ARRIVING IN IRELAND BY FERRY
Currently there are three main sailing routes between Great Britain and the island of Ireland. Car ferries operate on each route and offer a fantastic and regular service to those travelling across the Irish Sea.
Coincidentally there are also three main carriers, with Stena Line, Irish Ferries and P&O Irish Sea, carrying the bulk of the traffic. Stena Line are currently the only operator offering sailings on all three routes.
Holyhead – Dublin
This route is the most common and takes you from the tip of Anglesey in North Wales to Dublin Port, just minutes from the city-centre. The frequency of sailings makes this the most popular route when travelling and the whole of Ireland can be reached by car from Dublin within a matter of hours.
Fishguard/Pembroke – Rosslare
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries offer a limited service from the tip of South Wales to the south-east of Ireland. The sailing time is four hours and the sailing schedule is controlled by the tides, however this route is ideal if you live in the South West and want to explore the South East of Ireland.
Cairnryan – Larne / Belfast
This is the shortest crossing with Scotland and Northern Ireland visible to each other on a clear day. The service is quick but the drive to this part of Scotland from most parts of Great Britain often means the overall journey time can be longer. This route is ideal for those wishing to explore the Causeway Coast.
