UK → Ireland
Holyhead → Dublin
The main Wales–Ireland crossing, linking the North Wales rail and road network at Holyhead with Dublin Port. It is popular with drivers heading to Ireland via the A55 and with rail-and-sail foot passengers using the station built into the terminal.
Holyhead to Dublin ferry at a glance
The ferry from Holyhead to Dublin takes 3h 15m across the Irish Sea, operated by Irish Ferries and Stena Line. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: several sailings daily with both operators, including overnight departures.
Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-03.
Sources: stenaline.co.uk · irishferries.com · How we verify
Return crossing: Dublin to Holyhead
Irish Ferries and Stena Line also sail Dublin to Holyhead, taking 2h 15m – 3h 15m.
Holyhead to Dublin ferry timetable & sailing pattern
Stena Line sails 8 times a day (Stena Adventurer and Stena Estrid), taking 3 hours 15 minutes; Irish Ferries adds four cruise-ferry sailings a day each way.
Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.
Official Irish Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on 12Go →Source: Stena Line and Irish Ferries Holyhead–Dublin route pages. Verified 2026-10-03.
Maritime Crossing Route Map
Interactive sea passage between Holyhead and Dublin
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Operators on This Route
| Operator | Crossing Time | Vessels |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Ferries | 3h 15m | Ulysses, W.B. Yeats |
| Stena Line | 3h 15m | Stena Adventurer, Stena Estrid |
Route Features
Vehicles
Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted
Foot Passengers
Walk-on passengers welcome
Pets
Pets allowed with valid documents
Distance
60 nautical miles
Getting There & Onward Transport
- Holyhead railway station adjoins the ferry terminal, with trains to Chester, Manchester and London Euston
- Dublin Port Tunnel links directly to the M1/M50 motorway network
- Dublin Port has bus links to Dublin city centre (Busáras / Connolly Station area)
Tips for the Holyhead to Dublin Crossing
- Foot passengers check in earlier than drivers; confirm the check-in closing time on your ticket.
- The A55 is the main approach road; allow extra time on summer Saturdays.
- Bring a valid passport or Irish passport card for every passenger, children included. Stena Line and Irish Ferries require one at check-in from 28 September 2026 (UK Border Force rules); other photo ID is not accepted.