Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead

When travelling from Dublin to Holyhead, you can take advantage of the regular discounts offered to specific traveller categories. While these discounts differ from one company to another, children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket prices, while infants and toddlers up to 4 years old usually travel for free.

Dublin to Holyhead ferry route

The ferries travelling from Dublin to Holyhead are equipped with modern amenities for a relaxed journey across the Irish Sea. On most ferries, 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
• Free Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip

Cabins and accommodation

On ferries traveling from Dublin to Holyhead, you can book a cabin or seat in the business or VIP lounge for a more comfortable journey.

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.

What seats can I book?

Standard deck/lounge seating is included in the price, however the conventional and high-speed ferries also have business or VIP lounges. In these exclusive areas, you can enjoy the trip in comfy reclining seats with extra legroom and Wi-Fi access.

Starting prices for seats in VIP and business lounges range from €57 to €70.

Luggage

Each ferry company has its own policy regarding luggage.

• When traveling with Irish Ferries, you are allowed 1 small piece of hand luggage, while all other items must be checked in. The maximum weight of each checked in piece of luggage is 22 kg.
• On Stena Line ferries, you can bring as many pieces of luggage as you want, however, hand luggage must not exceed 60x50x40 cm, and larger bags must be checked in. There are no weight restrictions.

Pet travel

Pets are allowed to travel on ferries between Dublin and Holyhead, provided you include them in your booking and purchase a ticket.

Depending on the ferry, you can either have your pet with you or in your vehicle, or you can book a place in a kennel or a pet-friendly cabin. On the James Joyce and Ulysses operated by 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.

Smaller animals must be kept in special carriers, while larger animals must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Remember 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.

Important: certain dog breeds are not permitted to travel, 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.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Dublin to Holyhead:

• The port of Dublin can get quite busy, particularly in the summer, so it’s best to be there 45 min ahead of your departure. If you are travelling with a car, it’s recommended to be there at least 1.5 hr in advance.
• The Irish Sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking seasickness tablets before your ferry trip. As always, discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• While the ferry trip is usually about 3.5 hr, you can book a cabin for greater comfort and privacy during your journey, especially if you are traveling in the evening. Alternatively, you can book a numbered airplane-style reclining seat.
• When planning your return trip, check out the Holyhead-Dublin ferry routes.
• If you’re looking for a ferry from Dublin to England, the crossing to Holyhead in Wales is the quickest and most convenient option. For all travel options, you can check out the Ireland - England ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead

Ferries to Holyhead depart from the port of Dublin (Calafort Átha Cliath), the largest and most important port in the Republic of Ireland. It is about 5 km east of the city centre and easily accessible by car and the public transport network.

Within the main port area, there are 2 ferry terminals. Irish Ferries operates from Ferry Terminal 1, while Stena Line ferries depart from Ferry Terminal 2. You can walk from one terminal to another in about 10-15 min.

At the port, you will find ticket offices, waiting areas, restrooms and information desks, and in the surrounding area you can find many more useful amenities and services, including restaurants, hotels, parks, and museums.

How to get to the port of Dublin

In addition to taxis, which are readily available around Dublin, you have plenty of public transport options to reach the port.

• Several Dublin Bus routes serve the port area, with stops near the ferry terminals, including bus 53.
• On the LUAS tram system, you can use the Red Line to get to The Point, and from there continue on foot or hop in a taxi.
• The nearest DART train stations are Connolly and Docklands, and from where you can either continue by bus or taxi.

If you are traveling with your car, you can easily reach the port via the M50 motorway, with clear signage for the port and ferry terminals. The drive from Dublin city centre typically takes 15-30 min, depending on traffic.

Where does the ferry arrive in Holyhead?

Ferries from Dublin typically dock at the port of Holyhead, on the island of Anglesey in North Wales. The terminal is near the A55 dual carriageway, which links directly to the British motorway network.

Within walking distance from the port, you’ll find cafés, shops, car parks, and accommodation options.