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.

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