Dublin to Holyhead ferry 2027: schedules, prices and vessel guide

Looking for ways to save on your Dublin to Holyhead ferry tickets? You can take advantage of the regular discounts offered for specific traveller categories. While these discounts may differ from one company to another, children 4-15 years old are entitled to 50% discount, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old usually travel free of charge.

How to find cheaper ferry tickets

• Compare both operators: Irish Ferries and Stena Line may offer different fares for your travel date.
• Be flexible with departure times: compare morning, afternoon and late-night sailings to find an option within your budget.
• Check midweek departures: traveling outside weekends and peak holiday periods may give you more affordable options.
• Book busy dates early: particularly if you need vehicle space or a cabin during summer and school holidays.

Both operators serve the route with large ferries equipped with lounges, shops, family facilities and cabin options. Your best pick comes down to sailing time, fare and the onboard experience you're after. Keep in mind that ships and facilities can vary by departure.

Is there a fast ferry from Dublin to Holyhead?

There are no fast ferries on the Dublin to Holyhead route in 2027. Irish Ferries used to operate the Dublin Swift seasonally, but this service ended in 2025. Right now, conventional ferries cover the crossing in about 3 hr 30 min. Fast-ferry services haven't been announced yet, so check back for updates closer to your travel date.

Onboard amenities and fleet comparison

Irish Ferries covers this route with two conventional ferries, Ulysses and James Joyce. On Ulysses, you'll find restaurants, bars, a cinema, a children's play area, a shop and outdoor deck space. You can also upgrade to Club Class for reserved seating, Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks and drinks, and priority vehicle boarding. James Joyce offers restaurants, a cafe and bar, shops, children's facilities, cabins, a Club Class lounge and pet accommodation.

Stena Line sails with Stena Estrid and Stena Adventurer, both featuring restaurants, shops, en-suite cabins and Hygge reclining lounges for a quieter, reserved-seat experience. For extra comfort, you can upgrade to Stena Plus, a premium lounge with sea views and free snacks and drinks. Stena Estrid also has movie lounges, a games zone and a children's play area. Wi-Fi is available on the route, though the service and any charges may vary by vessel and package.

Is Club Class or Stena Plus worth the upgrade?

A lounge upgrade can be a good call if you're after a quieter spot, extra space to work or complimentary refreshments during the crossing. You can book business or VIP lounge seating, with ticket prices starting at around €57-€70 per person each way. The upgrade typically adds around €19-€30 to a standard ticket, depending on the operator and sailing.

With Irish Ferries Club Class, you get access to an exclusive lounge, Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks, and priority vehicle boarding on Irish Sea routes.

Stena Plus offers comfortable seating with sea views and complimentary snacks and drinks. It's included with eligible Premium fares or can be added to some Economy and Flexi tickets.

What cabins can I book?

The conventional ferries crossing the Irish Sea are designed for long-haul travel, so you can book a cabin for 1-4 passengers or a bed in a shared cabin. Depending on the ferry, you can typically choose between:

• Interior cabins
• Exterior cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins (with minibar and breakfast)
• Cabins accessible for travellers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

Cabins prices usually range from around €56 to €143.

Ferries from Dublin to Holyhead operate all year round, with up to 8 daily crossings from Irish Ferries and Stena Line. Early-morning, daytime and late-night departures give you flexibility when planning your journey to Wales. Check the schedules above for available sailings, crossing times and prices on your travel date.

Morning, afternoon and late-night departures

Choose a departure that suits your arrival plans:

• Early morning: the earliest ferry to Holyhead normally departs at around 04:30 at around 08:00, leaving much of the day for exploring or continuing your journey.
• Daytime: morning and afternoon sailings are convenient if you prefer traveling during the day and arriving with time for onward connections.
• Late night: departures around 22:30 arrive at approximately 02:00 the following morning. Sailings after midnight are also available on some dates. If you wish to enjoy more comfort during the crossing, we recommend you book a cabin, particularly if you want to rest before driving.

Departure times vary by date and operator. For sailings after midnight, check the departure date carefully when booking, and arrange onward transport around your arrival time.

Do ferry schedules change with the season?

The route is active throughout the year, but the number of departures and vessels available can vary by season. You can always find real-time schedules information for your chosen date on Ferryhopper.

Note: planning your return journey as wel? Check the Holyhead - Dublin ferry route to compare departure times and find the crossing that suits your plans.

Cars, motorhomes, caravans and bicycles

You can bring your car, motorcycle, campervan, motorhome or caravan on the Dublin - Holyhead ferry, as the conventional ferries serving the route have vehicle decks. Vehicle prices depend on the operator and sailing, with indicative fares starting at around €139 for a car or caravan and €45 for a motorcycle.

When booking, you need to select the correct vehicle type and enter its full length and height, including roof boxes, bicycle racks and trailers. These attachments can affect your fare and the space required onboard. If you’re traveling with a bicycle, select the appropriate option when searching.

Note that you cannot stay in your vehicle during the crossing, and access to the vehicle deck is restricted until arrival. Therefore, remember to take your travel documents, medication, chargers and other essentials with you before heading to the passenger areas.

Luggage allowances for foot passengers and drivers

Your luggage allowance depends on the operator and whether you travel on foot or with a vehicle:

• Irish Ferries: foot passengers can check in up to 2 suitcases per person, each weighing up to 22 kg, and bring a small piece of hand luggage into the passenger areas. Larger bags must be checked in.
• Stena Line: foot passengers traveling between Ireland and Britain have no specific limit on the number of bags, as long as they can manage them themselves. Hand luggage must not exceed 60×50×40 cm; larger bags must be checked in.

If you’re bringing a vehicle, you can leave your personal luggage safely stowed inside it. Keep anything you need during the crossing in a separate bag, as checked luggage and items left on the vehicle deck are generally inaccessible while sailing.

Traveling with pets

You can bring your pet on the Dublin - Holyhead ferry, as long as you add it to your booking and reserve the appropriate accommodation.

Where can my pet stay during the crossing?

Depending on the ferry, your pet can travel in your vehicle, a kennel or a pet-friendly cabin. Some vessels also have dedicated areas where you can stay together:

• Irish Ferries: Ulysses and James Joyce have a Pet Den, an indoor lounge with seating for you and your pet, plus access to an outdoor walkway. Ulysses also has kennels, while James Joyce offers pet-friendly cabins.
• Stena Line: kennels and pet-friendly cabins are available on the route, depending on the vessel. On Stena Estrid, you can visit your pet in the kennel and let it exercise under controlled conditions during the crossing.

You cannot remain in your car during the crossing. If your pet travels in your vehicle, leave it with water and suitable ventilation, and take everything you need before leaving the vehicle deck.

Leads, carriers and muzzles

Follow your operator’s rules when moving through the port and onboard:

• Irish Ferries: pets must be on a lead whenever they are outside a carrier or crate. Dogs must wear a muzzle if they are a restricted breed or present a risk of biting.
• Stena Line: dogs must be under an adult’s control and wear a collar and a non-retractable lead no longer than 1.20 m when being transferred to pet accommodation. Dogs with potential aggressive behavior must wear a muzzle, except while inside a pet carrier, cabin or kennel.

Restricted and banned dog breeds

Stena Line doesn't accept XL Bullies, Pit Bull Terriers (including American Pit Bull Terriers), Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, or Fila Brasileiro. If you're traveling with a Bandog or Boerboel, your dog needs to stay inside your vehicle the whole time, both at the port and during the crossing.

Before you set off for Holyhead, check the rules on banned dog breeds in the UK. Keep in mind that a dog's legal classification depends on its physical characteristics, not just its breed name.

Important: remember to bring your pet's required travel and health documents and your booking confirmation. Pack a lead, plus a carrier or muzzle if required, along with food, water, bedding and any medication for the journey.

Where does the ferry leave from in Dublin?

Ferries to Holyhead depart from Dublin Port, east of the city center. Your departure terminal depends on the operator:

• Irish Ferries: ferries depart from Dublin Port Terminal 1. Use Eircode D01 P3K2 in your navigation app.
• Stena Line: ferries depart from Dublin Port Terminal 2. Use Eircode D01 WD28 in your navigation app.

By car, the Dublin Port Tunnel connects the port with the M50 and M1 motorways. Tunnel tolls apply to cars and vary by time and direction.

Without a vehicle, you can take a taxi or a Nolan Coaches ferry transfer from the city center. Irish Ferries lists transfers from George’s Quay, while Stena’s service connects Terminal 2 with city-center stops and Heuston Station; services from the terminal also stop at Connolly Station.

The Luas Red Line stops at The Point, but this is approximately 3.2 km from Stena’s terminal, so allow around 40 minutes to walk or continue by taxi. There is no direct train service to Dublin Port.

Is parking available at Dublin Port?

Short-term and long-term parking is available near the ferry terminals. Both operators currently list rates of €2 per hour, €9 per day and €50 per week. Payment is available through the APCOA app or the QR codes displayed onsite. Check the signs and ensure your payment covers your full stay.

Holyhead Port and road connections

Ferries arrive at Holyhead Port, on Anglesey in North Wales. The port connects directly with the A55 dual carriageway, making it convenient for onward travel toward Chester, Liverpool and Manchester.

The Irish Ferries postcode is LL65 1DR, while Stena Line lists its Holyhead address at Station Approach, LL65 1DQ.

Holyhead parking and EV charging

The short-stay parking area outside the terminal is limited to 20 minutes for passenger drop-off, pick-up or ticket collection. Nearby long-term parking currently costs £5 for up to 12 hours, £10 for one day and £55 for up to 7 days. Car parks have height restrictions of 2.4 m and 2.1 m, so check clearance if you have a taller vehicle or roof box.

EV charging bays are available, with up to 2 hours of free parking while charging. You can register using the onsite QR code to qualify.

Train connections

Holyhead railway station is accessible from the ferry terminal, making onward train travel straightforward. Connections serve destinations including London Euston, Manchester and Chester, with changes required on some services.

Tip: Rail & Sail combines ferry and train travel in one ticket, connecting Dublin with destinations across Britain via Holyhead.

Since 28 September 2026, all passengers traveling between Dublin and Holyhead must present a valid passport at check-in. This applies in both directions with Irish Ferries and Stena Line, regardless of age or nationality, including British and Irish citizens. Children and infants must have their own valid passport.

Irish citizens can also use a valid Irish Passport Card. Driving licences, birth certificates and other forms of photo ID are not accepted as substitutes for these travel documents. Keep your passport or Irish Passport Card readily accessible for check-in and boarding.

Depending on your nationality and immigration status, you may also need a UK visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.