Ferries to the UK from Ireland
Select departure from “Ireland” to compare ferry routes to your destination
Ferries from Ireland & Northern Ireland to the UK
This guide covers all the ferry routes across the Irish Sea, connecting Ireland and Northern Ireland to Wales, England, and Scotland. Whether you’re travelling to Wales, England, or Scotland, you’ll find everything you need to know about these crossings in one place.
Explore your options and plan a smooth journey from Ireland to the UK.
Map: ferries from Ireland to the UK
About these crossings
Ferry Crossings from Ireland & Northern Ireland to the UK
The map above shows the ferry routes connecting Ireland and Northern Ireland to the UK. Depending on your starting point and destination, you can select the crossing that works best for you.
You can travel from Ireland to Wales, England, or Scotland, offering multiple options to suit your journey.
Note: The Liverpool to Dublin ferry route has been discontinued since 2023.
Ferry Routes from Ireland & Northern Ireland to England, Wales, and Scotland
Ireland to England
- Travel from Belfast (Northern Ireland) to Liverpool (Birkenhead) with Stena Line. The journey takes approximately 8 hours.
- Note: The Dublin to Liverpool ferry route was discontinued in 2023.
Ireland to Wales
There are three main ferry routes from Ireland to Wales:
- Rosslare to Fishguard (approx. 3 hours 30 minutes)
- Rosslare to Pembroke (approx. 3 hours 30 minutes)
- Dublin to Holyhead, the shortest crossing, offering a quick and direct route.
For travellers from Northern Ireland, you can sail to Liverpool and drive south to Wales.
Dublin to Holyhead:
Read About Our Experiences on This Route
We’ve personally travelled this route with both Stena Line and Irish Ferries. Curious about what your journey might look like? Check out our trip reports:
Ferry to Scotland from Northern Ireland
If you’re travelling from Northern Ireland to Scotland, there are two convenient ferry routes to Cairnryan:
- Larne to Cairnryan
- Belfast to Cairnryan
Both crossings are relatively short, with a sailing time of approximately 2 hours, making it an efficient way to travel across the Irish Sea.
Ferry Travel Between Ireland and the UK
The fastest ferry connections from Ireland to the UK are:
- Larne to Cairnryan: 2 hours
- Dublin to Holyhead: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Belfast to Cairnryan: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ferry Routes and Operators
There are 7 ferry routes between Ireland and the UK, operated by 3 ferry companies:
- P&O Ferries
- Stena Line
- Irish Ferries
The ferry you board depends on the route you choose.
Ticket Prices
- Tickets start at around £26, but shorter routes typically cost about £35.
- Longer routes or night crossings may cost more, especially if you book a cabin onboard.
Travel Documents
- For UK and Irish citizens, a passport is recommended but not required. However, you must always carry a valid ID.
- For non-UK and non-Irish citizens, a passport (and visa, if applicable) is required.
For more details, refer to International Ferry Travel ID Requirements.
To check prices, availability, and schedules for ferry crossings between Ireland and the UK, you can use the our booking tool. This platform allows you to:
- Compare prices across different ferry operators.
- Check availability for your desired travel dates.
- View detailed schedules and timetables during the booking process.
By entering your travel details, you can find the most suitable options for your journey.
Additional Information
On some routes, it’s helpful to know a bit more. If that’s the case, we’ll share extra details here.
- If unexpected rough weather occurs, here are the best places to sit to minimise seasickness:
- Sit near the middle of the ferry where movement is least noticeable.
- Avoid the front or upper decks, as these areas feel the most motion.
- Travelling with young kids on a night ferry? We’ve got some helpful tips for travelling with kids here.
