Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin

When travelling on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry, you can take advantage of the regular discounts offered to specific traveller 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.

The ferries travelling from Holyhead to Dublin are equipped with a range of 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 the Holyhead to Dublin ferry, you can book a cabin or a seat in a VIP or business lounge for a more comfortable and relaxed journey.

What cabins can I book?

The conventional ferries serving the Holyhead - Dublin route have cabins for 1-4 passengers, as well as beds in shared cabins. Depending on the ferry, 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 travelers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

Cabin prices range from around €56 to €143.

What seats can I book?

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

Starting prices for seats in VIP and business lounges range from €55.

Luggage

When travelling by ferry between Britain and Ireland with Irish Ferries and Stena Line, you are allowed 1 piece of hand luggage up to 60x50x40 cm. There are no restrictions on the weight or number of check-in luggage.

Can I take my pet on the ferry?

Yes, pets are allowed to travel on Holyhead - Dublin 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.

Keep in mind that when travelling from Britain to Ireland, 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.

Important: certain dog breeds are banned in the UK and thus not not permitted to travel. 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.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

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.

What pet documents do I need?

You must 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). Dogs must also receive tapeworm treatment at least 1-5 days before reaching Ireland.

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

• The port of Holyhead can get quite busy, especially in the summer and on weekends, so we recommend being there at least 45 min in advance. If you are travelling with a car, it’s best to be at the port 1.5 hr before the ferry departs.
• The Irish Sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• As you will be crossing the international border between the UK and Ireland, don’t forget to bring a valid passport. Keep in mind that British and Irish citizens are exempt from passport control, however a valid photo ID is required.
• When planning your return trip to Wales, have a look at the Dublin-Holyhead ferry schedules.
• You can also travel to Ireland on the Fishguard - Rosslare ferry. For all travel options, you can check out the England - Ireland ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin

Ferries to Dublin depart from the port of Holyhead, on the island of Anglesey in North Wales. The ferry terminal is about a 5-min walk from Holyhead town centre, so it is easy to reach on foot if you’re staying nearby.

Around the port, you’ll find cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops, as well as car parks, and accommodation options.

How to get to the port in Holyhead

The port is walkable from the centre, however if you are further away or travelling with luggage, buses and taxis are readily available.

The Holyhead railway station is right next to the ferry terminal, with direct train services from major British cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff, often timed to connect with ferry departures.

If you are driving, you can easily reach Holyhead via the A55 North Wales Expressway, which links to the A5. It usually takes about 1 hr 30 min to drive from Chester and around 2 hr from Liverpool, depending on traffic.

Where does the ferry arrive in Dublin?

Ferries from Holyhead in Wales usually dock at the port of Dublin, also know as Calafort Átha Cliath, the largest and most important port in the Republic of Ireland. You can easily travel from the port to the city centre by car and the public transport network (public bus, tram, and rail services).

Near the port, you can find many useful amenities and services, including restaurants, hotels, parks, and museums.