland - Wales ferries, as they are banned in the UK. These include XL Bullies, Pit Bull Terriers (including American Pit Bull Terriers), Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. Bandogs and Boerboels are allowed to travel, but must remain in your vehicle at all times at the port and during the trip.

Where do pets stay?

Depending on the ferry and route, you can either have your pet with you, in your vehicle, in the onboard kennels or in a pet-friendly cabin. On some Irish Ferries vessels, you can also book a space in the Pet Den, which is a dedicated indoor lounge with seating for you and your pet, as well as access to an outdoor walkway.

What documents do I need for my pet?

For the ferry to Wales from Ireland, you must bring your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip). Dogs, will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before entering the UK.

View of beach at Rosslare in Wales, UK

Panoramic view of the beach at Rosslare

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry ride from Ireland to Wales?

The duration of the Ireland - Wales ferry trip depends on your port of departure and destination. Here are indicative travel times for all routes:

  • Dublin - Holyhead: 3 hr 15 min to 3 hr 30 min
  • Rosslare - Fishguard: 3 hr 30 min to 4 hr
  • Rosslare - Pembroke: normally 4h

What is the shortest sea crossing from Ireland to Wales?

The quickest ferry route is from Holyhead to Dublin, with the journey from Wales to Ireland taking about 3 hr 15 min.

How much does a ferry cost from Ireland to Wales?

Starting ticket prices for Wales - Ireland ferries range from £32 (€36) to £39 (€44), depending on the route and company.

Do you need a passport to go to Wales from Ireland by ferry?

You’ll need a valid ID and your booking confirmation to travel on the ferries to Wales from Ireland.

  • British & Irish citizens: you can travel with a valid photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence), although a passport is recommended.
  • EU and non-EU citizens: a valid passport is required and you may also need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), depending on your nationality.

How far is Wales from Ireland?

The exact distance between Ireland and Wales depends on your ports of departure and arrival.

  • Holyhead - Dublin: about 58 nautical miles (around 107 km)
  • Fishguard - Rosslare: approximately 52 nautical miles (around 97 km)
  • Pembroke - Rosslare: around 87 nautical miles (about 160 km)

Can I take my car on the ferry to Wales from Ireland?

Yes, the ferries serving the Ireland - Wales routes have car decks for transporting vehicles. Prices usually start from about £127 to £146 (€143 to €165) for a car, £39 to £46 (€44 to €52) for a motorcycle and £127 to £165 (€143 to €188) for a caravan.

Make sure to bring your driving licence, vehicle registration and insurance documents.

View of the sea from out on deck on a ferryboat as the sun setes

Wales is only a short ferry hop from Ireland

Book your tickets for the ferry to Wales from Ireland

Planning a trip from Ireland to Wales in 2026? Whether you're heading to Wales for a short getaway or continuing your journey across Britain, travelling by ferry is a comfortable and convenient choice.

On Ferryhopper, you can use our Map of ferries to find all available ferry crossings from Ireland to Wales, compare ferry companies, and book your tickets online in just a few clicks.