Ferry from Ireland to England

When travelling from Ireland to Great Britain, 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.

There is a seasonal ferry from Dublin to Liverpool, with up to 4 crossings a week when active. The journey takes around 8 hr and ticket prices start at around €47.

Alternatively, you can travel all year round by ferry from the Republic of Ireland to Wales, as well from Northern Ireland to England and Scotland.

Ireland - Wales ferries

• Dublin - Holyhead: you can usually travel with up to 8 daily ferries. The journey takes 2 hr 15 min to 3.5 hr and ticket prices start from about €32.
• Rosslare - Pembroke: there are usually up to 2 daily crossings, which take around 4 hr and ferry tickets cost about €32.
• Rosslare - Fishguard: there are usually 1-2 ferries every day, which need 3-4 hr for the journey. Ticket prices start from around €38.

Ferries from Northern Ireland to England

The Belfast - Liverpool ferry route is typically served with 1-2 crossings per day. The journey normally takes 8-9 hr and ticket prices start from €40.

Northern Ireland - Scotland ferry schedules

There are normally up to 4 daily crossings on the Belfast - Cairnryan ferry route. The trip lasts around 2 hr 20 min and tickets are priced from €42.

The ferries travelling from Ireland to Great Britain 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 serving the Ireland - Great Britain routes, 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 €70.

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

Luggage

Each ferry company connecting Ireland and Britain has its own luggage policy:

• When travelling with Irish Ferries, you are allowed as much luggage as you can carry on board, however you can only bring 1 small piece of hand luggage with you, while the rest must be checked in. Each checked-in item must not exceed 22 kg.
• On Stena Line ferries, 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.

Pet travel

Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Ireland to Great Britain, 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 Ireland to Great Britain:

• The ports in Ireland can get busy, especially during the summer, so it’s best to arrive at least 45 min before your trip. If you are travelling with a vehicle, it is recommended to be at the port at least 1.5 hr ahead of departure.
• The Irish Sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about seasickness medication options.
• If you are travelling from the Republic of Ireland to Great Britain (Wales, England, Scotland), 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, which typically have extra legroom.
• Check out our Map of ferries, where you can see all ferry routes to help you visualise and plan your trip from Ireland to Britain.

Where to take the ferry from Ireland to Great Britain

Ferries to England, Wales and Scotland set sail from 3 ports in Ireland: Dublin and Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland, and 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.

Where does the ferry arrive in Great Britain?

Ferries from Ireland arrive at the ports of Holyhead, Fishguard and Pembroke in Wales, Liverpool in England, and Cairnryan in Scotland.

• The port of Holyhead is on the island of Anglesey in North Wales, is the main port of arrival for ferries from Dublin. 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.
• The port of Fishguard in Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales, is about a 15-min walk from the town centre, where you’ll find restaurants, pubs, and shops. At the port you will find parking, restrooms, and a small café.
• The port of Pembroke (Pembroke Dock) in southwest Wales serves ferries from Rosslare. The terminal is close to the A477 and Pembroke Dock railway station, with parking, restrooms, and a small café on site. Shops, petrol stations, and the town centre of Pembroke are just a short drive away.
• Liverpool is a major British port in northwestern England. The harbour is at Birkenhead, on the Wirral side of the River Mersey and opposite the centre of Liverpool. Around the port are, there are 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.