The Gateway to Ireland
Holyhead ferry terminal — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Holyhead Port is the principal gateway between Britain and Ireland, and the second busiest passenger ferry port in the United Kingdom after Dover. Located on the western tip of Holy Island, just off the coast of Anglesey in North Wales, the port sits conveniently at the end of the A55 dual carriageway and has served the Irish Sea crossing for well over 150 years.
Two major ferry operators — Irish Ferries and Stena Line — run up to eight daily sailings between Holyhead and Dublin Port. The fastest crossing takes around two hours and fifteen minutes on the Irish Ferries swift service, while conventional ferry crossings take approximately three hours fifteen minutes to three and a half hours. With departures running from early morning through to late evening, the port offers considerable flexibility for both day-trippers and longer stays.
Ferry Operators & Crossing Times
| Operator | Route | Approx. Crossing Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Ferries | Holyhead – Dublin | 2 hrs 15 min – 3 hrs 20 min | Up to 4 daily |
| Stena Line | Holyhead – Dublin | 3 hrs 15 min – 3 hrs 30 min | Up to 4 daily |
Both operators carry foot passengers, cars, motorhomes, caravans and bicycles. Onboard facilities typically include restaurants, lounges, a shop, children’s play areas and, on some vessels, premium club-class cabins. Pets can travel on designated sailings — check with the operator when booking.
Getting to the Port: Holyhead Port is at the end of the A55 expressway. Journey times by car: Chester approx. 1 hr 40 min • Liverpool approx. 2 hrs • Manchester approx. 2 hrs 20 min • Birmingham approx. 3 hrs 15 min. Holyhead railway station is adjacent to the ferry terminal, with direct trains from London Euston, Crewe and Chester via Bangor. Full detail in our Getting Here guide.
The Port Terminal
A Stena Line ferry passing North Stack near Holyhead — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
The passenger terminal building handles check-in for both foot passengers and vehicle drivers. Vehicle passengers are directed to designated lanes before boarding, while foot passengers check in at the terminal building. A short-stay car park (limited to 20 minutes) sits outside the terminal for drop-offs and pick-ups, and a larger long-stay car park operates on a pay-and-display basis for those leaving their vehicle behind.
Electric vehicle charging bays are available in the car park, offering two hours of free parking while charging. The town centre is within easy walking distance of the terminal, with hotels, supermarkets and places to eat close by — including a Travelodge within the town itself.
Holyhead Breakwater
Holyhead Breakwater — the longest in the UK — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
One of the great engineering feats of the Victorian age stands guard over the harbour. Holyhead Breakwater stretches 1.7 miles (2.7 km) into the Irish Sea, making it the longest breakwater in the United Kingdom. Construction began in 1847, employed around 1,300 workers, consumed more than seven million tonnes of stone quarried from nearby Holyhead Mountain, and was finally completed and opened by the Prince of Wales in August 1873.
Today the breakwater is a popular walk with outstanding views across the harbour, the Anglesey coastline and — on a clear day — the distant outline of Ireland and the Isle of Man. A small lighthouse stands at the far end, largely unchanged since it was first built. The former quarry has been transformed into the Breakwater Country Park, a peaceful 106-acre site with woodland trails, freshwater fishing and rock climbing.
Cruise Ships
Holyhead has become an increasingly popular port of call for cruise liners touring the Irish Sea and British Isles. Wales recorded 84 cruise ship visits in 2025, a significant increase over recent years, and Holyhead is well placed to benefit from this growth. Passengers stepping ashore have easy access to Anglesey’s beaches, castles and the mountains of Snowdonia a short drive along the A55 — see our dedicated Shore Excursions guide.
A Port with History
The story of Holyhead as a port stretches back centuries. The harbour’s strategic importance grew enormously in the mid-nineteenth century with the expansion of the railways — the completion of the Britannia Bridge in 1850 connected Anglesey to the mainland and allowed the Chester and Holyhead Railway to carry freight and passengers directly to the port. During the Second World War the harbour played a vital role in defending against U-boat operations in the Irish Sea. More recently, Stena Line invested over £4 million in port upgrades in 2018, and the port continues to adapt to growing passenger and freight volumes. The full story is in our History & Heritage guide.
Sailing early or arriving late? Search Holyhead hotels on Booking.com or see our Where to Stay guide.
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