Ferries to Dublin
Travel to Dublin by Ferry
Three direct crossings to Dublin exist, with options from Holyhead (2), Douglas (Isle of Man) and France.
The Holyhead-Dublin route is the shortest and most popular crossing, operated by both Stena Line and Irish Ferries. With 10 daily sailings, including a fast ferry from Irish Ferries, the journey can take as little as 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Depending on your starting point, you might also consider ferries to Rosslare or Belfast. From both ports, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Dublin.
Check out our ferry map below and continue reading for more details on all available options.
Map: ferry routes to Dublin
Direct crossings to Dublin
About these crossings
When travelling from Holyhead to Dublin, you have two ferry operators to choose from: Stena Line and Irish Ferries. Stena Line operates a conventional ferry service, which is typically more affordable but takes longer. In contrast, Irish Ferries offers a fast ferry that completes the journey in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, providing a quicker option for travelers.
Previously, there was a direct ferry service from Liverpool to Dublin operated by P&O Ferries. However, this route was discontinued in 2023 – see: P&O Ferries.
We've tried and tested both ferries between Holyhead and Dublin: you can read more about our experiences on the ferries in our blog:
Other ferry routes to Dublin include services from Douglas (Isle of Man) and Cherbourg (France). The Cherbourg-Dublin route is convenient for those travelling from mainland Europe to Ireland.
Ferry from Wales to Dublin
There is one ferry route sailing from Wales to Dublin: the Holyhead-Dublin crossing. This journey takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes and is operated by both Stena Line and Irish Ferries. In total, there are 10 daily departures to Dublin.
Ferry from Liverpool to Dublin
For a direct ferry from England to Dublin, the Liverpool-Dublin route was an excellent option. This ferry operated twice daily, with a journey time of approximately 8 hours. It stopped sailing however in 2023.
Ferry from France to Dublin
The only ferry from the European mainland to Dublin is the Cherbourg-Dublin route, operated by Irish Ferries. This direct ferry takes approximately 19 hours, connecting Normandy to the Irish capital.
Sailings are available up to 5 times per week, offering a convenient option for travellers between France and Ireland.
On board and the crossings visualized
Alternative Ferry Routes to Get to Dublin
If the Holyhead-Dublin route doesn’t suit your needs, there are several alternative options to reach Dublin by ferry:
- Rosslare: Ferries to Rosslare provide an excellent choice, and it’s approximately a 2-hour drive from Rosslare to Dublin.
- Belfast: Ferries to Belfast are another option, with a 2-hour drive to Dublin.
- All ferries to Ireland.
Other alternatives include travelling to ports such as Cork, Rosslare, or Belfast and continuing to Dublin by car. These routes allow you to sail from France, Southern Wales, Scotland, and even Spain.
Ferry schedule/timetable
Prices and availability for this crossing.
To explore and compare ferry crossings to and from Dublin including schedules and prices, you can use the booking module below. This tool allows you to plan your journey and secure your tickets efficiently.
Do i need a UK visa in order to travel to Holyhead?
Hi Sujith,
You can read all about passports and international travel documents here:
https://ferrygogo.com/international-ferry-travel-id-requirements/