Wales to Ireland ferry schedules for 2026

Ferries from Wales to Ireland operate throughout the year, connecting the ports of Holyhead, Fishguard and Pembroke with Dublin and Rosslare. With frequent daily crossings and journey times starting from just over 3 hr, travelling by ferry is one of the most convenient ways to reach Ireland from the UK.

On Ferryhopper, you can compare all Wales to Ireland ferry routes, check real-time prices and timetables, discover the latest offers, and book your ferry tickets online with no hidden fees.

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

• Wales - Ireland ferries
• Tickets, offers & discounts
• Ferry companies
• On-board amenities & services
  • Accessibility
  • Cabins & accomodation
  • Luggage
  • Pet travel
• FAQs

Poolbeg Lighthouse in Dublin

Wales to Ireland ferry routes

There are many daily ferries to Ireland departing from the ports of Wales. More specifically, you can get to Rosslare and Dublin from Fishguard, Holyhead and Pembroke. The journey normally takes 3 hr 15 min to 4 hr, depending on the crossing and company, while ticket prices start at around €36 (£32).

Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin

The Holyhead - Dublin route is the most popular way to travel from Wales to Ireland by ferry. The route is active all year round, usually with up to 10 daily crossings, with the journey taking as little as 3 hr 15 min and tickets priced from €36 (£32).

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

Ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare

The Fishguard - Rosslare ferry route is typically served 2 times a day, all year round. The crossing takes 3.5-4 hours and ferry tickets cost from €44 (£39).

Ferry from Pembroke to Rosslare

The Pembroke - Rosslare ferry route is served year-round, usually with 2 daily crossings. The ferry ride takes about 4 hr, and ticket prices start at around €43 (£38).

Tickets, offers & discounts for Wales - Ireland ferries in 2026

Wales to Ireland ferry ticket prices

The starting price of ticket for Wales to Ireland ferries usually range from €36 (£32) to €44 (£39), depending on the route and company. Here are some indicative starting prices:

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

The most budget-friendly Wales to Ireland ferry route is Holyhead - Dublin, with prices starting at around €36 (£32).

Keep in mind that if you’re travelling as a family or group of friends and sharing a car or cabin, then the overall cost per person will be lower, as the additional cost is split between passengers.

Your final ferry ticket price will depend on the route, ferry company, season, accommodation type (where applicable), and whether you’re travelling as a foot passenger or with a vehicle.

Offers and discounts

When travelling on the Wales to Ireland ferry routes, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts offered 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 have special offers 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 Wales to Ireland ferry routes

There are 2 ferry operators travelling to Ireland from Wales:

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

The emerald green coastline in County Wexford, Ireland

On-board services & amenities

The conventional ferries travelling from Holyhead to Dublin 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
• Duty free shops and kiosks 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 I book a cabin?

The conventional ferries serving the Wales - Ireland routes typically have cabins 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

Cabin prices normally start from around €100 (£88) to €135 (£120).

Can you sleep on the Wales to Ireland ferry?

Absolutely. While the Wales - Ireland ferry routes are generally short, there are several early-morning and late-night sailings, so booking an en-suite cabin is an ideal way to grab a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. Bedding, fresh towels, and toiletries are provided, allowing you to wake up fully refreshed for your onward journey in Ireland or Wales. Alternatively, you can stretch out in a numbered reclining seat in the business or VIP lounge on most ferries.

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.

Starting prices for seats in VIP and business lounges range from €55 (£49) to €69 (£61).

Luggage

Each ferry company has its own luggage policy:

• 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.
• 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.

Pet travel

You can travel with your pet on most Wales - Ireland ferries, provided you include them 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 between the UK and Ireland, as they are banned. 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.

What documents do I need for my pet?

When travelling from Wales to Ireland by ferry, you will need to to bring your pet’s travel and health documents, including microchip identification, rabies vaccination certificate, and tapeworm treatment, as well as the tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Keep in mind that you must complete an advance notice form for your pet with the INIS - Imports Portal of the Irish Department of Agriculture, so that a compliance check is carried out when you arrive. Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment at least 1-5 days before reaching Ireland.

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 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.

The Ha’penny Bridge over the River Liffey in Dublin

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Wales to Ireland?

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

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

What is the quickest ferry from the UK to Ireland?

The quickest ferry route is from Holyhead to Dublin, with the journey from Wales to Ireland taking just under 3 hr 30 min.

How much does a ferry cost from Wales to Ireland?

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

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

If you are a British or Irish citizen, you must bring a passport or other valid form of ID, such as a photo ID card.

If you are a citizen of another country, you will need a valid passport, as well as an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or visa, depending on your nationality.

How far is Ireland from Wales?

The exact distance between Wales and Ireland 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 Ireland from Wales?

Yes, the ferries serving the routes from Wales to Ireland have car decks for transporting vehicles. Prices usually start from about €140 (£125) to €175 for a car, €40 to €45 (£39) for a motorcycle and €140 (£125) to €200 for a caravan.

Make sure to bring your driving licence, vehicle registration (V5C) and insurance documents.

Can I see Ireland from Wales?

Yes, you can see Ireland from Wales, but only when the weather conditions are perfect. Your best bet to spot Ireland is from high points in West or North Wales, such as the summit of Yr Wyddfa in the Eryri / Snowdonia National Park, the Mynydd Mawr headlands on the Llŷn Peninsula and Holyhead Mountain (Mynydd Twr) on Anglesey. If the conditions are just right, you can see the Wicklow Mountains across the Irish Sea.

Sunset view of the Irish Sea

Book your Wales to Ireland ferry tickets

Planning an Irish getaway? All you need to do is hop on a ferry in Wales, relax onboard as you cross the Irish Sea, and arrive ready to explore the Emerald Island!

On Ferryhopper, you can find all available ferry crossings from Wales to Ireland, compare schedules and fares, and book your tickets online with ease. Use our Map of ferries to plan your ideal Wales to Ireland ferry trip in 2026 with no hidden fees.