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Whether you’re heading home or heading off on an adventure, the Holyhead to Dublin ferry will get you, your car, your luggage, and even your pet across the Irish Sea in just over 3h! Ferries on this route operate 7 days a week throughout the year. Depart Dublin any time you prefer from 01:30 to 22:15. Tickets to Dublin begin at €36.00 and go up to €78.00 depending on factors like the time of year and company you choose to sail with. Expect about 48 weekly crossings in summer, and around 19 the rest of the year. Book your ferry tickets to Dublin with us for the best price—and experience—across the Irish Sea.
Companies that sail from Holyhead to Dublin
Ferry crossings to Ireland for the upcoming week are sorted below by average ticket price. The route is currently operated by Irish Ferries, Stena Line.
Holyhead to Dublin ferry timetable
Here’s a quick overview of the Holyhead to Dublin ferry route to help you plan your trip.
Can I take a ferry from Holyhead to Dublin, Ireland?
Absolutely! Irish Ferries, Stena Line both offer frequent schedules to get you to Dublin in approximately 3h 26min. We also offer two more popular United Kingdom to Ireland ferry routes on our platform: Fisguard to Rosslare and Pembroke to Rosslare.
How long does the ferry take from Holyhead to Dublin?
The ferry trip from Holyhead, Wales to Dublin, Ireland takes around 3h 26min on average. The distance between Holyhead and Dublin is approximately 104.35 km (56.31 nm).
Please note: Travel times from Holyhead to Dublin may vary depending on the weather conditions of the day, which can be dramatic on this route due to Atlantic storms, particularly in the winter months. We recommend you select our SMS service when booking your ticket so that we can send you live updates of any weather-related changes to your trip.
Is there a fast ferry from Holyhead to Dublin?
The fastest ferry from Holyhead in United Kingdom to Dublin in Ireland is ULYSSES, operated by Irish Ferries, which crosses the straight in 3h 15min.That said, the average length of the trip across all providers is 3h 26min.
Can I take a day trip from Holyhead to Dublin?
Yes, you can pull off a day trip from United Kingdom to Dublin, Ireland. You can take the fastest ferry (3h 15min) as early as 01:30 to arrive in Dublin bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at first light. There are late afternoon and evening departures for the return, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore. Check out our Dublin to Holyhead page for the full schedule.
Are there any night ferries from Holyhead to Dublin, Ireland?
Yes, there are night ferries between Holyhead and Dublin. The earliest ferry departs at 01:30 and the latest at 22:15. If you’d like to get some sleep on your trip, both ferry companies on this route offer private cabins.
Information on our Holyhead to Dublin route is based on recent data and updated regularly. That said, schedules, prices, and availability can change depending on the season and operator. For the latest routes and fares, we recommend using our ferry search and booking tool. P.S. — you can book and pay in GB pounds!
Holyhead to Dublin ferry prices
Holyhead to Dublin foot passenger prices range from €36.00 to €78.00. If you’d like to bring your vehicle, the average price rests around €100. This is a popular route, so prices may rise closer to departure. Book early to get the best deal!
Ferry Offers
Keep an eye out for special offers for Holyhead to Dublin tickets, especially during the high season. Discounts include promotional fares, early booking deals, or even special deals for motorhomes and campervans. To stay on top of updates, you can subscribe to our newsletter, or check out our social media and blog for the latest deals. Any valid offers are automatically applied at checkout.
Browse the timeable from Holyhead to Dublin
Driving from Holyhead to Dublin
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The Holyhead ferry port is approximately 2.5h from Chester, Manchester and Liverpool. The A55, or North Wales Expressway, will lead you right to it. If you're coming from further afield, join the A55 via the M56 from Manchester or the M53 from Chester. A good place to stop on the way is the Bangor services at Junction 11, which are open 24 hours and have fuel and lavatories.
On arrival:
- Follow the green ferry signs to the roundabout at the end of the A55.
- Take the third exit, cross the railway bridge, then turn left towards the passenger sorting lanes.
- Remember to bring your driving licence, V5C, and insurance certificate.
- If you're driving a hire car, you'll need a VE103 — arrange this with your rental company at least 72 hours in advance.
Good news on plates: Unlike the rest of Europe, Ireland does not require a UK identifier sticker on your vehicle, so no extra prep needed there!
Holyhead to Dublin for foot passengers
Leaving the car at home? No problem. The ferry companies serving this route accept foot passengers, and it’s a popular choice for people looking for a hop-on-hop-off day trip. Once you arrive in Dublin, Irish Ferries, Stena Line are both served by a dedicated shuttle bus that connects the port to the city center in around 30 to 35 minutes, with stops at Connolly Station, Aston Quay, and Heuston Station. For accessibility requirements, please notify our Customer Support team at the time of booking so the right support can be arranged at both ends.
Can I take my car on the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin?
Yes! Several vessels operating from Holyhead to Dublin, Ireland accommodate all types of vehicles, from cars to motorbikes and caravans. Passengers with vehicles should arrive 60 minutes before your departure time in order to board efficiently. Take a car to Dublin on:
- STENA ADVENTURER- Stena Line
- JAMES JOYCE- Irish Ferries
- ULYSSES- Irish Ferries
- STENA ESTRID- Stena Line
Please note the cost of transporting a vehicle depends on the vehicle type, ferry operator, and time of year.
Motorbikes and bicycles
Both motorbikes and bicycles are accepted on ferries from Holyhead to Dublin, with slightly different boarding processes. Passengers with motorbikes follow the standard vehicle boarding procedure and will ride into the garage directly. Bicycle passengers will travel on a shuttle bus with their bicycle in tow after check-in at the terminal building.
Motorhomes and campervans
Planning an Irish roadtrip? You’re in luck! Ferries from Holyhead to Dublin accept motorbikes and campervans on board, as long as they have a max length of 12m, a max height of 4m, and a max width of 2.6m. They also must be officially registered.
Luggage on board
There are no extra costs to bring luggage from Holyhead to Dublin, Ireland. If you’re traveling with a vehicle, you can bring as much luggage as you can safely fit inside of it.
Foot passengers may only carry hand luggage in the upper deck, measuring 60x50x40 cm. Large suitcases are limited to 2x per passenger and must be stowed in the proper storage areas below deck, making them inaccessible during crossing. Weight limits are:
- Stena Adventurer, Stena Estrid: Up to 10kg per passenger.
- James Joyce, Ulysses: Up to 22kg per passenger.
Luggage services on ferries from Holyhead to Dublin follow a process similar to an airport. You will drop off your stowed luggage and collect it at the respective terminals. With this in mind, be sure everything is clearly labelled!
Cabins on board
There are plenty of cabins available to book on ferries from Holyhead to Dublin, Ireland. There are several options to choose from, from cozy one-beds to luxurious suites. You can even book a designated pet-friendly cabin, or an accessible cabin that’s close to the vessel’s lift and equipped with wide-framed doors for wheelchair users.
Cabins come with extra perks
Did you know that you can earn extra Ferryscanner Miles when adding a cabin to your trip? It’s a win-win: more comfort on this ferry, and a better price on your next one. Logged-in users automatically earn miles for every trip they take, and more for add-ons like seats and cabins.
Are pets allowed on board?
Absolutely! Ferries from Holyhead to Dublin allow pets on board. They must always be added on your booking reservation ahead of time.
- All pets must have a valid microchip, a rabies vaccination (within 21 days of travel), a GB Animal Health Certificate, an EU Pet Passport, and a tapeworm treatment.
- Pets may travel in your vehicle below deck, in the free onboard kennels, in designated pet cabins, or in the Irish Ferries Pet Den. Both operators allow certified guide, hearing, and assistance dogs to travel free of charge with full access to passenger areas, provided the correct harness, documentation, and certification are carried.
- The following dog breeds are banned from Ireland and will not be permitted boarding: XL Bullies, Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
If you have a question about pet travel, our Customer Support team is just a chat message away.
Documents and customs tips for entering Ireland
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Before you embark across the Irish Sea, make sure your documents are in order! We recommended traveling with your valid passport — while Irish and British citizens don't strictly require one for this crossing, some form of photo ID is mandatory. If you're driving, bring your driving licence, V5C registration document, and insurance certificate. If you plan to hire a car, you’ll also need a VE103 certificate. Arrange this with your rental company at least 72 hours before pick-up.
Your UK car insurance will cover you in Ireland, but it's worth double-checking your policy before you go. Once you arrive, keep an eye out for the M50 toll road on the ring road around Dublin; it's a barrier-free system that photographs your plate automatically, so make sure to pay online at eFlow.ie before 8pm the following day to avoid a fine.
Since Ireland is an EU member, traveling from Britain means you're subject to EU customs rules. You can bring goods up to €430 in value (or €215 for under 15s) without paying duty. For alcohol, you're allowed up to 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of fortified/sparkling wine, plus 16 litres of beer and 4 litres of still wine. Bear in mind that meat and dairy products from non-EU countries cannot be brought into Ireland. If you're carrying cash or equivalent over €10,000, this must be declared at customs.
Check out our blog for more tips and info on ferries from Dublin, Ireland.
Departing the Dublin ferry port
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Your ferry will arrive at Dublin Port, roughly 3 km east of the city centre. When disembarking, follow the crew's instructions and wait for your lane to be called. Once ashore, you'll pass through customs, where officers may check your documents and luggage. Use the red channel if you have goods to declare, or proceed through the green channel if not.
Drivers should follow signs for the Dublin Port Tunnel, which connects directly to the M50 and M1 motorways. The city centre is around a 15-minute drive. Note that Alexandra Road is closed until Autumn 2026: all traffic must exit via Promenade Road during this period.
Foot passengers are met by the Nolan Coaches shuttle bus, which departs after each sailing to Connolly Station, Aston Quay, and Heuston Station in around 30–35 minutes from €3 per person. Taxis and rideshare apps are available from the terminal.
Discovering Dublin, Ireland
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Whether you’re in Dublin for just the day or a longer stay, you’re in for a treat. It’s a magical, historic city with plenty to discover.
First-time visitors should make time for the Guinness Storehouse, a seven-storey interactive museum in the heart of the Liberties that ends with a complimentary pint and sweeping 360° views of the city from the rooftop Gravity Bar. Just as unmissable is Trinity College, home to the ancient Book of Kells — one of the world's most remarkable illuminated manuscripts — and the breathtaking Long Room Library.
For history, Kilmainham Gaol offers a powerful and moving insight into Ireland's struggle for independence, while Dublin Castle and St. Patrick's Cathedral bring the city's medieval past vividly to life. If you'd rather wander, the cobbled streets of Temple Bar are alive with pubs and live music day and night, and the vast green expanse of Phoenix Park is perfect for an afternoon walk, with wild deer roaming freely across the grounds.
We hope you enjoy!
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Take a visual walk through the inside of the ferries operating between Holyhead, United Kingdom and Dublin, Ireland.
