Imagine stepping onto the deck of a ferry at Holyhead, the salty spray of the Irish Sea in your hair, and feeling that gentle roll as the ship cuts through the waves. Ahead lies Dublin – cobblestone streets, pubs humming with life, and centuries of history waiting to be discovered. If you’ve got a weekend to spare, this ferry trip makes for the perfect short escape: minimal travel fuss, maximum time exploring.
Why the Ferry from Holyhead Is a Great Weekend Gateway
Taking the Holyhead to Dublin ferry is as practical as it is atmospheric. It removes all the airport stress – no long check-ins, baggage fuss, or hidden fees. Instead, you get sea-air, a relaxing crossing of roughly three hours, and the sort of unhurried start that puts you in vacation mode from the moment you board. For a quick getaway, itโs hard to beat.
Reaching Holyhead is straightforward, whether by train, car or coach – and on arrival, you walk straight to embarkation, luggage in tow, without extra fuss. And when you arrive in Dublin, youโre already primed for your weekend.
A Sample Weekend Itinerary: Saturday to Sunday
Saturday โ Travel & Dive into Dublin
Catch a Saturday-morning ferry from Holyhead; after around three hours at sea, you dock at Dublin Port by late morning. A taxi or bus ride brings you into the city centre – Dublin’s compact, walkable core is the ideal launchpad for your adventure.
Spend the afternoon wandering around: maybe visit Trinity College Dublin and its historic Old Library, or stroll along Grafton Street towards St Stephen’s Green. Grab lunch somewhere central, then treat yourself to a visit to Guinness Storehouse (or a shorter distillery tour if you prefer). As evening falls, head to the buzzing district of Temple Bar for dinner, then maybe settle into a pub for live music – old-school tradition, stories and good craic.
Spend the night in a centrally located city-centre hotel or guesthouse: you’re already where you need to be for a relaxed Sunday.
Sunday โ A Chill Morning & Return
Sunday can be gentle: enjoy breakfast at a cosy cafรฉ, maybe stroll through parts of the city you missed – a castle, leafy streets or a local market. Then head back to Dublin Port mid-afternoon, allowing time for transport, boarding and disembarkation. A late-afternoon ferry brings you back to Holyhead in time for dinner – just enough time for one more Welsh sunset before the week begins again.
This flavour of weekend trip gives you a day and evening in Dublin, plus a relaxed second morning, making it ideal for a short break that doesnโt feel rushed.
What to Expect from the Crossing & Onboard
Ferry travel is relaxing. On the crossing from Holyhead to Dublin, you’ll typically find indoor lounges, cafรฉs for snacks or a light meal, perhaps a spot of duty-free shopping, and if sea conditions allow, the deck for fresh air and sea views. There’s something unpretentious and calming about approaching Dublin by sea – no terminals, no baggage-carousels, just the gentle swell and horizon.
Because ferries allow generous luggage and remove airport hassles, youโre not restricted to hand-luggage or carry-ons: bring a decent backpack, plan for comfort, and treat the crossing as part of the experience.
Getting Around Dublin from the Port
When you arrive at Dublin Port you have two sensible options for reaching the heart of the city: taxi or bus. A taxi will get you there in 10โ20 minutes, while a bus (such as the regular service connecting port to city) takes around 20โ25 minutes. Either way, it’s quick and convenient.
Renting a bike from the port itself is unrealistic: there are no bike-hire stations at the terminal and the surrounding roads are busy and industrial – it would only complicate your arrival. Taxi or bus is the smart, stress-free way to begin.
Quick Essentials Before You Go
- Currency: Euro (โฌ) – bring a travel card, or use ATMs in the city centre.
- Plugs: Ireland uses type G plugs (same as the UK) – no adapters needed.
- Things to pack: Layers and a rain-jacket – Dublin weather can be fickle.
- Luggage: Bring what you need – ferries are generous with space, so youโre not limited to hand-luggage.