In 2024, we sailed from Holyhead to Dublin with Irish Ferries on the fast Dublin Swift. For the return journey, we deliberately chose the larger Stena Estrid from Stena Line. This gave us the chance to compare a fast catamaran with a conventional Irish Sea ferry on the same route.
This report focuses on our Dublin Swift crossing: check-in at Holyhead, boarding with the car, movement at sea and whether the Club Class upgrade was worth the extra cost. For current crossing times, ships and operator comparisons, use our complete Holyhead-Dublin ferry guide.
Our departure from Holyhead
Holyhead is a small ferry port in Wales with the railway station beside the passenger terminal. The terminal building had the basic facilities we needed, including a small shop, ticket desks and toilets. You can park nearby or drive directly towards the operator check-in.
At check-in, we received a coloured hanger for the car mirror that identified our sailing. We then continued through the security area. During our journey, the vehicle was checked and the driver went through an additional security check before we were directed to the waiting lanes. Procedures can differ by sailing, but it is worth allowing time for checks rather than arriving close to the deadline.
After a short wait, we saw Dublin Swift arrive. Before joining Irish Ferries, the vessel was chartered for US military transport under the name WestPac Express, carrying military vehicles and equipment. It is an unusual history for a passenger ferry, and Irish Ferries has done a convincing job of converting the interior for the Irish Sea route.
Driving on board
The boarding process was straightforward. Staff directed the vehicles onto the ferry and the parking deck felt spacious and easy to navigate. As on most ferries, it is important to take everything you need upstairs because access to the vehicle deck is restricted during the crossing.
What is Dublin Swift like on board?
We were pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness of the interior. Everything looked spotless during our crossing. There were several passenger seating areas, a shop and places to get something to eat or drink, including Café Lafayette.
At the back of the catamaran is a small outdoor area enclosed by a cage-like structure. It is not as relaxing as the open sun deck on a larger conventional ferry, but it gave us somewhere to step outside, get some fresh air and take in the view. We could also watch other ferries passing, which added something to the short crossing.
Does Dublin Swift move more than a conventional ferry?
Dublin Swift moved more than the conventional ferry we used on the return journey, and the Irish Sea can be lively in unsettled weather. The difference was noticeable rather than alarming on our crossing. If you are particularly sensitive to motion, a larger ferry may feel steadier. Our guide to the best ferry seats for seasickness includes more practical advice.
Club Class on Dublin Swift
To explore the ship properly, we added Club Class to our booking. It cost us around £18 per person in 2024. This is what we paid for our journey, not a current advertised price. The upgrade included:
- Priority vehicle boarding
- Access to the lounge at the front of the ship
- A selection of snacks and drinks
- Complimentary coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Clear forward-facing sea views
Was Club Class on Dublin Swift worth it?
Club Class was popular on our crossing, including with families, so it was not an empty private lounge. Even so, it gave us a quieter place to sit and clear views from the front of the ferry.
The buffet reminded us of a simple hotel breakfast rather than a full restaurant meal, but it was convenient on a short crossing. We would book the upgrade again, particularly when travelling with children or when the standard seating areas are likely to be busy.
Arrival at Dublin Port
Dublin Port is considerably larger and busier than Holyhead. In our photographs you can see ships from both Irish Ferries and Stena Line, including the operator we used for the return journey on Stena Estrid.
If you are choosing between the fast ferry and a conventional ship, read our Holyhead-Dublin route comparison. If you are still deciding how to reach the Irish capital, compare the different ferry routes to Dublin.
Our Dublin Swift verdict
Dublin Swift is a good option when saving time is the main priority. Our crossing felt efficient, the interior was spotless and the ship had enough facilities for a journey of just over two hours. Club Class made the experience noticeably more comfortable.
The main compromise is movement. A fast catamaran can feel livelier than a large conventional ferry, particularly on the Irish Sea. Travellers who value space, onboard facilities or a steadier-feeling crossing should also compare the larger ships from Irish Ferries and Stena Line.
For us, the combination worked well: Dublin Swift for a quick outward journey and Stena Estrid for a more spacious return. We would choose between them by departure time, weather, price and who we were travelling with rather than always selecting the fastest ship.
Have a question about our crossing or something shown in the photographs? Leave a comment below and we will answer based on our journey where we can.
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This was a very helpful article. What time of year did you travel? is there a time of year that tend to have rougher weather and water?
thank you