Ferry from England to Ireland

When travelling from Great Britain to Ireland, you can take advantage of the regular discounts offered to specific traveller categories. Typically, children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket prices, while infants and toddlers up to 4 years old usually travel for free.

While there is no direct ferry route from England to Ireland, there are regular crossings from Wales to the Republic of Ireland, as well as ferries travelling from Scotland and England to Northern Ireland. Here’s how you can travel between the islands of Ireland and Britain by sea:

Wales to Ireland ferries

• You can travel on the Holyhead - Dublin ferry up to 4 times a day, with the journey taking 3 hr 15 min to 3 hr 30 min and tickets priced from around € 27.04.
• There are usually 1-2 daily crossings on the Fishguard - Rosslare ferry connection. The journey takes 3-4 hr and ticket prices start at about € 28.48.
• The Pembroke - Rosslare ferry route is usually served with 2 daily crossings and the journey normally takes about 4 hr. Ferry ticket prices start from € 43.49.

England - Northern Ireland ferry schedules

The Liverpool - Belfast ferry route is served 1-2 daily crossings, with the journey taking 8-9 hr and ticket prices start from about €42.

Ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland

There are up to 4 daily crossings on the Cairnryan - Belfast route. The ferry trip lasts just 2 hr 15 min and tickets cost from around €42.

The ferries serving the Great Britain - Ireland routes are equipped with a range of modern amenities and services for a relaxed journey across the Irish Sea. On board, you will generally 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

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

On ferries travelling from Great Britain to Ireland, you can usually book a cabin for up to 4 passengers or a bed in a shared cabin for a more comfortable journey. Typically, you have the option between:

• Standard cabins
• Superior cabins (with tea/coffee maker)
• Deluxe cabins (with double bed, tea/coffee maker and mini fridge)
• Wheelchair-accessible cabins
• Pet-friendly cabins

Cabins generally feature air conditioning, toiletries, bedding and en suite facilities. Depending on the route and vessel, cabins may have additional amenities, such as a TV with a free video-on-demand service.

Cabin prices normally start from €90.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, in addition to standard deck/lounge seating, the ferries also have business or VIP lounges, where you can book a numbered reclining seat. In these exclusive areas, you can enjoy the trip in comfy seats with extra legroom and Wi-Fi access.

Prices for seats in VIP and business lounges start from about €55 to €65, depending on the route and vessel.

Luggage

Each ferry company has its own luggage policy:

• With Irish Ferries, you can bring as much luggage as you can carry on the ferry yourself. If you are travelling as a foot passenger, you can leave your baggage on the bus that transfers you to the ferry (it also travels on the ship) or you can take it with you.
• Stena Line allows you to bring as much luggage as you can carry on board yourself. Hand luggage must not exceed 60×50×40 cm, while larger bags should be checked in before boarding.

Travelling with pets

Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Great Britain to Ireland, provided they are added to your booking when you purchase your tickets.

Smaller pets must remain in a carrier, while larger animals must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle at all times outside cabins or the kennel area.

Important: certain dog breeds are not permitted to travel, as they are banned in the UK and Ireland. These include XL Bullies, Pit Bull Terriers (including American Pit Bull Terrier), Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

The pet accommodation options depend on the route, operator and vessel.

• With Stena Line, your pet can either stay in a pet-friendly cabin, in the onboard kennels or in your vehicle.
• With Irish Ferries, your pet can stay with you in the pet-friendly lounge or in your vehicle.

Important: if you decide to leave your pet in your vehicle, try to leave a window slightly open for ventilation.

What travel documents do I need for my pet?

When travelling from the UK to Ireland, you will need to 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). Additionally, dogs will need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before your arrival date.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from England to Ireland:

• The British ports can get busy, especially during the summer, so it’s recommended to be there at least 45 min before your trip. If you are travelling with a vehicle, plan your arrival at least 1.5 hr ahead of departure.
• The Irish Sea can get a bit rough, so if you are prone to seasickness, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about motion sickness medication options.
• If you are travelling from the UK (Wales, England, Scotland) to Ireland, you will need to bring a valid passport. While there is no passport control for British or Irish citizens, a valid photo ID is required.
• For greater privacy and comfort during the ferry trip, especially for longer or overnight crossings, we recommend you book a cabin. Alternatively, there are reclining seats available in the VIP lounge, with extra legroom.
• Check out our Map of ferries, where you can see all ferry routes to help you visualise and plan your trip from Great Britain to Ireland.

Where to take the ferry from England to Ireland

Ferries to Ireland depart from several ports across Great Britain: Holyhead, Fishguard and Pembroke in Wales, Liverpool in England, and Cairnryan in Scotland.

• The port of Holyhead, located on the island of Anglesey in North Wales, is the main departure point for ferries to Dublin. The terminal is close to the A55 dual carriageway, which links directly to the British motorway network. In the port area, you’ll find cafés, shops, car parks, and nearby accommodation options, all within walking distance.
• Further south is the port of Fishguard in Pembrokeshire, Southwest Wales. The port is about a 15-min walk from the town centre, where you’ll find restaurants, pubs, and shops. The terminal itself offers parking, restrooms, and a small café for passengers.
• The Pembroke ferry terminal in Southwest Wales is on the southern bank of the River Cleddau, about 2 km from the town centre of Pembroke Dock and roughly 15 km from the town of Pembroke. Nearby, you will find basic traveler amenities, including a café, a weighing room, and accessible toilets,
• The city of Liverpool is located in northwestern England. The terminal is situated at Birkenhead, on the Wirral side of the River Mersey, opposite the city centre. Around the port, you will find petrol stations, shops, and hotels.
• The port of Cairnryan, in southwest Scotland, is about 8 km north of Stranraer. Around the terminal area you will find parking, restrooms, and refreshment facilities.

Where does the ferry arrive in Ireland?

Ferries from Wales arrive in Dublin and Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland, while ferries from England and Scotland dock at the port of Belfast in Northern Ireland.

• Dublin, the Irish capital, is on the eastern shores of Ireland. The port (Calafort Átha Cliath) is the largest in the country and about a 20-min car ride from centre of Dublin. In the port area, you will find cafés, pubs, restaurants, as well as shops, hotels, parks, and museums.
• The seaside town of Rosslare is on the southeastern coast of Ireland, about 175 km from Dublin. Rosslare Harbour is one of the busiest in Ireland and is near the village of Kilrane. You can easily reach the centre of Rosslare from the port in just under 10 min by car and 15 min by bus.
• The port of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is on the northeastern side of the island. Stormont Dock (Belfast Harbour) is around 3 km from the city centre, and you can easily get there by car, taxi, or bus.

Which ferry should I choose?

The best ferry route depends on where you are travelling from and which part of Ireland you want to reach.

• The Holyhead - Dublin connection is usually the most convenient choice for Dublin and eastern or central Ireland. It offers multiple daily sailings, and the crossing takes approximately 3 hr 15 min to 3 hr 30 min.
• For southern and southeastern Ireland, consider the Fishguard - Rosslare or Pembroke - Rosslare routes. Fishguard crossings take around 3-4 hr, while the ferry from Pembroke normally takes about 4 hr. Both are useful if you are travelling onwards to destinations such as Wexford, Waterford or Cork.
• If you are heading to Northern Ireland, the Cairnryan - Belfast ferry is the fastest option, with a journey time of around 2 hr 15 min.
• The Liverpool - Belfast route is more convenient for travellers departing from northern England, although the crossing takes approximately 8-9 hr. As some sailings operate overnight, booking a cabin can make the journey more comfortable.