If you are looking to experience something a little different on your Anglesey holiday, then why not take the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin?

Holyhead is home to the largest port in Wales, handling roughly 2 million passengers every single year. It is operated by Stena Line, Holyhead Port is the principal means of transport for those looking to reach Ireland from Wales and both central & northern England.

In total there are 8 ferry crossings every single day, this gives you lots of flexibility when it comes to your departure and return trips. You can opt to complete a Holyhead to Dublin day trip or even stay over for a night or two before making your return.

We thought that we’d provide a little insight into what it is like to take the Holyhead to Dublin ferry, what exactly you can expect before, during and after the journey, and give you an overall summary on whether or not the Holyhead to Dublin ferry is worth it.

How Much Does the Holyhead to Dublin Ferry Cost?
The Holyhead to Dublin Ferry cost varies depending on the time, date and type of transportation you are after.

If you are looking to travel as cheaply as possible, then you would be best purchasing Holyhead to Dublin ferry tickets which are for foot passengers and applicable for crossings which are outside of core hours. This gives you the option to travel during the early hours from 04:30 am or during the evening from 10.15 pm onwards.

Holyhead to Dublin car ferry costs are substantially higher. Foot passengers can expect tickets to cost roughly £120.77 on average according to Direct Ferries, with the average price rising to at least £406.00 if you are planning to cross with your car.

Other variables which can affect the cost of Holyhead to Dublin ferry tickets are the number of passengers, which ferry company you are travelling with, the size of your vehicle and the standard of ticket you are purchasing. Economy tickets are cheapest but these don’t give you the option to change the time of your crossings. You can opt for flexi tickets which do give you the option to alter your travel times without facing additional fees, but this doesn’t give you access to the Stena Plus Lounge.

The Stena Plus Lounge provides passengers with a far more luxurious experience during the crossing, with guests provided with complimentary snacks, refreshments and a dedicated waiter service. You’ll even be provided with the latest newspapers and magazines.

If newspapers and magazines simply don’t cut it and you want to stay engaged with the outside world, then you can utilise the free WiFi internet service which is provided for guests. However, this service is limited and you will need to pay an additional fee if you are planning to conduct activities which require a higher bandwidth such as streaming movies & tv shows or make video calls.

How Long Does the Ferry Take From Holyhead to Dublin?
The total distance from Holyhead to Dublin by ferry is 94 nautical miles. This takes roughly 3 hours and 8 minutes on average to complete. It can therefore be quite a commitment to commit to a Holyhead to Dublin day trip and still get the maximum out of your time in Ireland.

If you are going with the Holyhead to Dublin day trip option, then you may want to consider taking the Holyhead to Dublin fast ferry which is available at certain points of the year. This reduces the total travel time (one way) to 2 hours and 15 minutes; reducing your total travel time to just 4 hours 30 minutes in one day rather than 6 hours and 16 minutes.

With so much of your time taken up on board the ferry, there are good reasons to consider upgrading to the premium Holyhead to Dublin ferry tickets which provide you with access to the Stena Plus Lounge or to consider paying for the upgraded WiFi offering.

Is the Holyhead to Dublin Ferry Dog Friendly?
If you travel with either Stena Line or Irish Ferries, then you are permitted to make the crossing with a maximum of 2 pets.

Dogs will need to be kept on a lead at all times and will also need to be included on the forms at the time of booking your tickets. Certain breeds are not permitted however, with the likes of XL Bullies and Pit Bull Terriers being excluded.

While dogs can be kept in cars, we would urge those considering taking their dogs on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry to consider booking a pet friendly cabin or kennel. This is especially important during warmer periods of the year.

Owners planning on bringing their dogs with them will also need to have completed the required paperwork for their pets. This includes completing the gov.ie advanced notice form and carrying out the required compliance checks for their pets prior to travelling.

Things to do in Dublin
Dublin is a city that is filled with culture and history, offering something for all kinds of holidaymakers.

History buffs are in for a treat at the Dublin Castle or the fascinating Kilmainham Gaol Museum which provides incredible insights into what life was like for prisoners here during the bleak 19th century. If you are more into the arts, then you may prefer to visit the National Gallery of Ireland or Ireland’s Museum of Literature which honours past and present Irish wordsmiths such as James Joyce and Flann O’Brien.

Those who aren’t averse to the odd tipple are recommended to pay a visit to the legendary Guinness Factory where the nectar genuinely tastes different to how it does anywhere else in the world. The Jameson Whiskey distillery is another popular tourist attraction in a city which is synonymous with alcohol and partying.

With stunning country parks, thriving shopping centres, football museums and of course the fantastic Dublin Zoo, there really is something for all members of the family in Dublin.