Ferry travel to Ireland? Isn’t that something old folks with a fear of flying and buckets of time do? Yes and no. Let’s face it – ferry travel to Ireland is outdated if it can be avoided. You’ll queue in an uninviting harbor, spend hours on an old steamer, and get seasick. All this driving and wasted hours. Isn’t it much quicker, cheaper, and more convenient to fly?

Well, this is true to a certain extent, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Ferry travel still has its advantages. Here is a closer look and comparison of the pros and cons of ferry travel to Ireland.

Ferry Travel to Ireland – the Disadvantages

• Seasickness
• Long Travel Times on the Ferry
  Fact: even the fastest ferry on the shortest route between the UK and Ireland will take about as long as a plane ride from Central Europe to Dublin. If you are traveling from the continent, you are at a huge disadvantage time-wise.
• Port Locations and Driving Times
  By their nature, ports are rarely located centrally but at the end of a dead-end road. Consequently, this means driving to and from the port to reach your destination. An airport might be much closer to you.
• Waiting and Queuing for the Ferry
  You’ll need to arrive at the port well in advance of the ferry’s departure. Waiting, queuing, and the drive into the ship’s hold will take anywhere from 45 minutes upwards. Additionally, add another 15 minutes from docking to actually leaving the port area.
• Risking Touring Ireland in Your Own Car
  If you fly in, you will normally need to rent a car. If you drive in, the risk is to your own car, potentially one with the driver sitting “on the wrong side.”
• The High Cost of a Ferry Crossing
  If you are examining the cost of the ferry ticket alone, without considering the fuel to get there, air travel will almost always be cheaper.
• Stopover Necessary
• If you are heading to Ireland from the continent, you can go non-stop. However, a journey from Hamburg to Dublin will take about 23 hours, via the Netherlands, Belgium, France, England, and Wales, involving two ferry crossings and numerous coffee breaks. For your safety, it is recommended to allow for a night’s rest halfway.

Ferry Travel to Ireland – the Disadvantages in Perspective

All the above is true. However, let’s gain some perspective:

• Travel Times on the Ferry
  While travel on a ferry always takes longer, it might be time well spent – modern ferries have cinemas, shopping malls, restaurants, areas for walking, and provide seating far superior to anything found in planes. Therefore, time will seem to fly. In the grander scheme, the actual crossing might be a minor factor.
• Port Locations and Driving Times
  Unless you live near an airport with a direct Irish connection, you will always experience long driving times as well. Not as long, admittedly, but still…
• Waiting and Queuing
  These days, air passengers are advised to arrive several hours early and are subjected to multiple queues without even a seat in sight. Plus, modern airport security checks can be stringent. Suddenly, queuing in your car with a hot coffee and nobody asking you to remove your shoes becomes a more appealing option.
• Risking it in Your Own Car
  Yes, but you save on car rental and you are familiar with your own vehicle. The perceived disadvantage of a left-hand drive vehicle is significant, primarily when overtaking, but manageable with the proper insurance and cautious driving.
• Cost of a Ferry Crossing
  Today, a ferry crossing from the continent to Ireland may well cost €600 or more, yet this expense can be split among all passengers in a car. Additionally, consider that airport transfers and/or parking fees are usually unavoidable when flying.
• Seasickness
  This can all be psychological – motion sickness can occur on flights too. Most modern ferries are substantial and equipped with automatic stabilization, reducing the likelihood of seasickness. For those traveling from the continent, ferry times can often be minimized by using the Channel Tunnel.
• Stopover Necessary
  Yes – but if planned cleverly, this could become an added bonus by visiting various sights along the way. Alternatively, you might choose an overnight ferry, allowing you to sleep through the crossing, or opt for a non-stop overnight service from France.
• Taking as Much Luggage as You Like
  Here, ferries excel … while airlines impose hefty charges for baggage, ferry operators generally have fewer restrictions as long as you can manage through the car deck without assistance.
• No Restrictions Regarding Luggage Contents
  With heightened security concerns, airplane passengers are often prohibited from bringing even benign items onboard, such as a soft drink purchased pre-security. Ferry companies tend to be less strict.

The Bottom Line – Comparing Prices

When comparing costs, make sure to avoid the common misconception of “a flight is €650 cheaper.” Instead, analyze all factors involved. For instance, here’s an illustrative breakdown for four individuals:

Ferry:

• Ferry Ticket Price €800 (car with four passengers)
• Car Travel to Ferry Port €150 (1,000 km)
• Car Travel back from Ferry Port €150 (1,000 km)

Air Travel:

• Airline Ticket Price €600 (€150 per person)
• Car Travel to Airport €30 (200 km)
• Car Park at Airport €160 (two weeks)
• Rental Car €450 (two weeks)
• Car Travel back from Airport €30 (200 km)

In conclusion, a family pays €1,200 when taking the ferry in their own car, while the cost is €1,270 for flying and renting a vehicle. Keep in mind that as the number of travelers decreases, air travel typically becomes more appealing.

Time Is of Essence

Unless you begin in Great Britain, your first night during a ferry arrangement will not be spent in Ireland, but instead in a roadside hotel, on the ferry, or simply driving. As a result, you will lose valuable time in Ireland – however, with strategic planning, you can enjoy an exciting road trip.

Who Is the Ideal Ferry Passenger?

Here comes the crux: ferries are exceptionally convenient for traveling in a (small) group and/or with ample luggage. Think of families embarking on vacations.

However, it also hinges on the distance to the ferry and the time you wish to spend in Ireland. If you’re traveling from Great Britain, ferry travel is indeed very convenient. If coming from continental Europe, it depends on your point of departure – anywhere within friendly distance of the Baltic, west of the former “Iron Curtain,” and north of the Alps and Pyrenees works well; beyond that, it becomes increasingly less practical. Conversely, if you’re a solo traveler planning a city trip to Dublin, flying would undoubtedly be the superior choice.