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Fast Ferry to Dun Laoghaire from HolyheadIn the past we had always travelled over to Dublin or Dun Laoghaire by mail boat, Hibernia or Cambria or the old the old Holyhead ferry. So we were used to a crossing of about three and a quarter to three and a half hours. Nice and leisurely, we thought. Now this is a new way to go! Stenaline runs the HSS fast ferry to Dun Laoghaire from the east side of the Holyhead Port complex. So how do you get there?
When you get to Holyhead, just follow the signs on the platform for the ship; it's easy peasy, and about a 2-3 minute walk into the booking hall.
Now you can keep up with the latest news and articlces by subscribing to our free Anglesey Today Newsletter. Just complete this form here; it's as easy as 1-2-3! Travelling by car, just follow the signs for the A55 and North Wales after you come off the motorway network, unless you are coming through the mountains along the A5.
In this case, you will join the A55 just outside Bangor. Then stay on the A55 onto the Britannia Bridge and on to Holyhead. See Map of Anglesey here. The Stenaline fast ferry to Dun Laoghaire leaves Holyhead at 0855 (except for 25/26 Dec 07 and 1 Jan 08 when there are no sailings) and again at 1430. You can catch the return ferry to Holyhead either at 1110 or at 1800. (These times are valid until 5 Jan 08) It was easy for us, living on Anglesey, so long as we made sure to get down to the Port at least half an hour before the ship leaves, so before 0825 for the morning sailing from Holyhead.
We decided on a day trip which is a great way to experience some highlights of Dublin, leaving you wanting to return another time, perhaps for a weekend break. Fares start from £19 per adult travelling by foot as a day passenger, £9 for a child. Just add £2 to the adult fare for the DART fast train service into Dublin from Dun Laoghaire.
And there is a special family day trip offer for £47 (two adults and two children). For more information on this and other offers, including taking your car and longer stay overs, read more here.
There is a great view from the front lounge of the HSS. You can see as the ship passes Holyhead Breakwater and South Stack lighthouse coming into view to the south.
As we glided along the smooth, almost calm waters of the Irish Sea, the odd sea bird comes into view and not far away a small fishing boat chugs along. An occassional freight ship passes in front of us, steaming up the channel northwards, perhaps towards Glasgow or Belfast. And before you know it, the Kish lighthouse appears on the port bow. This tells us that we don't have long to go, and the coastline beckons.
Still time for another cup of fresh coffee and perhaps another croissant, as the Emerald Isle approaches. When we get to Dun Laoghaire, its just a short walk from the terminal to the train station, and is well signposted.
Time enough to look at the street map and make final plans about which of the great Dublin attractions to visit. We hope you are as excited as we were when we first stepped aboard the Stenaline HSS Fast ferry to Dun Laoghaire. So start planning your trip now. A day trip, a weekend or maybe longer. Going from Holyhead on the fast ferry to Dun Laoghaire is an exciting an efficient way to discover Dublin and Ireland.
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