Planning Ferry Crossings from Holyhead to Dublin, Holidays in Ireland

A traveller to Ireland may pick one of the ferry crossings from Holyhead to start their vacation on the Emerald Isle, using either Stenaline or Irish Ferries which operate out of Holyhead Port on Anglesey island. With much improved road communications from the rest of Wales and England, car drivers will find the journey to the North West Wales port a breeze. Just think back to the times when the Irish Mail coach would take over 24 hours from London to Holyhead.

Just imagine of you want to get to say Tralee or Sligo in the west of Ireland, you can get your car across on the Dublin ferry or by catching the fast ferry to Dun Laoghaire from Holyhead. Both Stenaline and Irish Ferries offer a 3.5 hour cruise ferry crossing, and they carry both cars and freight trucks to Dublin Port.

Adverse weather conditions can sometimes cause ferry crossings from Holyhead across the Irish Sea to be cancelled, particularly when big seas build up from the south west, making a sea crossing very difficult. In these strong winds and high waves the cruise ferries may sometimes manage the crossing but such sea conditions are too much for the fast ferry sailings run by both companies. It is a good idea to make sure your travel insurance can cover for such eventualities so that you can make a claim on the policy in the event of a cancellation. This can cover you for perhaps a stay at a local hotel or bed and breakfast in or around Holyhead.

Make sure the ferry crossing times are convenient for your onward journey in Ireland, as you will find the timetables vary between the two companies as well as depending on the time of year, with fewer sailings outside the busy holiday season. The Ulysses is the Irish Ferries flagship cruise ferry, running between Dublin and Holyhead, with two sailings daily, one in early morning and again in the afternoon from Holyhead. While Stenaline offers a cruise ferry and a ship carrying commercial as well as a ship which caters only for commercial freight trucks and drivers, between Holyhead and Dublin.

If you want your ferry crossing s from Holyhead to get you over to Ireland faster than the cruise ferries then you can pick one of the fast ferries, either the Stena HSS or Irish Ferries Jonathan Swift. While the Stena fast ferry goes to Dun Laoghaire from Holyhead, the Jonathan Swift sails to Dublin, so foot passengers on the HSS will need to take the DART train from Dun Laoghaire if they need to get to Dublin, a train journey of roughly 20 minutes.

If you arrive at Holyhead by train you will easily find the port, just follow the well signposted directions off the station platform. For car drivers, on arriving on Anglesey, just continue on the A55 trunk road to Holyhead and as you enter the town, look out for the ferry symbol for the Port, it could not be easier. Before you know it, as a foot passenger, you will have left the departure lounge and joined the complimentary bus which takes you to the cruise ferries on Salt Island, and if you need the Stena HSS fast ferry it is just a few minutes walk from the lounge.

On board either the cruise ferries or fast ferries you will enjoy a broad range of services and entertainments, including themed restaurants, bars, and quiet lounges, as well as entertainment including a cinema. There is a range of luxury items such as perfumes, and souvenirs available at the onboard shopping malls. If you need a cabin, this can be arranged if you are sailing on the cruise ferries, and it’s best to book in advance.

So as you get set for an amazing vacation in Ireland, check your best ferry crossings from Holyhead before you think of different routes. And remember on the port side and looking south as you leave Holyhead as, especially during the day, you will see the fine Breakwater landmark and the picture card South Stack Lighthouse.

The author, David Phillips, lives on the beautiful island of Anglesey in North Wales, and edits an informative website focusing on local news and information. Find out about ferry crossings from Holyhead and how to start your Ireland vacation on the right foot.

Ready to Cruise Wales, Prepare to Find Anglesey Hidden Gems

The growing number of people looking to cruise Wales as well as other UK ports could well see Wales emulating top European ports which are destinations for the big leisure cruise market. This is the conclusion of a report by the Welsh Affairs Select Committee of legislators in the House of Commons, the British Parliament. The report points to massive growth in the UK cruise market over the last decade or so, and points to an urgent need to secure a slice of this growth so as to strengthen the economies of Welsh port communities.

But before some eager ocean travellers make advanced bookings to cruise Wales, we should note that a current constraint is the lack of satisfactory docking facilities and infrastructure at Welsh ports to cater for the ever growing fleet of mega cruise liners in European waters. In the background a campaign has already been set up, called the “Celtic Wave”, costing 1.2 m and led by Anglesey, which covers Irish Sea ports in Ireland and Wales, and aims to attract more cruise visitors to these ports as well as their regional economic hinterland.

In Cardiff the Welsh Assembly Government is urging the UK government to offer extra infrastructure investment to get ports like Holyhead on Anglesey, Swansea and Milford Haven up to a quality threshold demanded by the cruise line operators. There is a mega potential boost for local port economies, according to the conclusions of the House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee, and their regional economies would benefit by making it easier for people to cruise Wales as part of the UK cruising vacation.

Looking further ahead the outlook is encouraging for Welsh ports to catch up with Baltic ports where there is already a popular cruise market. From Newport, Swansea, Milford haven all the way to Holyhead in the North West, ports in Wales can be the drivers of economic regeneration when they attract travellers to cruise Wales. The summer of 2009 saw the first cruise ship visit Newport, and in 2010 nearby Celtic Manor will host the Ryder Cup. The cruise passengers from Newport had the chance to see Cardiff attractions including the Millennium Centre and the castle.

Likewise on arrival at Holyhead Port on Anglesey, cruise visitors can see some great sites such as the UN World Heritage Castles of Wales at Beaumaris and Caernarfon, Wales’s only working windmill at Llynnon, Llanddeusant, and South Stack Lighthouse near Holyhead. And you cannot forget the 125- mile long island coastal path set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the remarkable Oriel Art Gallery and Seawatch centre at Moelfre.

Financial support is available from the Welsh Assembly Government to help strengthen the berth infrastructure for the anticipated increase in cruise ship visits to Holyhead, particularly for making the former aluminium smelter suitable for docking. This jetty provides an excellent sheltered berth and is ideal for cruise ship passenger disembarkation. On completion this upgrade will see the Holyhead Port outer harbour pier strong enough to take mega liners such as the 285 m long Westerdam, which carries 2,000 passengers.

The future outlook looks very promising for potential UK cruise visitors planning to cruise Wales as part of their overall UK travel plans, and certainly Holyhead port will be ready to receive them as warmly as ever, as they embark upon their visits to the various sites of interest on and off the island.

Coming from the beautiful island of Anglesey Wales in the UK, the author, David Phillips, manages a helpful online resource covering local news and information. Find out more about organising to cruise Wales here to help make your vacation more pleasurable.

categories: cruise,cruising,vacation,destinations

Visit Rhosneigr, Experience Anglesey Island Surf, Sailing and Coastal Walks

You will discover the fine Anglesey seaside village of Rhosneigr on the south west side of this pleasant island. Popular with surfers and dinghy sailors, it has some fantastic sandy beaches and coastal views. It’s fair to say that this resort on the gentle southern coastal strip of Anglesey has changed drastically for the better over recent years. This place has definitely recaptured its former bustling energy and vibrancy as a quaint seaside village offering a wide choice of self-catering vacation properties.

However, don’t feel that you need to bring absolutely everything with you when you choose to visit the island, whether by car or train. So before you get here, you want to know what the area offers in terms of services and facilities, such as restaurants, cafes and shops. Not only do we have big supermarkets we have plenty of country shops and post offices that will sell you everything, from stamps to swimming costumes to chocolate bars.

A look at the services on offer to you during your stay at Rhosneigr will reassure you that the resort and its beaches are suitable. Firstly, for those coming to the island by road the nearest petrol station is in Gwalchmai village on the old A5 road. To get there take the A4080 back to the A55 expressway, go through Engedi and cross over the dual carriageway to the A5 Junction.

For visitors coming to the island by train you will be delighted to know you can get off at Rhosneigr station, and then you can get to the village within 15 to 20 minutes walking. As you make your way along the lane, just look right and you’ll see walk the local golf course and RAF Valley and civil airport and some caravan parks on your left. Please note there is a train which stops at all the small stations across the island and you may find that changing at Bangor is best, unless you want to get to Holyhead Port.

In the village square you will find the Post Office which is combined with the Spar convenience store, which offers a wide range of provisions, and so now we look at the local cafes, shops and restaurants. Get yourself along to The Bali Hi Chip Shop if you would like to taste some great fish and chips with a local flavour. A short walk away from here on the high street you will find the Bee-Bees caf, a friendly little cafe with light snacks, and some truly remarkable, multi-flavoured local ice creams.

You may want to get along to Sullivan’s Restaurant where you can have some comfy light meals, cold drinks, cakes and teas, just the energy boost after a day out kayaking, surfing, swimming or sailing your dinghy in the bay. Conveniently, there is a launderette at the rear of this restaurant, and it opens 6 days a week between 9 am and 6 pm. For early risers get yourself along to Glan Neigr Pub from 7 am if you like early breakfast or perhaps light meals later. Imagine you could enjoy an early morning run along the sandy expanses and return for a full English breakfast. For those of you who enjoy seafood not least fresh lobster you may want to try Sandy’s Bistro, open all year round with a fully licensed restaurant, also offering Welsh beef and fresh local produce. If you would like to experience some real ales and home-made food try Tafarn Y Morfa, near the village square.

On the village square, opposite the convenience store is Rhosneigr Fat Face, selling designer clothes and accessories, popular with visitors in summer season, while at the bottom of the Beach Road is The Funsport Shop, offering windsurfing and kite-surfing equipment and instruction. Pop along to Mojo’s, the village bakery and creperie, and enjoy a continental style breakfast, or for crepes and savoury galettes for later.

These are just a few of the services and facilities available to the visitor to Rhosneigr on Anglesey, and having this information should help make your vacation at this fine coastal resort a more pleasant experience. You can of course come and enjoy the coastal path during any season, and there are many suitable cottages and guest houses nearby to make your island stay more relaxing.

Coming from the beautiful island of Anglesey in the UK, the author, David Phillips, manages an informative website covering local news and information. Find out more about Rhosneigr Anglesey to help make your vacation more pleasurable. Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory

categories: destinations,restaurants,shops,beaches,outdoors,vacation

Discover Holiday Cottages in Anglesey, Enjoy an Island Cottage Break

As a potential visitor to this beautiful island off North Wales you have before you an excellent choice of holiday cottages in Anglesey, an important factor in making this your vacation destination. The island is well connected by road, rail and air, and combines these advantages with the secluded and quiet coastal locations of many of the available island cottages. These properties are perfect either for small groups of friends, for families or for a couple looking to get away for some quality time. Being on the edge of the Gulf Stream, Anglesey is an island with a mild, temperate climate and is lucky with long stretches of sunny days.

It doesn’t matter whether you want to come here in the winter, autumn or summer, Anglesey has a wide selection of self-catering cottages for you to choose from. You may, for example, choose to stay in the rural area near Llynnon Mill, the only working windmill in Wales. The country lanes around here are great for those who love cycling, and you will find some earmarked circular routes which go past historic sites of interest. Holiday cottages in Anglesey in many cases retain traditional features, and you can stay at a farmhouse cottage next to a working farm, giving you the chance to see life on a modern farm on the island today.

Alternatively, you may prefer to stay in a coastal cottage right next to Anglesey Coastal Path which covers 125 miles of coastline within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here you can take in the truly magnificent mountain and seascapes are absolutely breathtaking and just think you could leave your cottage garden before breakfast and walk along the coast near Benllech, watching the sun rising on the horizon. You will find there is a wide choice of coastal cottages around Benllech which has some fine beaches nearby, suitable for families who enjoy water sports and for those keen walkers.

It is quite possible for a holiday cottage in Anglesey to be a modern, four bedroom house sleeping up to 9 or 10 people or equally a warm, traditional farm cottage set in a restful copse, full of bucolic charm with game, sheep and cattle nearby, with sleeping accommodation for only 2 or 3 guest, and a small private garden with a fine apple orchard. These cottages will usually provide an access statement for guests with a disability, and TV facilities and hairdryers are also offered. Your average cottage will include central heating as standard along with a shower and bath and facilities for families with young children such as extra beds and cots.

Imagine your island cottage near to the sea and you can strole along a wide sandy beach, the sea glistening and sun setting ahead of you. You could achieve this by getting a cottage on the south west strech of Anglesey coast. Running from the magical Llanddwyn beach near Newborough in the south to Aberffraw and its quiet sand dunes and marram grass stretching for miles to the sea and on to the “mecca” for surfers at Rhosneigr in the south west, there is an excellent range of coastal cottages to pick from.

Should you venture further west on Anglesey you will find secluded coastal properties on Holy Island near Porth Dafarch, Rhoscolyn and Trearddur Bay, and there are some award winning sandy beaches nearby, just look for the Blue Flag. Here also visitors can reach the coastal path and walk to the enigmatic South Stack lighthouse and see the seabirds and marine life off the cliffs. While on the eastern coast you can pick up some coastal cottages in very sheltered ltered locations such as near Penmon and Llangoed, and close by are the historic Penmon Priory, Dovecote and Seiriol’s Well. South of here you can visit Beaumaris Castle, the famous UN World Heritage site on the Menai Strait and this character seaside town offers some great views of the mainland mountains.

Whether you are looking for a weekend break or perhaps a week’s vacation, there is a wide choice of island holiday cottages to suite the tastes of virtually every potential visitor. Some may want to kayak, swim or surf while others may want to enjoy a more sedate pace, walking the coastal path and visiting local art galleries and monuments. Whatever your pleasure, you can start your island vacation on the right foot by booking one of the many quality holiday cottages in Anglesey.

Coming from the beautiful island of Anglesey Wales in the UK, the author, David Phillips, edits an informative website covering local news and information. Find out more about Anglesey holiday cottages to help make your vacation more pleasurable. This and other unique content ” articles are available with free reprint rights.

categories: cottages, self catering holidays, vacation destinations

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