 | Home > Camping, Caravanning and Holidays > Ireland ferry crossings - pros and cons |
 
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| Landymatt Member Since: 31 Dec 2018 Location: York Posts: 191  
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Hi folks,
planning an Ireland trip, likely June this year from Cambridge, likely stopover in the Peaks to drop dogs off with the outlaws, then on to get a ferry to Ireland, destination flexible. There will be me, the wife, 2 kids, camping gear and bikes in our 110. Wondering whether to get the ferry from Liverpool (shorter drive from the outlaws) or from Holyhead, maybe enjoying the drive through North Wales on the way. Does anyone have experience of either / both and the pros and cons? Cheers, Matt  Click image to enlarge |
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16th May 2019 6:50am |
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| JOW240725 Member Since: 04 May 2015 Location: Suffolk Posts: 7906 
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We did an Ireland trip a few years ago visiting friends in Waterford. We went Fishguard to Rosslare, drove up through Ireland then back Dublin to Holyhead. The drive back to Suffolk through North Wales was beautiful, I was the only one that enjoyed it though as everyone else slept!
We were advised not to book the fast ferries as they are more frenquently cancelled due to bad weather. The kids love a ferry journey so going the slow way was fun. We also upgraded to "members" or something which gave express loading (not really worth it) but did give free drinks and nibbles in a nice lounge area. A couple of LR related photos Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge James MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641 MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557 Instagram @suffolk_rovers |
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16th May 2019 10:31am |
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| Mariner Member Since: 03 Oct 2017 Location: Arklow Posts: 127 
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There are four ferry arrivals in Dublin every morning between 0500 and 0600 approx. Two from Liverpool (P&O and Seatruck) and two from Holyhead (Stena and Irish Ferries). The four ferries discharging around the same time can lead to tailbacks exiting the port but it usually clears by 07.15 - 07.30.
An alternative if it suits could be the Seatruck from Heysham to Dublin. Departs 02.00 arrives 10.00 when there is less traffic and the general city rush hour has calmed down. If I can be of any assistance from this side just let me know. I work in the Port and have previously been in and around Sutton Bridge and Wisbech over in your neck of the woods  |
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16th May 2019 2:06pm |
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| Wildrover66 Member Since: 25 Apr 2018 Location: Kildare Posts: 52 
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Matt
I cross from Dublin the other way about 4 times a year and as mentioned the slow ferry and an upgrade seems to be the most enjoyable way to do it. If the seas a bit rough better upfront for those with out sea legs. I cross Dublin Holy head return and it is by far the most frequent and viable unless coming or going to Scotland. Not sure it is still available but worth checking is Tesco vouchers convert at 3 or 4 times there value when booking. If you choose to arrive in Dublin it gives easy access to the rest of Ireland and a few campsites with in an hour of the city. |
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16th May 2019 4:14pm |
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| mobilesawmiller Member Since: 03 Mar 2013 Location: Co,Tyrone Posts: 100
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Head for Donegal - God's own County. Great off roading, Guinness out of this world and the people are the best. Any idea of dates in June when you will be over?
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16th May 2019 5:01pm |
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| strang Member Since: 16 May 2012 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 1381 
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I have been a few times - last time in the Defender and got one of the slow boats to Dublin. Sadly the Stena fast ferry that used to run to Dun Laoghaire is no longer in service - as that would have avoided Dublin. You can still get the Irish Ferries fast ferry, but the crossings seem less frequent.
I love the west coast of Ireland and its really easy to get to now as there is a motorway right across the country - although parts of it have tolls, its only a couple of hours drive, and once of the west coast, the scenery is stunning! This is my series one in Roundstone Harbour where Monty Hall had a TV show featuring him running around in a 110. Click image to enlarge Euro-Leafing to infinity and beyond..... |
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16th May 2019 6:51pm |
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| mobilesawmiller Member Since: 03 Mar 2013 Location: Co,Tyrone Posts: 100
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Love the Series 1 - A beauty!
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17th May 2019 6:15am |
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| Landymatt Member Since: 31 Dec 2018 Location: York Posts: 191
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Wo, thanks for the cracking tips everybody, there’s no way I’d have got all this from tinter-web.
Planning for week of week of 17th June, now leaning towards Holyhead - Dublin but will most definitely be hitting the west coast and hopefully as far up as Donegal. There are a few threads on places to go, things to do, where to stay on here, such a fantastic source of knowledge and experience! Although think you’d struggle not have a great time in Ireland, we popped over for a wedding, stayed in a random B&B and the owners had the accordion, guitar and whiskey out before we’d opened the suitcase! Cheers guys. |
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17th May 2019 7:26pm |
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| Rkcorry Member Since: 23 Jan 2017 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 226 |
The night time sailing out of Liverpool might be an idea, You can take a cabin, have a nights rest and arrive ready for the day ahead.
The Belfast/Birkenhead boat being the route of choice for my travel, the reverse mind, Very convenient for making the most of your time for the day of departure, with some decent sites to visit, across the north coast and along the Wild Atlantic way. |
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22nd May 2019 8:40pm |
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