Set Sail for the Emerald Isle: Your Essential Guide for Ferries to Ireland

Planning your ferry trip to Ireland from the mainland United Kingdom? Excellent choice. Let's explore the convenient options available from different parts of Great Britain.

Wales to Ireland

Wales offers some lovely and efficient ferry connections across the Irish Sea:

• Holyhead to Dublin: Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries operate on this popular route, whisking you away to the vibrant capital in approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
• Fishguard to Rosslare: Stena Line provides crossings to the sunny southeast of Ireland on this route, with a comfortable journey of around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Pembroke to Rosslare: Irish Ferries also connects these ports, with a sailing time of about 4 hours.

England to Ireland

If your journey begins in England, the ferry options are a little more limited, and the crossing takes a bit longer:

• Liverpool to Dublin: P&O Ferries operates this route, with a sailing time of 8 to 9 hours. It's an excellent choice for those bringing vehicles, though it's worth noting that foot passengers are not accommodated on this service.

Scotland to Ireland

Scotland offers direct routes to Northern Ireland:

• Cairnryan to Belfast: Stena Line provides a swift and direct connection to Belfast, with a crossing time of just 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Cairnryan to Larne: P&O Ferries also operates from Cairnryan, offering a 2-hour journey to the port of Larne.

For travellers journeying from France, reaching the shores of Ireland by ferry offers a relaxed and enjoyable start to your holiday. While the crossings are longer, they provide a comfortable opportunity to unwind before you begin exploring.

• Cherbourg to Dublin: Stena Line operates a direct service to the Irish capital from Cherbourg, with a sailing time of around 18 hours. This allows for a good night's sleep and a fresh arrival in Dublin.
• Cherbourg to Rosslare: You'll find convenient options to reach the southeast of Ireland via Rosslare, with both Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries offering direct routes.
• Roscoff to Cork: Brittany Ferries provides a direct ferry service to the vibrant city of Cork. This is a superb choice if you're planning to explore the beautiful southern coastline of Ireland.

And for travellers setting sail from Spain, there's a direct ferry connection to the welcoming shores of Ireland.

• Bilbao to Rosslare: Brittany Ferries operates this service, which takes you directly to Rosslare in southeast Ireland. The journey time is between 26.5 and 31.5 hours, making it the most leisurely of all the ferry routes to Ireland – a chance to really settle in and enjoy the sea air.

When travelling by ferry, you'll find Ireland has several welcoming ports, each offering easy access to different parts of this beautiful island.

• Dublin Port: As the busiest of Ireland's ferry ports, Dublin is the perfect arrival point if you plan to explore the vibrant capital city and the wider eastern region of Ireland.
• Rosslare Harbour: Situated in the sunny southeast, Rosslare offers a lovely introduction to Ireland and is ideally placed for discovering the charming towns and stunning scenery of the south.
• Belfast Port & Larne Port: For those with their sights set on exploring Northern Ireland, the ports of Belfast and Larne provide convenient access to this captivating part of the island.
• Cork Port: Located in the south, Cork Port is a delightful gateway for visitors eager to experience the renowned beauty and warm hospitality of the southern regions of Ireland.

When planning your ferry journey to Ireland, you'll find a selection of excellent operators ready to welcome you aboard. Each offers its own special touches to make your voyage a pleasant one.

• Stena Line: Renowned for their comfortable ferries, Stena Line provides a relaxing travel experience. Many of their ships offer onboard cabins for a restful journey, and they also have welcoming policies if you're bringing your furry friends along.
• Irish Ferries: If a swift crossing appeals to you, Irish Ferries often provide faster routes. You can also look forward to delicious dining options and the chance to browse onboard shops during your voyage.
• P&O Ferries: Particularly well-suited for longer journeys, P&O Ferries are a great choice, especially if you're travelling with your vehicle and appreciate a comfortable and reliable service.
• Brittany Ferries: Specializing in luxurious crossings from France and Spain, Brittany Ferries offers a premium travel experience with high-quality amenities to make your journey extra special.

Thinking about the cost of your ferry trip to Ireland? It's good to know that prices can vary a little depending on a few things, such as the time of year you're travelling, when you book your tickets and the type of ticket you need.

• Typical Prices: You'll find different costs depending on whether you're travelling on foot, bringing a vehicle, or wish to book a cabin for extra comfort.
• Best Booking Tips: To give yourself the best chance of securing the cheapest ferry to Ireland, we highly recommend reserving your tickets as early as possible.
• Discounts Available: Many of the ferry operators kindly offer discounts for families travelling together, larger groups, and those who travel frequently, so it's always worth checking if you qualify for any of these.

Embarking on a ferry to Ireland means you can look forward to a range of onboard amenities designed to make your journey as comfortable as possible.

• Cabins & Seating Options: Depending on the ferry you choose, you'll often have a selection of seating options, from comfortable economy seats to the added privacy and relaxation of your own cabin.
• Dining & Shopping: Many ferries feature onboard restaurants where you can enjoy a meal during your voyage, as well as duty-free shops offering a chance to pick up some treats or souvenirs.
• Pet Travel Policies: If you're planning to bring your beloved pets, you'll be pleased to know that most ferry operators have specific policies in place for their travel. It's always a good idea to check these details in advance to ensure a smooth journey for everyone.

When it comes to booking your ferry tickets to Ireland, planning ahead is a great idea.

• Best Website for Booking: You'll find that Openferry (that's us!) offer straightforward booking options right here on our website.
• Advance Booking Advantages: Reserving your tickets in advance offers some lovely benefits. Not only does it help you ensure there's space available on your preferred sailing, but it also often means you can take advantage of the best prices on offer and secure your ideal travel times.
• Last-Minute Tickets: While it might be possible to book tickets closer to your travel date, it's worth keeping in mind that availability could be limited, and prices may be higher compared to booking in advance.

To help your ferry journey to Ireland go as smoothly as possible, here are a few friendly tips to keep in mind:

• Arriving at the Port: We recommend arriving at the port with plenty of time to spare. This will allow for a relaxed check-in process and ensure you can board the ferry without any last-minute stress.
• Luggage Policies: Most ferries are happy to accommodate your luggage, but it's always a good idea to check the specific operator's guidelines beforehand, as there might be some restrictions on the size and weight of bags you can bring.
• Best Time to Travel: If you have some flexibility with your travel dates, you might find that avoiding the busiest peak seasons can make for a more relaxed and peaceful journey across the sea.

While taking a ferry to Ireland is a delightful way to travel, it's always good to be aware of other options available for reaching the Emerald Isle.

• Ferry vs Flights: It can be helpful to weigh up the different aspects of travelling by ferry compared to flying. Consider things like journey time, cost, the ability to bring your own vehicle, and the overall travel experience to decide what suits you best.
• Rail & Ferry Combos: For a wonderfully seamless journey, it's worth exploring if any train companies offer combination tickets that include both rail travel to the ferry port and your onward ferry crossing. This can be a very convenient way to travel from different parts of the UK.

So, as you can see, choosing a ferry to Ireland opens up a world of flexible and comfortable travel, with the added bonus of bringing your own vehicle to explore the beautiful landscapes at your own pace.

Whether your journey starts in the UK, France, or Spain, you'll find a lovely selection of routes and friendly operators ready to welcome you aboard.

As we mentioned above, we recommend booking your tickets ahead of time, taking a look at the different ferry operators to see which best suits your needs, and allowing yourself to relax and enjoy the journey. Let your exciting Irish adventure begin!