Ferries Holyhead

When travelling by ferry to Holyhead, you can take advantage of the regular discounts offered to specific traveller categories. While these discounts vary by ferry operator, 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 currently one route connecting the Welsh port of Holyhead to Dublin, Ireland.

The Dublin - Holyhead route operates year-round with up to 8 daily crossings. The journey takes 2 hr 15 min to 3.5 hr, and ticket prices start at around €32.

Ferry companies serving routes to Holyhead

There are currently 2 main ferry companies that serve routes to Holyhead:

• Stena Line typically operates catamarans connecting Holyhead with Dublin.
• Irish Ferries typically serves the Holyhead - Dublin route with conventional vessels.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Holyhead?

Luggage policy on routes to Holyhead varies by ferry company:

• 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.

The duration of a ferry trip to Holyhead normally ranges from 2 hr 15 min to 3 hr 30 min, depending on the ferry type, company, and season.

Catamarans serving the route typically take 2 hr 15 min, while the journey with conventional ferries usually lasts 3 hr 30 min.

Which is the fastest route to Holyhead?

The ferry crossing from Dublin to Holyhead is relatively short, with a typical duration of 3 hr 30 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Holyhead?

Irish Ferries generally offer the cheapest passenger ferry tickets to Holyhead, with prices starting at around €32.

Which port of departure should I choose?

You can currently travel to Holyhead only from the port of Dublin in Ireland’s capital.

What other factors should I consider?

When planning and booking your ferry trip to Holyhead, keep these factors in mind:

• Frequency of crossings and seasonality: there are daily ferry crossings to Holyhead year-round. The number of crossings per day may increase during peak months.
• Type of vessels: you can choose between a catamaran or a conventional vessel when booking your ferry to Holyhead.
• Trip duration: ferry crossings to Holyhead are typically short, ranging from 2 hr 15 min to 3 hr 30 min, depending on the vessel type and operator.
• Luggage and pets: check luggage limits and pet policies in advance, as rules may vary by operator.

Ferries traveling to Holyhead have car decks for vehicle transportation. Carrying your driving licence, vehicle registration, and insurance documents is required for a smooth ferry trip with your vehicle.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Holyhead?

The cost of vehicle transportation to Holyhead depends on the ferry company and the type of vehicle. More specifically:

• On Stena Line ferries travelling to Holyhead, prices start at around €92 for car transport, €44 for a motorbike, and €120 for a motorhome.
• On Irish Ferries, car tickets start from €89, motorbike tickets from €44, and motorhome tickets from €59.

Can I take my motorhome on the ferry to Holyhead?

Yes, ferries to Holyhead have car decks that accommodate small vans and motorhomes.

Both catamaran and open-deck (conventional) ferries to Holyhead are equipped with modern amenities for a relaxed journey across the Irish Sea. On most ferries, you can typically expect to find:

• Air-conditioned lounges and deck seating
• Cafés, bars, and restaurants
• Shops for last-minute purchases or gifts
• Kid- and pet-friendly areas
• Free Wi-Fi

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, there are cabins on ferries to Holyhead. Depending on the ferry operator, vessel, and availability, you can typically book a bed in a shared cabin or a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-bed cabin.

What type of seats can you book?

On both Stena Line and Irish Ferries vessels, you can book a deck-lounge seat. If you opt for a non-refundable seat, the price is lower than that of refundable ones.

On Irish Ferries, you can also book a business seat.

Can I travel first class?

You can book a business seat on Irish Ferries vessels that operate on the Dublin - Holyhead route. These seats are non-refundable, reclining, and with a sea view. Tickets for business seats generally start at around €57.

Are the ferries accessible?

Yes, Stena Line and Irish Ferries vessels to Holyhead Accessibility have additional facilities for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. On most ferries, you will find:

• Wheelchair-accessible toilets and wide corridors
• Assistance for boarding and disembarking when requested in advance
• Adapted seats, elevator ramps, and wheelchairs

Important: contact your ferry company at least 48 hr before departure to arrange specialised assistance.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Holyhead?

Pets are allowed on routes to Holyhead, although policies vary by route and operator. Also, you need to include them in your booking and purchase a ticket.

Where do pets stay on ferries to Holyhead?

You can either book a kennel, a pet-friendly cabin, or keep your pets inside your vehicle when traveling by ferry to Holyhead.

On the James Joyce and Ulysses operated by Irish Ferries, 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.

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

What pet documents do I need on ferries to Holyhead?

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 to Holyhead.

Which dog breeds are not permitted on ferries to Holyhead?

Certain dog breeds are not permitted to travel by ferry to Holyhead, 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.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, both Stena Line and Irish Ferries vessels serving routes to Holyhead offer Wi-Fi onboard so that you can stay connected during your trip.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, most ferries to Holyhead feature movie lounges, children's play areas, and casino games for adults.

Do I need a visa or passport to go to Holyhead?

Ferries to Holyhead from Dublin operate on the international route between Ireland and the United Kingdom (Wales). As a result, passport and immigration checks apply.

Therefore, you will need:

• A valid passport (Irish and British citizens are generally permitted to travel within the Common Travel Area, but a passport is strongly recommended as ferry operators may require photo identification).
• A visa, if required according to your nationality.
• Any additional documentation required for minors travelling alone or with one parent.

If you are travelling to Holyhead with a vehicle, make sure to carry:

• Your vehicle registration documents
• A valid driving licence
• Proof of motor insurance valid in the United Kingdom

Entry requirements can change, so travelers are always advised to check official government sources before departure.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Holyhead on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Holyhead as your destination and your travel dates.
2. Add passengers, pets, and vehicles.
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices.
4. Complete your booking securely online.

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper lets you manage your booking, check for updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

Foot passengers traveling to Hoyhead should arrive at the port at least 1 hr before departure, while passengers with vehicles at least 1 hr and 30 min to 2 hr before. Arriving earlier is highly advisable, especially during peak travel periods (summer months, holidays, and weekends), to allow time for check-in, security, and passport control procedures.

Once you arrive at the terminal, follow the signs for your ferry operator and present your booking reference and travel documents at check-in (if required). Vehicles are directed to waiting lanes before boarding, which usually begins around 45 min to 1 hr before departure, depending on the operator and port traffic.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Stena Line and Irish Ferries do not accept electronic tickets on routes to Holyhead. You will have to collect your paper tickets at the ferry terminal at your port of departure before boarding.

We recommend checking your confirmation email carefully for operator-specific instructions and arriving at the port with your travel documents ready.

Located on the picturesque Isle of Anglesey in northwest Wales, Holyhead is a key gateway between the United Kingdom and Ireland, a place where the Irish Sea meets rugged coastal landscapes. Best known for its busy port with frequent sailings to Dublin, Holyhead combines the welcoming Welsh culture with easy access to natural wonders like the dramatic Holyhead Breakwater and scenic woodland parks, as well as charming attractions such as St Cybi’s Church and the maritime museum.

Find more information on this small but historical town, make sure to check out our Holyhead travel guide.

Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when traveling by ferry to Holyhead:

• 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.
• 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 also check out the other routes connecting Ireland to England.

Best time to book

Holyhead is one of the main gateways between Ireland and the United Kingdom, with year-round ferry crossings from Dublin Port. Ticket demand and availability on ferries to Holyhead vary seasonally. More specifically:

High season

We recommend booking your tickets at least 1 to 2 months in advance, especially if you want to travel with a vehicle or book a cabin. Demand for tickets to Holyhead is at its highest from June to September, with summer crossings and weekend departures selling out quickly.

Spring & autumn

If you are planning a trip to Holyhead in April, May, or October, booking your ferry tickets 3 to 4 weeks in advance is usually sufficient to ensure you travel on your preferred itinerary.

Winter

From November until March, you can often book a few weeks or even days before departure, except during Christmas, Easter, and bank holidays when demand increases.

Good to know: early-morning and late-afternoon crossings to Holyhead are particularly popular with passengers traveling with vehicles.

Arrival at the port

As this is an international route, additional time is required for document and security checks. To ensure a smooth boarding process:

• Foot passengers should arrive at the port at least 1 hr before departure.
• Passengers with vehicles should be at the port 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr before departure.

Boarding generally begins around 45 min to 1 hr before the scheduled departure time.

Vehicle passengers are directed to designated lanes before boarding, while foot passengers check in at the passenger terminal building.

The port of Holyhead is located on the island of Anglesey in northwest Wales and is one of the busiest ports in the Irish Sea. It consists of the Inner Harbor, the Outer Harbor, and the New Harbor, and is sheltered by the Holyhead Breakwater, the longest in the UK (2.7 km).

Are there traveller amenities at the port of Holyhead?

Traveler amenities at the port of Holyhead include:

• Check-in desks and ticket offices
• Waiting lounges
• Cafés and vending machines
• Toilets and baby-changing facilities
• Short-stay parking

How to get to Holyhead Port

The port of Holyhead is directly connected to the A5 and A55 North Wales Expressways.

Holyhead railway station is a 2-min walk from the ferry terminal, offering convenient rail links to major UK cities.

You can also walk from the Holyhead town center and get to the port in about 5 min by crossing the Celtic Gateway bridge.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Holyhead, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.