How to get to Ireland?

From the ferry deck, look out over Ireland’s jagged coastline, a landscape like no other. From the sky, the journey begins. Green plains mingling with the mist of mysterious mountains. Deep blue lakes that seem magnetic, Irish peat bogs…

Ireland is revealed little by little through the window. By plane or ferry, arriving and staying in Ireland is a magical experience.

Travelling to Ireland by ferry

Travelling to Ireland by ferry is a popular and scenic option, offering a relaxing start to your journey. Whether you’re coming from the UK or mainland Europe, there are multiple routes to choose from, catering to different preferences and travel styles. This is an excellent option if you prefer not to hire a car.

Taking the ferry to Ireland is also a great alternative for those who are uneasy about flying. Want to bring your pet along? The ferry is a pet-friendly choice! Most ferry operators allow pets, but it’s always best to check their policies in advance to ensure a smooth journey. For cycling enthusiasts eager to explore the Irish countryside, pack your bikes in your car, and you’re ready to go!

From the UK

Several ferry routes connect Ireland to various ports in the UK, making it easy to reach the Emerald Isle from England, Wales, and Scotland. If you’re travelling with your car, this is a great choice as you can drive straight onto the ferry and continue your journey upon arrival in Ireland.

• Holyhead (Wales) – Dublin: Operated by Irish Ferries and Stena Line, this crossing takes about 3 hours and offers a range of onboard services.
• Fishguard (Wales) – Rosslare: A picturesque crossing with Stena Line, taking around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Cairnryan (Scotland) – Belfast: This route is served by Stena Line and P&O Ferries, taking roughly 2 hours.
• Liverpool (England) – Belfast: A popular route that takes about 8 hours, with services provided by Stena Line.

From Europe

If you’re coming from mainland Europe, there are several ferry routes that bring you to Ireland, allowing for both foot passengers and those with vehicles.

• Cherbourg (France) – Rosslare: This service, offered by Stena Line, takes approximately 18 hours and runs overnight. It’s an ideal option for a relaxing, longer journey.
• Roscoff (France) – Cork: Brittany Ferries operates this route, which takes about 14 hours. This is an excellent choice if you’re travelling from western France.
• Le Havre (France) – Dublin: Operated by Irish Ferries, this route is a comfortable option for those heading to the Irish capital from France.

In France, a number of companies offer ferry crossings: Irish Ferries, Britanny Ferries and Stena Line. You can choose between different types of boat, depending on your budget, journey time and the services on offer. One thing’s for sure: book your tickets in advance, as places go quickly, especially in summer!

Make sure you have something to occupy you during the journey and takes place at night. On the ferry, you can hire a cabin or a seat to sleep in during the crossing.

Flying to Ireland from abroad

Fares to Ireland can vary significantly depending on the airline, departure city, and time of year.

Key airlines offering flights from the US and Australia include, Aer Lingus, Air France, Ryanair, EasyJet, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines.

Prices tend to increase during peak travel periods, such as July and August, with fares sometimes doubling due to high demand, so booking early is essential for securing the best rates. For St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th), it’s advisable to book at least 6 months in advance as this is a very popular time for travel, and ticket prices can be significantly higher. Being flexible with your travel dates and booking in advance can help you find more affordable options, particularly with low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet.

If you’re looking for a unique, tailor-made trip, you can opt for a self-guided tour with Great British Trips. That way, you won’t have to organise anything and you can enjoy your trip to the full. The advantage of working with us? We know the area inside out!

All you have to do is collect your hire car from the airport and get used to driving on the left. The beautiful roads of Ireland are yours to discover!