With its rich culture, lively traditional pubs and exciting night life, Ireland is unsurprisingly one of Europe’s favourite destinations amongst travellers. Outside of the big cities you will find beautiful and sparsely populated landscapes and atmospheric coastline.

Ferry routes are commonplace in an island such as this and there are too many ports to mention in one go. The largest ferry port in Ireland is Dublin port. This facility is relatively close to the city centre and has a throughput of nearly 1.5 million customers per year.

One of the most popular ferries which docks at Dublin port is Ulysses. This is an enormous vessel, capable of carrying up to 2000 people and hundreds of vehicles. It is operated by Irish Ferries, plying the route from Dublin to Holyhead in England several times each day. This particular journey requires three hours to complete.

Much of the ferry traffic to and from Ireland crosses the Irish sea to England and Wales, but you can also find routes which serve other countries including France. A direct route from Dublin to Cherbourg in France is run by P&O Irish Sea Ferries. With an 18 hour duration, this service only runs on a Saturday and is only open to people with cars. The ticket price includes meals.

Other destinations from Dublin ferry port include Liverpool and the Isle of Man. Norse Merchant Ferries run two ferries to Liverpool each day. Alternatively, SeaCat will take you to Liverpool in about four hours. The SeaCat crossing from Dublin to the Isle of Man is quicker at under three hours.

Another noteworthy ferry port which serves the south of Ireland is Cork. Besides being an interesting city in its own right, Cork is close to the Blarney stone, historic Cobh and Kinsale. A ten hour ferry trip from Cork port to Swansea in Wales is available all year round.

Tags: Cork, Dublin port, England, Europe, Ireland, Irish Ferries, Isle of Man, P&O Irish Sea Ferries