Holyhead - Dublin (Irish Ferries)

If you are planning on catching an Irish Ferries sailing between Holyhead and Dublin, you have the choice of two boats, the faster Dublin Swift, or the luxurious Ulysses Cruise ship. The latter is cheaper and has a greater range of facilities on board, but takes around twice as long to cross the Irish Sea.

After checking in at Holyhead, passengers are transferred to the boat by free shuttle bus, as they are located a short distance from the terminal.

Ulysses

The Ulysses is an enormous car and passenger ferry, apparently the world's largest car ferry (with the ability to carry 1342 cars and 2000 passengers). The boat has a range of facilities, including cinema, bars, lounges and restaurants. The ship is also equiped with WiFi (additional cost). Cabins are available for passengers (full details and options available here). 

Dublin Swift

The Dublin Swift travels at around 80kph during the short crossing. Onboard, passengers have the choice of two bars and two restaurants, as well as a TV lounge, entertainment stage and gaming area. WiFi is also available at an additional cost.

At the Dublin end of the journey, both ferries serve Dublin Ferryport. Dublin city centre can be reached most easily by bus or taxi. A bus is waiting for passengers on arrival at the Ferryport, with journeys to Dublin's central bus station costing €2.50 for adults, and €1.25 for children. If you aren't planning on heading to Dublin, the Ferryport is a two minute walk from Dublin Connolly Station, which has trains to Belfast and Wicklow. If you are planning on travelling to Cork or Galway, catch a tram from Dublin Connolly Station to Heuston. 

Each ship has two sailings per day, although there are no sailings on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The last sailing from Dublin before Christmas is the 08.45 service on 24th December. The first sailing from Dublin after Christmas is on 27th December at 08.05. The last sailing from Holyhead before Christmas is the 14.10 service on 24th December. The first sailing from Holyhead after Christmas is the 12.00 service on 27th December.

The sailing timetable is as follows. If you are travelling by train to Holyhead before catching the train, the best ferry to book is the 14.10 Ulysses sailing.

A full list of up-to-date fares can be found on the Irish Ferries website.

Foot Passenger Minicruises:

If you are only planning on spending a short time away, discounted fares are available. Foot passengers staying away for less than 24hrs can buy a return ticket for as little as £33 for adults, £14 for children. Discounted rates are also available for those travelling with cars, with fares starting from £120 return. 

These fares are only valid for return travel on certain sailings:

To be eligible for this ticket, you must catch the first sailing on or before completion of 24 hours away from home. Adults must accompany under 18 year olds. A £5 fee will be charged for credit card bookings. A maximum of 8 passengers may be included on each booking.

Foot Passenger Day Trips:

If you are planning on staying away for even less time, then you can take advantage of the special day trip offer. This discount is valid for trips that last less than 12 hours after arrival at the port. Return tickets cost £27 for adults, and £14 for children.

These fares are only valid for return travel on certain sailings:

To be eligible for this ticket, you must catch the first sailing on or before completion of 12 hours away from home. Adults must accompany under 18 year olds. A £5 fee will be charged for credit card bookings. A maximum of 8 passengers may be included on each booking.