Crossing the Irish Sea by boat was traditionally the way to travel between Ireland and the UK and it still is a popular way to travel, especially if you want to bring the car. Read on to find out what your choices are if you’re thinking of heading to Ireland by boat.
Irish Ferries
Irish Ferries operate between Holyhead and Dublin Port and have four daily return sailings.
The “Dublin Swift” (named after Jonathon Swift - one of Dublin’s famous writers) is a high speed ferry which boasts two bars, a restaurant, a café, a gift shops, a games rooms and a TV lounge room. It will take you from Holyhead to Dublin Port in just 1 hour 55 minutes.
Irish Ferries also operate the “Ulysses” between Holyhead and Dublin. The ferry is named after a book called Ulysees, which was written by Dubliner James Joyce. The ferry is recognised as one of the largest car-ferrys in the world, with a capacity to carry up to 1,342 cars! This luxury cruise ferry boasts a restaurant, a café, a lounge, a bar, a family entertainment centre, a cinema and a shopping arcade. This is a leisurely crossing with a travel time of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Stena Line
Stena Line operate two routes from the UK. You can hop on the HSS Stena Explorer fastcraft at Holyhead and be in Dun Laoghaire Dublin in just 99 minutes! Facilities aboard this ferry include two bars, a lounge, a play area with video games, a restaurant, a fast food outlet and a sandwiche bar.
You can also opt for the Stena Adventurer Superferry to Dublin Port which has two return sailings daily. Sailing time is 3 hours 15 minutes, but there’s plenty to keep you occupied on board with three bars, a shopping area, a childrens play area with video games and plenty of eating facilities with a restaurant, a fast food outlet and a sandwiche bar.
P&O
P&O also operate a two ferries (Norbank & Norbay) between Liverpool and Dublin Port. There is one sailing daily and sailing time is 8 hours.
Dublin hotels
There are over 120 hotels for you to choose from in Dublin, whether you want a Dublin city hotel or Dublin city centre hotel. You can also choose a Dublin hotel along the coast or near to the ferry port.
If you want to be close to the Dun Laoghaire ferryport then choose the Kingston Hotel, which is a 2 star Dublin hotel not far from the port.
For Dublin hotels close to Dublin Port, choose hotels like the Clarion Hotel Dublin IFSC, The Quality Hotel Dublin City and Jury’s Hotel Custom House.
Read our guide to find out how to get from the ferryport to Dublin hotels.
If you need help booking Dublin hotels, then get in touch via the comment box below and we’ll get back to you.
