Dublin to Holyhead ferry

Ferry Operators for Dublin to Holyhead

Direct Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead

Travelling by ferry from Dublin to Holyhead in Wales is a popular way of going between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. The route is operated by Stena Line and Irish Ferries with an average of four departures a day by each company and a crossing time of around 3 h 15 hours. The ferry runs direct from Dublin to Holyhead and tickets are reasonably priced, offering a cheap and sustainable option for travel. As the route is available for foot passengers and cars, it is a popular way exploring the stunning scenery on both sides of the crossing. Read on to discover sailing times, port information, ferry ticket prices, and what to expect aboard the ferry.

Sailing Times: Ferry Dublin to Holyhead

All ferries from Dublin to Holyhead are direct and take between 2 to 3h 15 minutes to make the crossing. In adverse weather conditions, the crossing may take longer or departures may be delayed. Both Dublin Port and the Port of Holyhead have a range of passenger facilities that include car parking, check-in booths, toilets, ATMs, shops and refreshments.

Timetables Ferry Dublin – Holyhead

What Ferries go from Dublin to Holyhead?

Stena Line is a Swedish-owned company, based in Gothenburg, that was launched in 1962. It has fast become one of the world's largest ferry operators, with 25,000 yearly sailings and 17 different ferry routes across Europe. Stena Line offers affordable prices between Dublin and Holyhead, with the aim of reducing the environmental footprint for all travellers. All Stena Line ferries have been adapted to meet the requirements of passengers with limited mobility or additional needs. Spaces for wheelchairs, however, are limited so advance booking is essential.

Services onboard Stena Line ferries on this route:

• Stena Adventurer: this ferry comes kitted out with a bar, restaurant, cabins, duty free shop and lounges. It’s possible to sit back and watch a free movie in the Movie Lounge or enjoy a selection of different hot and cold meals at the restaurant. Upgrade to the exclusive Stena Plus Lounge or simply relax in the Hygge Lounge. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the main passenger lounges.
• Stena Estrid: find great comfort and amenities for all the family on Stena Estrid. Onboard services include a restaurant serving hot and cold food, bar, duty free shop and lounges. For kids, there is a Happy World play area, a Game Zone, plus the change to watch a free moving in the Movie Lounge. The Stena Estrid is designed with Scandinavian inspired interiors and also includes a Hygge Recline Lounge and the more luxurious Stena Plus Lounge.

Irish Ferries from Dublin to Holyhead

Irish Ferries operates between Ireland, the UK and France with a fleet of modern cruisers and fast ferries. It operates the only fast ferry on the Irish Sea and makes 16 daily sailings on Irish Sea routes. It also operates a Dover to Calais ferry, from the UK to France, with up to 30 sailings a day.

Services onboard Irish Ferries on this route:

• Ulysses: equipped with plenty of onboard amenities, including 2 cinema screens, free Wi-fi, a children’s play area, the Boylans Brasserie with hot and cold food, Blooms bar, a shopping court and a Club Class Lounge. Passengers can also upgrade to book cabins for added privacy.
• Dublin Swift: the only fast ferry operating on this route, the Dublin Swift makes the journey from Dublin to Holyhead in around 2 hours. Onboard amenities include the Club Class Lounge, Cafe Lafayette, onboard shopping, Wi-Fi, and a TV lounge.
• Oscar Wilde: the largest ferry on the Dublin to Holyhead route. The ship has a capacity for 2,080 passengers and is equipped with plenty of onboard facilities including a children’s play area, restaurants with hot and cold food, bars, cafes, and a selection of cabins.

How to find cheap ferries from Dublin to Holyhead

There is not a huge variation in price between sailings on different days and at different times, however booking in advance is the best way to find the cheapest ferry ticket. Ticket prices for each passenger are approximately £38 while vehicles are charged according to their dimensions. While it is possible to buy tickets for ferries from Dublin to Holyhead on the day of travel, spaces cannot be guaranteed – especially if you are a foot passenger. It is always advisable to book in advance especially during peak holiday periods.

How long is the ferry journey from Dublin to Holyhead?

All ferries from Dublin to Holyhead take approximately 3.5 hours to complete the journey of 50 miles (43 nautical miles, 80 km) between the two ports. The fastest time is around 2 hours on the Dublin Swift ferry run by Irish Ferries. Your actual travel time, however, will be longer as you need to check-in at least an hour before your scheduled departure.

Do I need a passport for the ferry between Dublin and Holyhead?

UK passengers do not strictly need a passport to travel between Dublin and Holyhead however are advised to bring some form of photo ID. Non UK/Irish citizens will need a valid passport and a visa where applicable – it’s best to check with the relevant embassy before travelling if you think you might need a visa.

Port Information: Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead

Departure port: All Stena Line ferries from Dublin to Holyhead sail from Dublin Port. The terminal is located four miles east of Dublin city centre from where it is clearly signposted. There is limited pay and display parking at the terminal for foot passengers. A dedicated coach service runs from the city centre to the terminal and is scheduled to fit the timings of some sailings. If this is not available, the journey can be made by taxi.

Arrival port: Ferries from Dublin to Holyhead sail into the Port of Holyhead. This is in Anglesey North Wales and conveniently located for the A55 from which it is clearly signposted. There is a long-stay car park with a park and ride shuttle service and electric charging points. For passengers wishing to arrive by train, Holyhead Station can be found in Terminal 1 of the port.

What amenities are there at the ports?

Dublin Port:facilities at the terminal include ticket offices, TV screens and a children's TV area, WiFi, toilets with baby change facilities, a passenger lounge and a limited choice of refreshments. All areas are easily accessible to passengers with limited mobility. There are accessible toilets and further assistance is available on request.

Port of Holyhead: facilities at the terminal include ticketing offices, toilets, WiFi, a travel centre, an ATM, car rental desks, a lounge with TV, and a small selection of shops and cafes. There are accessible toilets and step-free access at the Stena Line terminal Port of Holyhead while further assistance can be requested as required.

Foot passenger information

The direct ferry from Dublin to Holyhead is available to both foot passengers and vehicles. Foot passengers can carry one piece of hand luggage on board and check-in two suitcases. Bicycles can also be checked in as luggage. On arrival at Holyhead, foot passengers can disembark immediately but may have to wait for any checked-in luggage. It takes a little longer for all cars to leave the ship. There may also be passport and security checks at your port of arrival.

Can I bring my pet onboard?

There is no charge for pets in cars while foot passengers can use onboard kennels for which there is a charge. Registered service animals are allowed in passenger areas of the ferry. All animals brought on board must have the correct documentation including their European Pet Passport.