Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead
Tickets, prices & schedulesYou can travel by ferry from Dublin to Holyhead all year round, with up to 8 daily crossings. The journey from Ireland to Wales normally takes around 3.5 hr and ticket prices start at around €32.
Irish Ferries and Stena Line serve the route across the Irish Sea with conventional ferries and high-speed catamarans. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.
Discounts
When travelling from Dublin to Holyhead, 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.
On-board services and amenities
The ferries travelling from Dublin to Holyhead are equipped with 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 ferries traveling between Dublin and Holyhead you can book a cabin for 1-4 passengers or a bed in a shared cabin for a more comfortable and relaxed journey. Depending on the ferry, you can typically choose between:
- Interior cabins
- Exterior cabins with a sea view
- Deluxe cabins (with minibar and breakfast)
- Cabins accessible for travellers with disabilities
- Pet-friendly cabins
Cabin prices start from around €56.
Alternatively, most ferries have VIP lounges, where you can book a reclining seat with extra legroom.
Luggage
Each ferry company has its own policy regarding luggage.
- 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 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.
Pet travel
Pets are allowed to travel on ferries between Dublin and Holyhead, provided you include them in your booking and purchase a ticket. Depending on the ferry, you can either have your pet with you or in your vehicle, or you can book a spot in a kennel or a pet-friendly cabin.
Smaller animals must be kept in special carriers, while large-sized animals must be equipped with a muzzle or a leash at all times. Make sure to bring along your pet’s necessary travel and health documents, tickets and pet supplies for the trip.
Useful tips for your ferry trip to Holyhead from Dublin
Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Dublin to Holyhead:
- The port of Dublin can get quite busy, particularly in the summer, so it’s best to be there 45 min ahead of your departure. If you are travelling with a car, it’s recommended to be there at least 1.5 hr in advance.
- 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. Alternatively, you can book a numbered airplane-style reclining seat.
- When planning your return trip, check out the Holyhead-Dublin ferry routes.
- 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 check out the Ireland - England ferry schedules.
Where to take the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead
Ferries to Holyhead depart from the port of Dublin (Calafort Átha Cliath), the largest and most important port in the Republic of Ireland. It is easily accessible from the centre of Dublin 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.
Where does the ferry arrive in Holyhead?
Ferries from Dublin typically dock at the port of Holyhead, on the island of Anglesey in North Wales. 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.
How long is the ferry ride from Dublin to Holyhead?
The duration of the Dublin - Holyhead ferry trip normally ranges from 2 hr 15 min to 4 hr 30 min, depending on the ferry type, company and season.
Dublin - Holyhead ferry companies
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FAQs
Yes, it is possible to travel by ferry from Dublin to Holyhead with a car. The cost of transporting a vehicle depends on the ferry company, and prices typically start from about €110 for a car or camper and €45 for a motorcycle.
Yes, the Dublin - Holyhead ferry route is only served by conventional and high-speed ferries. The fastest ferry needs 2 hr 15 min to cover the distance.
The distance between the port of Dublin in Ireland and the port of Holyhead in Wales is about 58 nautical miles (107 km).
No, the last ferry of the day usually sets sail for Holyhead at 22:30 and reaches the Welsh port at around 02:00.
With Irish Ferries and Stena Line, you can book your tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.
Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.
Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.