Boat and Ferry Travel

Irish Ferries runs a regular high-speed car and passenger service into Dublin port from Holyhead in Wales. The crossing takes one hour and 50 minutes on the faster Dublin Swift and three hours and 15 minutes on the bigger cruise ships. They also have a new service from Cherbourg in France, a 20-hour trip. Stena Line has services to Dublin port from Holyhead (3½ hours). Prices and departure times vary according to season, so call to confirm. In summer, reservations are strongly recommended; book online or through a travel agent. Dozens of taxis wait to take you into town or you can take a bus to the city center.

Contacts

Irish Ferries. Box 19, Alexandra Rd., Ferryport, Dublin North, Dublin, Co. Dublin, 1. 0818/300–400; 01/607–5700; www.irishferries.com.

Stena Line. Dublin Port, Southside, Dublin, Co. Dublin, Co. Dublin. 01/204–7777; www.stenaline.ie.