How to get to Ireland with Stena Line

Ready for an unforgettable Irish adventure? Just a short sail across the Irish Sea will take you to the beautiful shores of Ireland where a whole host of exciting attractions await. Whether it’s for a weekend, a week or something longer, Ireland makes the perfect getaway. From lively cities scattered with sights to charming coastal villages that look like they belong on a postcard, Ireland should be on everyone’s bucket list.  

And the best way to start your journey? On board a Stena Line ferry! With comfy lounges, scenic views and great facilities, your holiday starts as soon as you step foot on board.

Here’s everything you need to know about sailing the Irish Sea with Stena Line:

Why visit Ireland?  

There are countless reasons to take a Stena Line ferry to Ireland. The country is renowned for its warm hospitality. As soon as you step foot off the ferry to Ireland, cheery smiles and talkative taxi drivers will make you feel right at home. When you’re not chatting away to locals, there are plenty of places to explore.  

If you’re travelling to Northern Ireland, Stena Line ferries will take you to Belfast, the country’s vibrant capital city. You can get ferries to Belfast from both Liverpool and Cairnryan.

You’ll be spoiled for choice with the sights in Belfast. From Titanic Belfast to the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens, you’re in for a jam-packed itinerary. If you fancy delving into the country’s past, a black taxi tour is also a must. After you’ve boxed off the sights, the pubs beckon with live traditional music and local whiskey.  

With a ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast or Liverpool to Belfast, you can also go on to explore the rest of Northern Ireland. The incredible Giant’s Causeway should be top of your list. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of 40,000 basalt columns, the result of a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. Other must-see spots include medieval Dunluce Castle, the impressive Mourne Mountains and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a must for thrill-seekers.  

Heading to the Republic of Ireland? Stena Line operate ferries to Ireland from both Holyhead and Fishguard. You can get either the Holyhead to Dublin ferry or the Fishguard to Rosslare ferry.  

Dublin is packed full of must-see sights. Top attractions in Dublin include the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol and The Book of Kells at Trinity College. Dublin is a vibrant place and it’s renowned for its great nightlife, with many flocking to Temple Bar to soak up the lively atmosphere.  

Elsewhere in Ireland, there’s the incredible Cliffs of Moher with picture-perfect views, the medieval Blarney Castle and Killarney National Park with its beautiful lakes and mountains.

How to get to Ireland from the UK

You can get a ferry to Ireland with Stena Line. There are 4 routes to choose from, taking you to Belfast, Dublin or Rosslare. With fast and frequent sailings, a ferry is a convenient way to travel to Ireland. Travelling by ferry also means you have the ideal opportunity to take your car with you, and with so many places to see, Ireland is the perfect country to explore by car.  

Here are the Stena Line Irish Sea routes you can travel on:

Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry

Stena Line makes getting a ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland a breeze! The Cairnryan to Belfast ferry runs all year round with round the clock sailings daily. There are up to 6 daily sailings each way, giving you plenty of choice when it comes to booking a Cairnryan to Belfast ferry.  

Stena Line Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry Timetable

First ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast: 03:30 
Last ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast: 23:30

However, Cairnryan to Belfast ferry times can occasionally change, so, it’s always best to check the latest Stena Line Cairnryan to Belfast timetable before you book.  

How long is the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?  

You won’t be on the ferry for long with the Cairnryan to Belfast crossing time taking just 2 hours 15 minutes. That’s enough time to enjoy some lunch, a drink or two and admire the beautiful scenery!  

Liverpool to Belfast ferry

If you’re travelling from England, ferries to Northern Ireland also depart from Liverpool. There are 2 daily sailings from Liverpool to Belfast.

Liverpool to Belfast ferry timetable

First Liverpool to Belfast ferry: 10:30 
Last Liverpool to Belfast ferry: 22:30

How long is the ferry from Liverpool to Belfast?

The ferry from Liverpool to Belfast is a little longer. The journey takes 8 hours.  Don’t worry though, you can enjoy a snooze in a comfy cabin or relax in the Stena Plus lounge on day sailings!

Fishguard to Rosslare ferry

If you’re travelling from the UK to Ireland, Stena Line operate regular ferries from South Wales to Ireland. You can get a ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare throughout the year, with up to 2 daily sailings.

Fishguard to Rosslare ferry timetable

First Fishguard to Rosslare ferry: 01:30 
Last Fishguard to Rosslare ferry: 14:00

How long is the ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare?

The Fishguard Rosslare ferry gets you there in 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Holyhead to Dublin ferry

If you’re heading to the capital, you’ll be pleased to know that you can also get a ferry direct to Dublin. Holyhead to Dublin ferries sail up to 4 times per day.

Holyhead to Dublin ferry timetable

First Holyhead to Dublin ferry: 01:30 
Last Holyhead to Dublin ferry: 22:15

How long is the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin?

It’s a fairly quick journey with Holyhead to Dublin ferries taking around 3 hours 30 minutes.  

Travelling with your pet on Stena Line ferries to Ireland

A staycation isn’t the same without your pet in tow. After all, why should they miss out on the adventure? Travelling with Stena Line means you can take your pet with you. All you need to do is pre-book your pet and make sure you have all the necessary paperwork.

And the best news is, you can even stay with your pet whilst on board with pet-friendly cabins available on the Holyhead, Fishguard and Liverpool routes. On the Cairnryan route, there’s also a dedicated pre-bookable Pet Lounge so your pet can travel in style!

What facilities are available on board Stena Line ferries to Ireland?  

One thing’s for sure; you’ll never be bored on a Stena Line ferry. There are plenty of facilities on board the Stena Line ferry to Ireland. These include restaurants, comfortable lounges, shops and cabins. Here are some experiences you can enjoy on board a Stena Line ferry…

Go all out in the Stena Plus Lounge

What better way to start your holiday than with a premium experience in the Stena Plus Lounge? There are complimentary drinks, snacks, refreshments, waiter service and even complimentary wines on their afternoon and evening sailings. And you can enjoy it all from extra comfy seats!

Sit back and relax in the Hygge Lounge

Fancy getting away from it all? Escape the hustle and bustle in the Stena Line Hygge Lounge. Think comfy reclining chairs, a large TV and complimentary tea and coffee. It’s the perfect place to relax and read your book as your sail along the Irish Sea.

Make memories in the Family Hub  

If you’re travelling with little ones on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry, why not have some fun in the Stena Line ferry Family Hub? Kids (and grown-ups) will love it here with fun activities including video games and interactive design features. If you’re not travelling to Dublin, don’t worry - there’s Happy World play areas on all Stena Line ships.  

Splash some cash in Duty Free

If you’re travelling on the Holyhead or Fishguard routes, you can also make the most of duty-free shopping. With up to 50% off UK high street prices, it’s the perfect place to treat your loved ones – or yourself.  Check out the latest Stena Line Duty Free special offers.

So, are you ready for an exciting adventure? Book your ferry to Ireland with Stena Line today.