Holyhead to Dublin Ferry – Timetable, Prices and Schedules

The ferry crossing between Holyhead in Wales and Dublin in Ireland connects two countries across the Irish Sea, offering travellers a scenic alternative to flying or driving. Two operators—Stena Line and Irish Ferries—run up to eight daily sailings on this approximately 57-nautical-mile route, with crossing times ranging from just over two hours to more than three hours depending on which vessel you travel on.

Whether you’re travelling as a foot passenger or bringing a vehicle, understanding the timetable, pricing structure, and practical details can help you plan a smooth journey. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Holyhead to Dublin ferry service, from current schedules to port information.

Holyhead to Dublin Ferry Timetable and Schedules

Both operators maintain regular sailings throughout the week, though some crossings operate only on specific days. The schedule below reflects departures from Holyhead, with reverse journeys from Dublin following a similar pattern.

Current Departure Schedule from Holyhead

Crossing times vary between operators. Irish Ferries’ Dublin Swift vessel completes the journey in approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, while Stena Line crossings typically take around 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes. Passengers travelling from Dublin to Holyhead can expect similar departure times in reverse, such as Irish Ferries at 7:30 AM arriving at 11:00 AM, or Stena Line at 4:30 AM arriving at 8:00 AM.

Key Facts About the Route

• The sea crossing spans approximately 57 nautical miles (107 km)
• Up to 55 weekly sailings are available across both operators
• Four crossings operate daily per operator
• Some early morning and late evening sailings run only on specific days
• Onboard facilities include food, drinks, and shopping options

Holyhead to Dublin Ferry Prices

Fares on the Holyhead to Dublin route vary considerably depending on several factors: the time of year, how far in advance you book, the number of passengers, and whether you’re travelling with a vehicle. Booking ahead typically secures lower rates than turning up on the day.

Foot passengers can find the lowest fares from around €32 with Irish Ferries or €45 and above with Stena Line. The full price range for all ticket types spans from £147 to £532, with an average cost of approximately £381 for a one-way crossing. Prices for vehicles increase with size and the number of passengers travelling.

Seasonal demand significantly affects pricing, particularly during summer holidays, bank holidays, and the Christmas period. Travellers seeking the best rates should compare fares across operators and consider sailing during off-peak times such as weekday mornings or late evenings.

Holyhead to Dublin Ferry Operators Including Stena Line

Two ferry companies serve the Holyhead to Dublin corridor, each offering a distinct travel experience. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right service for your needs.

Stena Line

Stena Line operates superferry vessels including the Stena Adventurer and Stena Estrid on this route. Their ships feature extensive onboard facilities such as restaurants, duty-free shopping, and comfortable seating areas designed for longer crossings of around 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes. The operator runs four daily sailings from Holyhead, with some early morning departures limited to Wednesday through Sunday.

Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries positions the Dublin Swift as its fast craft option, completing the crossing in approximately 2 hours 15 minutes—making it the quickest service on the route. Their conventional vessels also operate on the crossing with similar 3-hour 30-minute journey times. Irish Ferries runs four daily crossings from Holyhead as well, with the earliest sailing at 1:30 AM catering to overnight travellers.

Holyhead to Dublin Ferry with Car and Practical Details

Travelling with a vehicle is straightforward on both operators’ vessels. Ferries are equipped to accommodate cars, vans, and larger vehicles, with pricing rising according to vehicle dimensions and passenger count. The vessel chosen for your crossing affects both the experience and duration—Stena Line’s superferries offer more extensive retail and dining options, while Irish Ferries’ Dublin Swift prioritises speed for those wanting the fastest crossing.

Port Locations and Addresses

• Holyhead Port — Port of Holyhead, Wales. Postcode: LL65 1DL
• Dublin Port — Dublin Port Company, Dublin Docklands, Dublin 1, Ireland

Passengers should arrive at least 60–90 minutes before departure for check-in procedures, particularly when travelling with vehicles. Dublin Port operates within the Dublin Docklands area and serves as the primary terminal for Irish Sea crossings from Wales.

Sample Day Crossing: Morning to Evening Schedule

For travellers wondering what to expect throughout a typical day, the following sequence illustrates the available departure options from Holyhead to Dublin.

1. Irish Ferries departure at 01:30 AM — suited for overnight travellers or those connecting from late trains
2. Stena Line departure at 04:00 AM — operates Wednesday through Sunday only
3. Irish Ferries departure at 07:30 AM — popular morning crossing for day trips
4. Stena Line departure at 10:00 AM — mid-morning option with full onboard amenities
5. Irish Ferries departure at 1:45 PM — afternoon sailing available every day
6. Stena Line departure at 4:30 PM — early evening crossing
7. Irish Ferries departure at 7:45 PM — popular for those wishing to arrive in Dublin for evening engagements
8. Stena Line departure at 10:30 PM — final sailing of the day

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

Based on available information, certain details about this ferry route are well-established, while other aspects carry some degree of uncertainty that travellers should factor into their planning.

Understanding the Holyhead-Dublin Corridor

The Holyhead to Dublin ferry route forms a critical link in the transportation network between Great Britain and Ireland. Holyhead sits on the western coast of Anglesey in Wales, historically developing as a major port serving Irish Sea traffic due to its proximity to Ireland. Dublin Port, situated in the city’s Docklands area, connects passengers directly to Ireland’s capital and its broader transport network including buses, trains, and taxis.

This crossing serves multiple traveller segments: tourists visiting either country, business travellers needing flexibility, haulage companies transporting goods, and locals making regular trips across the Irish Sea. The availability of up to eight daily sailings provides considerable scheduling flexibility compared to other routes across this stretch of water.

What the Operators Say

“Stena Line’s Holyhead to Dublin route connects the UK and Ireland with up to four daily sailings, providing reliable crossings with comfortable onboard facilities including dining, shopping, and spacious seating.”

— Stena Line route information

“Irish Ferries offers choices between fast craft and conventional ferries, with the Dublin Swift providing the fastest crossing time on the route at approximately 2 hours 15 minutes port-to-port.”

— Irish Ferries route details

Planning Your Holyhead to Dublin Crossing

Whether you prioritise speed, price, or onboard amenities, the Holyhead to Dublin ferry route offers viable options for most travellers. Booking in advance typically delivers the best fares, while flexibility on travel dates opens access to lower-priced crossings. Those travelling with vehicles should factor in additional check-in time, while foot passengers often benefit from quicker boarding processes.

For integrated travel planning, checking whether Are Trains Running Today reflects current rail services to Holyhead can help coordinate your entire journey, especially if arriving by train before catching a ferry.

Frequently Asked Questions