Ferry from England to Ireland

When travelling from 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 British Isles 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 and tickets priced from around €45.
• 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 €40.

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 €46.

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 €42.

The ferries serving the 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

On ferries travelling from 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

All cabins feature en suite facilities, towels, bedding and a TV with a free video-on-demand service. Cabin prices normally start from €90.

Most ferries also have reclining seats in the VIP lounge, which have extra legroom.

Luggage

On the ferries of Stena Line from Britain to Ireland, there are no restrictions on weight or the number of checked-in baggage. However, hand luggage must be no larger than 60x50x40 cm, and you must be able to carry it on board yourself.

Travelling with pets

Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Britain to Ireland, provided they are added to your booking when you purchase your tickets. On shorter routes operated by Stena Line, you may keep your pet in your vehicle, but on longer crossings, it’s recommended to book a space in the kennels or a pet-friendly cabin. Some ferries also feature dedicated pet lounges, where you may stay with your pet during the journey.

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. Remember to bring the necessary travel and health documents, including your pet’s microchip identification, valid rabies vaccination, tickets, and any pet supplies needed for the trip.

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.

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 Britain to Ireland.

Where to take the ferry from England to Ireland

Ferries to Ireland depart from several ports across Great Britain: Holyhead and Fishguard 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 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.