Travelling by ferry to Wales

To reach Wales by boat, you can depart from 2 countries: Ireland and United Kingdom. The ferries of the 3 companies (Fastnet Line, Irish Ferries or Stena Line) operating crossings to Wales call at 8 ports: Cork, Swansea, Dublin, Holyhead, Dun Laoghaire, Rosslare, Fishguard and Pembroke.

With a network of 5 ferry lines, it is easy to reach Wales and find the perfect crossing. Ferry companies Fastnet Line, Irish Ferries and Stena Line offer up to 14 crossings a day. Find all prices and best deals for Wales on our Vivanoda search engine.

The fastest crossing takes 2 hours 20 min (Dublin - Holyhead) with a distance of 68 mi and the longest 4 hours (Rosslare - Pembroke) with a distance of 75 mi.

Ferries to Wales in figures

Countries
Ireland
United Kingdom
Number of crossings
14 crossings a day
Number of ports
8
Number of ferry connections
5
Number of ferry companies
3
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Popular ferries to Wales

Search for the fastest, longest or most frequent ferries to Wales on Vivanoda. Compare offers from Fastnet Line, Irish Ferries and Stena Line and book your ticket to Wales.

Most popular ferry routes to Wales

To travel to Wales by ferry, the ferry operators Stena Line, Irish Ferries and Fastnet Line offer daily crossings from Pembroke, Fishguard, Rosslare, Dun Laoghaire, Holyhead or Dublin.

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Ferry Wales: Travel Guide

Ferry Wales: What to see and do?

Whether you arrive by ferry at one of the main ports - Holyhead, Fishguard or Pembroke - we've put together a tourist guide to the main towns and sights to see during your stay in Wales.

Start your journey in the bustling city of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Here you can visit the majestic Cardiff Castle, a historic site in the heart of the city. Then take a stroll around picturesque Cardiff Bay and enjoy its many restaurants, bars and modern attractions such as the enigmatic Millennium Centre. And don't miss the St Fagans National Museum of History, which offers a fascinating insight into Welsh culture through the centuries.

From Cardiff, head to Swansea, a vibrant and cultural port city. Stroll along the beach at Swansea Bay, visit the city's National Water Museum and explore the marina, where you'll find plenty of trendy restaurants and bars. If you have time, don't miss the Gower Peninsula, famous for its golden sandy beaches and unspoilt scenery.

Your next stop could be the charming town of Newport. Here you can explore the remains of Newport Castle, dating back to the 14th century, or take a stroll along Friars Walk, a modern shopping area where you'll also find plenty of restaurants and cafés. If you're an art lover, don't miss the Newport Museum and Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Welsh art.

Next, head to Bangor, a town in North Wales surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery. Here you can visit Bangor University, stroll along the picturesque Menai Strait and take a trip to the neighbouring Isle of Anglesey, known for its wild landscapes, castles and peaceful atmosphere.

Finally, end your trip in the historic town of Caernarfon, famous for its magnificent medieval castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the town walls, visit the National Museum of Gwynedd and soak up the unique atmosphere of this fortified town.

Beyond the main cities, Wales has a wealth of natural attractions to explore. Don't miss the Snowdonia mountain range, where you can climb Mount Snowdon, the country's highest peak. Fans of the TV series Game of Thrones will love visiting the Dark Hedges region, which was used as a filming location. And for nature lovers, the Brecon Beacons National Park offers breathtaking scenery and unforgettable walking opportunities.

Wales offers a unique blend of bustling cities, spectacular scenery and rich history. Whether you arrive by ferry at Holyhead, Fishguard or Pembroke, explore all the sights and discover for yourself what this region has to offer.

Wales: When to visit?

The best time to travel to the UK is generally in summer, from June to August. During this period, temperatures average between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, providing pleasant conditions in which to explore the many tourist sites and enjoy the country's magnificent landscapes. The days are also longer, which means more time to explore the bustling cities of London, Edinburgh and Belfast, as well as the magnificent national parks, coastlines and castles.

However, even in summer, it's important to be prepared for sudden showers and unexpected temperature changes. It is advisable to bring waterproof clothing to deal with any unforeseen weather conditions.

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Main ports of call for a ferry crossing to Wales

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