Ferries from
England to Ireland
Ferries from
England to Ireland
There are currently 2 operators sailing 2 routes, for ferries from England to Ireland. Sailing frequency can vary throughout the year and tends to have seasonal peaks.
Compare ferry routes, operators, crossing times, and prices for travel between the UK and Ireland. While many travelers search for an England to Ireland ferry, crossings to the Republic of Ireland typically depart from Wales, with additional options from England to Northern Ireland and onward travel available.
There are no direct ferry routes from England to the Republic of Ireland.
Most travelers choose one of the following options:
Both options offer regular sailings, vehicle transport, and year-round availability.
The most popular route for travel from the UK to the Republic of Ireland. Holyhead is easily reached from England by road or rail and offers frequent sailings.
Another popular ferry route from UK to Republic of Ireland. A great option for those who are traveling beyond the Irish capital.
A direct route from England to Northern Ireland, with onward connections to the Republic of Ireland.
Depending on your starting point, you may also consider routes from Scotland to Northern Ireland, which can be convenient for longer road trips.
Yes, ferries operate year-round on most routes, with more frequent sailings during peak travel periods and a reduced schedule during the winter.
There are approximately 103 miles (165km) and 89 nautical miles between England and Ireland.
The fastest ferry to the Republic of Ireland is from Holyhead to Dublin in 2 to 3 hours.
Yes, you can take your pet on the ferry from UK to Ireland. However, pet accommodation and policies may vary depending on what route and operator you choose.
Booking tip: Pet cabins and pet spaces can be limited on busy travel dates. Add your pet during booking to secure the correct onboard option.
Yes, you can bring your car on all ferries sailing from UK to Ireland.
We suggest that you book in advance to ensure that you get the cheapest ferry prices and availability. Please check out our special offers page to take advantage of all the latest ferry discounts available.
The cheapest way to get to Ireland from the UK is typically by ferry, especially if booked in advance. Budget-friendly ferry operators like Stena Line, Irish Ferries, and P&O Ferries offer routes from ports such as Holyhead to Dublin, Liverpool to Dublin, or Cairnryan to Belfast. Foot passengers can find tickets for as little as $38-$50 USD one way, while taking a bus-ferry combo with companies like National Express or Sail & Rail (via Trainline) can be an economical option. Flights with budget airlines like Ryanair or Aer Lingus can also be cheap, often as low as $25-$65 USD if booked early.
If you're a British citizen, you are not legally require a passport to travel to Ireland by ferry, but you must carry a valid form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license or national ID card. However, a passport is still the best form of ID and may be required by some carriers. If you're a non-British or non-Irish citizen, you may need a passport and possibly a visa, depending on your nationality. Always confirm with your ferry operator before travel.
Unfortunately, you can't take a day trip from England to Ireland by ferry as the sailing duration is too long. We recommend that you stay overnight in Ireland to make your journey worthwhile.
Ferries offer a range of facilities including restaurants, lounges, children’s play areas, duty-free shopping, pet-friendly cabins, and Wi-Fi for a comfortable journey.
Book and compare UK Ireland ferry tickets, operators, timetables and prices by using our Deal Finder.
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Crossing the Irish Sea from England lands you in Dublin, with the Wicklow Mountains sometimes visible on the approach before the ferry docks in the city's port. From the terminal, Temple Bar's cobbled lanes and Trinity College's Long Room library are an easy walk, and the Guinness Storehouse offers both history and a pint with a view over the city. Further afield, the cliffs of Howth make for an easy half-day trip on the DART train, and the road south opens up toward Wicklow's mountains and the Powerscourt Estate for those continuing beyond the capital. Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison central to Irish independence history, is a sobering but worthwhile stop for those wanting more context on the city.
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