When you plan your family vacation in Ireland it is likely the Holyhead Dublin ferry will feature in your mind. So are you looking for some tips to make your ferry to Dublin experience more enjoyable and memorable? When you travel over the Irish Sea from Holyhead Port on Anglesey, you can either use the small, fast ferry called Dublin Swift or take the Ulysses, the largest car ferry in the world no less.
The Holyhead Dublin route sees the Cruise ferry cover the journey in 3.25 hours while the faster Dublin Swift ploughs across in a staggering 1.75 hours, and between them the two ferries make eight crossings daily. Now you must decide whether you want to go for the fast or slow crossing, though much will depend on when you intend to arrive in Dublin with the fast ferry departing Holyhead at lunchtime and again after five. Remember for the overnight sailing the Cruise ferry has en-suite cabins which may be a consideration for you.
So how will you go to Ireland? By car, bike, on foot or with a caravan or motor home, it makes no difference as far as the ferry company is concerned, as they take all the hassle out of the logistics for you. And for those with pets such as cats and dogs, you have no worries about entry into Dublin. Checking-in times at Holyhead are only a maximum of thirty minutes, and there is no fuel surcharge even with a carbon footprint to consider, while all taxes are included in the price.
It is best to be as flexible as possible with ferry booking dates as this will mean suggested alternative travel dates may turn out to give you cheaper ticket prices. You will find that going for a crossing by Cruise ferry will cost less than the Dublin Swift, while a midweek crossing is usually cheaper than going at the weekend. One thing to really consider is that if you make at least three crossings with the company within a 12 month period, you will be entitled to a discount of up to 20 per cent.
You will also find some very attractive vacation accommodations available when you book your ferry tickets and it is well worth considering to secure either your Dublin hotel or holiday cottage further out in Ireland. Among the offers you can get are free child places and third and sometimes fourth nights free in the quality hotels selected and up to seven nights free for the cottage holidays in places like Limerick, Kerry, County Clare and Wicklow. So just imagine you can book your ferry crossing and your traditional Irish cottage in Tralee from one place.
How can you make sure your voyage will be as comfortable as possible when on board the Holyhead Dublin ferry? One good way is to get the Club Class pass which entitles you to priority boarding and the use of a Reserved Lounge and an exclusive Lounge Bar, together with refreshments and newspapers and the availability of discounts in the ship’s shop. If you are a foot passenger or cycling you may also want to check out Sail Rail, which offers flexible and good ticket offers on trains from anywhere in Britain to Holyhead, and similar advantages apply once in Ireland.
Whether you are a car driver, foot passenger, or travelling by bicycle or motorcycle or a motor home, once you know you are going to Ireland from Holyhead it pays to book early online to maximise your choice and get the best deals. Once you get on board the ferries there is plenty of entertainment if you prefer not to rest during the voyage. This route is not a particularly long crossing and you will discover that the Holyhead Dublin ferry, fast or Cruise, will offer you a comfortable and relaxing start to your vacation.