Ferry Holyhead Dublin
Crossing between Holyhead and Dublin
Travelling Between the United Kingdom and Ireland
On the Holyhead-Dublin route, which connects Wales to Ireland, you can choose between Stena Line and Irish Ferries. Both operators provide regular services across the Irish Sea, with the journey taking approximately 3.5 hours.
During the high season, Irish Ferries also offers a fast catamaran option, the Dublin Swift, which completes the crossing in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Map: crossings between Holyhead and Dublin (blue)
About these crossings
- Route: Wales (Holyhead) ➜ Ireland (Dublin)
- Duration: From 2 hours 15 minutes
- Ferry Companies: Stena Line & Irish Ferries
- Best Alternative: Fishguard ➜ Rosslare
For a full list of options, check out all the ferry routes from the UK to Ireland.
Choosing Between Stena Line and Irish Ferries
Stena Line:
- Their ships, including the Stena Estrid and Stena Adventurer, are better equipped to handle bad weather, offering a more comfortable journey in rough conditions.
- They also provide more onboard entertainment options, making the trip more enjoyable.
Irish Ferries:
- Offers the Dublin Swift, a faster catamaran service, ideal for those prioritising a quicker crossing during the high season.
Stena Line and Irish Ferries operate on a regular schedule, typically offering four standard sailings per day each on the Holyhead-Dublin route. During the high season, Irish Ferries adds two additional daily crossings with their Dublin Swift fast ferry, which reduces the journey time to 2 hours and 15 minutes.
For those seeking a quicker crossing, check the Dublin Swift section for more details about this service.
Ferry Costs
- Foot passengers: Prices start at approximately £37.
- Vehicles: Bringing a car costs at least £150, but this can rise during peak periods.
To get the best rates, it’s strongly recommended to book early. Both operators are generally similar in pricing, but it’s still wise to compare fares for your preferred sailing date to ensure the best deal.
Holyhead Port
The Holyhead ferry terminal is compact but equipped with all the essential facilities. There is a nearby train station, as well as places to get food and drinks. If needed, you can visit the ticket desk inside.
For passengers with a car or camper, simply drive to the check-in area to begin your journey.
Driving Onboard
- First, proceed to the check-in, where you’ll go through customs shortly after.
- Then, wait in the designated lane until you are signalled to drive onboard the ferry.
Ships on the Holyhead-Dublin Route
There are five ships operating on the Holyhead-Dublin route:
Irish Ferries:
- Ulysses
- James Joyce
- Dublin Swift (fast ferry)
Stena Line:
- Stena Estrid
- Stena Adventurer
From Dublin to Holyhead
The return journey is as follows:
Prices and availability for this crossing
Sailing Schedule
There are several departures throughout the day in both directions, allowing you to book a crossing from early morning to midnight, making it easy to fit the ferry into your travel plans. For exact timings, check the booking module.
Daily Departures:
- Irish Ferries: Up to 6 sailings per day in both directions.
- Stena Line: Up to 4 sailings per day in both directions.
The first crossings begin between 02:00 and 03:00, and the last crossings are between 20:00 and 21:00.
Additional Information
On some routes, it’s helpful to know a bit more. If that’s the case, we’ll share extra details here.
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:
Worried About Seasickness?
If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s better to book the regular ferry.
- The Dublin Swift catamaran moves more in rough seas compared to the larger, regular ferries operated by Stena Line and Irish Ferries.
- 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.
Journey from Holyhead to Dublin on the Fast Dublin Swift Catamaran Ferry
Port information
To get to the departure port, use the address and follow the signs to the terminal when you arrive.
Holyhead
Stena Lines & Irish Ferries Holyhead terminal address:
Both ferries depart from the same port entrance. You can navigate to:
- Stena House, Station St, Holyhead LL65 1DQ, UK, and follow the signs.
Dublin
Dublin terminal address:
- North Dock, Dublin, Ireland.
