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Ferry to Northern Ireland
4 Ferry crossings from 5 Ports
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Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

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Northern Ireland

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Ferry to Northern Ireland

Direct Ferries offer the best prices for ferries to Northern Ireland, a place renowned for its scenic hiking routes and historic castles. Stena Line, P&O Ferries and Steam Packet provide various ferries to Northern Ireland from Scotland, England, Isle of Man and Wales. 

There are 2 ports in Northern Ireland. Belfast port and Larne port are both located on the east coast of Northern Ireland. Belfast ferry port is the most popular, with 53 weekly sailings and ferry connections from Douglas, Liverpool Birkenhead and Cairnryan.

Where can you travel from to Northern Ireland

There are many destinations and ferry companies that offer ferries to Northern Ireland. The most popular ferry route is by P&O Irish Sea with crossings from Scotland via Cairnryan - Larne. This crossing operates 7 times a day and takes 2 hours. Stena Line also provide a popular route between Cairnryan - Belfast operating 5 times a day and taking around 2 hours 22 minutes.

Can you get a ferry from England to Northern Ireland?

Yes, you can take a ferry from England to Northern Ireland. You can get the Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast ferry via Stena Line, which provide up to 16 weekly sailings for this route.

You can also travel between Douglas - Belfast in the Isle of Man with the Steam Packet ferry. This route operates once a week and takes around 4 hours 30 minutes.

Most popular questions

Which ferries travel to Northern Ireland?

Ferries to Northern Ireland:
  • Cairnryan
  • Douglas
  • Liverpool Birkenhead

What is the fastest ferry to Northern Ireland?

The fastest ferry crossing to Northern Ireland is via the Cairnryan to Larne route, with a crossing time of approximately 2h 01m.

What is the cheapest ferry to Northern Ireland?

The cheapest ferry to Northern Ireland is £180 from Douglas to Belfast. Price exclusive of booking fees.

What are the ferry ports in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland Ferry Ports:
  • Larne
  • Belfast

Can you take pets on the ferry to Northern Ireland?

Yes, you can bring your pets onboard the ferries. Where pets are allowed on the ferries depends on the ferry company. Currently you can bring pets on ferries with
  • P&O Irish Sea
  • Stena Line

Northern Ireland reviews

  • "Birkenhead to Belfast"

    Very pleasent trip.

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  • "Homewardbound"

    After a long drive through England,I arrived at the terminal tired and hungry. I was very disappointed to find ther was no facilities for having a hot meal in the terminal. There were only two vending machines. One for soft drinks and the other for hot drinks .Unfortunately the Hot drinks machine would not operate. The power saving mode stayed on and I was disappointed to find it would not work at all.I spent five hours before being allowed on board the ferry. I ordered a burger with cheese and bacon from the Barissta and found the prices to be a real rip off.£1.95 for a mug of hot water and a with a tea bag thrown in. The burger price was a rip off,I got little change from £10! The trip itself was pleasant and I was most impressed with the value and service in the onboard restaurant next morning. For £8.95 I received a fresh cooked breakfast with toast and orange juice. I was also able to have as much tea as I wanted. In almost 40 yrs of using this route, this was a very pleasant surprise. Disembarking in the morning was very efficient, the staff very helpful and pleasant. All in all a very enjoyable trip home despite the disappointment of the Barrista Bar experience!

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  • "Cairnryan/Larne"

    Just back from a few days in Ireland having crossed with P@O where the staff were very friendly and helpful. Will be using them again in the future.

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  • "Better than Stena"

    For the most part I was satisfied with the trip to Ireland aboard the P&O Ship. The thing that miffed me the most was the lack of WIFI. The price was the same as Stena and I am glad I went with P&O but I am not sure I will again because we are in 2013 not 2005 so get your WIFI sorted P&O.

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Northern Ireland Ferry Map and Routes

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Northern Ireland Guide

Northern Ireland is the smallest of the four countries that make up Great Britain. It is situated in the northeast corner of Ireland.

Considering its size, the variety on offer in Northern Ireland is quite amazing, from beautiful countryside and breathtaking mountains, intriguing towns and villages to some of the most vibrant, culturally rich and historical cities. Northern Ireland is one of those destinations that not only promises, but delivers.

Ferry routes to Northern Ireland

Ferry routes from Northern Ireland

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