You will probably book the Holyhead Dublin ferry for your holidays in Ireland with your partner and family. Here are some tips that can help make your time on the ferry to Dublin more enjoyable and relaxing. On this route, travelers can choose between the world’s largest car ferry, Ulysses, or a very fast ferry, Jonathan Swift, for the journey between the port of Holyhead, Anglesey’s main city, and the Irish capital.

There are eight departures a day on the Holyhead Dublin route, the Cruise Ferry takes three and a quarter hours, while the Dublin Swift hops in one hour and three quarters. So decide if you want the slow pace or pass as soon as possible. The overnight cruise ferry offers ensuite cabins that can make your trip more comfortable, so book early to secure your relaxing cabin. Meanwhile, the schedule sees the fast ferry leaving Holyhead at noon and again after five in the afternoon.

Irish Ferries do everything they can to make your travel plans as easy as possible with a special arrangement for caravans and bikes, and cars can take as much luggage as will fit in the vehicle. When you arrive at Holyhead Port, there is only a thirty minute check-in process and for cat and dog owners, your pets will have no problem getting into Dublin. At a time of higher fuel prices, the ferry company has decided to waive additional fuel surcharges and all taxes are included.

To keep things as smooth as possible, you should try to be flexible when booking your ferry to Ireland, as an alternative departure date may offer you better ticket prices. According to the company, weekday fares are lower than weekends, and Cruise Ferry fares are lower than fast ferry fares. And one very valuable offer is the Frequent Flyer Plan, which means that if you travel at least three times during 12 months to Ireland, you will receive a discount of up to 20 per cent, which is a great saving.

You will also find some very attractive holiday accommodation available when you book your ferry tickets and it is worth considering securing your hotel in Dublin or your holiday home further afield in Ireland. Among the deals you can get are free children and third and sometimes fourth nights free in selected quality hotels and up to seven nights free for country house holidays in places like Limerick, Kerry, County Clare and Wicklow. So imagine you can book your ferry crossing and your traditional Irish cottage in Tralee from one place.

Whilst on board the Holyhead Dublin Ferry you may wish to gain some extra comfort and peace of mind and you can do so by using the Club Class lounges. Club Class benefits include priority boarding and you will have a reserved Lounge and exclusive Lounge Bar, along with complimentary snacks and newspapers, as well as discounts at the onboard shop. Another deal to consider if you’re not driving is Sail Rail, which offers you value and flexibility when booking trains to and from Holyhead and Dublin.

There are great deals for car drivers, as well as foot passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists and caravans on the Irish Ferries route, and if you know in advance that you’ll be traveling to Ireland, it’s worth booking in advance online. On board the ferry there is a wide range of entertainment for the whole family if you can’t sleep during the trip. Whether you choose to go by cruise ferry or the fast route, you can be sure that your Holyhead Dublin ferry will provide a comfortable setting for this short sea crossing and a good start to your holiday.