Liverpool to Dublin ferry: route no longer sailing
Liverpool to Dublin in short
- not a regular passenger ferry route
- used temporarily during the Holyhead disruption
- best Dublin option: Holyhead to Dublin
- best Liverpool-area ferry: Liverpool to Belfast
- South Wales alternatives: Fishguard to Rosslare and Pembroke to Rosslare
Liverpool to Dublin ferry: what happened to this route?
There is currently no regular Liverpool to Dublin ferry for passengers. The Liverpool/Birkenhead to Dublin sailing appeared as a temporary solution during the Holyhead port disruption after Storm Darragh in winter 2024 to 2025. It helped keep traffic moving across the Irish Sea while the main Holyhead to Dublin route was affected, but it should not be treated as a normal bookable ferry route.
If you want to travel to Dublin, the main route is again Holyhead to Dublin. If you want to sail from the Liverpool area, the practical passenger ferry is Liverpool to Belfast, although that takes you to Northern Ireland rather than Dublin.
Looking for a discount on this crossing? Before you book, check the current P&O Ferries discount codes and offers. We check every offer against the operator’s own website.
Our straightforward route advice
- If your destination is Dublin: start with Holyhead to Dublin. It is the main direct Wales to Dublin crossing and the route we would check first.
- If you are based around Liverpool or northern England: compare the drive to Holyhead with the Liverpool to Belfast ferry. Belfast can work if your trip is in Northern Ireland or you do not mind continuing south after arrival.
- If you are in South Wales or the southwest: look at Fishguard to Rosslare and Pembroke to Rosslare. They are not Dublin routes, but they can make more sense for the south and southeast of Ireland.
- If you saw an old Liverpool to Dublin timetable: treat it as disruption history, not a current sailing schedule.
Map: Liverpool to Dublin and the main alternatives
The map gives the context, but the point is simple: Liverpool to Dublin is not the normal route. For Dublin the crossing is Holyhead to Dublin; from the Liverpool area the ferry that sails is Liverpool to Belfast; from South Wales the permanent routes go to Rosslare.
Best alternatives to Liverpool to Dublin
Use this table to choose the route that actually fits your journey.
| Route | Best for | Watch out for | FerryGoGo verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holyhead to Dublin | Dublin, eastern Ireland, foot passengers, cars and campervans | You need to drive or take the train to north Wales first | The main option if Dublin is your destination |
| Liverpool to Belfast | Travellers starting near Liverpool, Manchester or northern England | It lands in Belfast, not Dublin | Useful if Northern Ireland works for your trip, less direct for Dublin |
| Fishguard to Rosslare | South Wales, southwest England and the southeast of Ireland | Not ideal if you specifically need Dublin | A strong South Wales route, but not a Dublin substitute |
| Pembroke to Rosslare | South Wales to Rosslare with Irish Ferries | Longer onward drive if Dublin is the target | Worth comparing with Fishguard to Rosslare for South Wales trips |
Better route for Dublin
For Dublin we would not plan around Liverpool. Start with Holyhead to Dublin, a route we have sailed ourselves on both the Dublin Swift and a regular Stena Line ferry.
Go to the Holyhead to Dublin route page-
- Ferry from Liverpool to Dublin – stopped sailing
Why did Liverpool to Dublin appear?
The route appeared during an unusual disruption period. Storm Darragh damaged berths at Holyhead in December 2024, which affected the main ferry corridor between Wales and Dublin. Operators had to move quickly because Holyhead is a key port for passengers, freight and Christmas travel between Britain and Ireland.
During that period, temporary alternatives were discussed or used, including extra capacity through ports such as Birkenhead/Liverpool, Fishguard and Rosslare. Once Holyhead reopened in January 2025, the normal route network became the relevant one again. That is why Liverpool to Dublin should now be seen as historic disruption context, not a route to compare for a normal trip.
Can you book Liverpool to Dublin?
No, not as a regular passenger ferry. Any old fare, timetable or route card you come across is left over from the disruption period. Compare the current routes below instead.
Practical questions
Is there a ferry from Liverpool to Dublin?
No regular passenger ferry currently sails from Liverpool or Birkenhead to Dublin. The route was temporary during the Holyhead disruption and should not be used for normal trip planning.
What is the best ferry route to Dublin from northern England?
For Dublin, the usual answer is Holyhead to Dublin. From Liverpool, Manchester and the north west, you drive or take the train to Holyhead first, then cross directly to Dublin.
Is there still a ferry from Liverpool to Ireland?
Yes, but not to Dublin. Stena Line operates Liverpool to Belfast, which can work well for Northern Ireland or for travellers who prefer sailing from the Liverpool area.
What are the best South Wales alternatives?
Fishguard to Rosslare and Pembroke to Rosslare are the permanent South Wales ferry routes to Ireland. They are better for the south and southeast of Ireland than for Dublin.
Why do some websites still show Liverpool to Dublin?
Some route pages, booking feeds or old news items still refer to the temporary disruption route. Check current operator availability before planning around any Liverpool to Dublin sailing.
Useful for travellers to Ireland
