When it comes to travelling via trailer ferry from Ireland, there are a few things you’ll want to know. This includes knowing what your options are for ferries that allow you to bring a trailer, how the process typically works and where the ferries travel from and to. You’ll also want to keep a few tips in mind. With that said, read on to learn more.
Trailer Ferries From Ireland: The Options
You have many options when it comes to ferries that travel from Ireland to destinations. These options include Stena, Irish Ferries and Condor Ferries to name a few. These are the major ferry lines that allow you to bring trailers onboard, but there are a few others you can choose from.
Not all ferry lines are created equal. Therefore, you should explore several options, and see which ferry line makes it the easiest for you to travel with the type of trailer you want to travel with. Also, don’t forget to compare what amenities and facilities each ferry has.
There’s a good chance you will be travelling in the passenger section of the ferry instead of waiting in your car. You want to travel on a ferry that has the amenities and features you want, such as dining and maybe a cabin you can book for an additional fee. Some ferries also have an entertainment area onboard.
How It Works: Booking & Travelling via A Ferry
The way it works is simple. The first step is to find a ferry that allows you to bring the type of trailer you want to travel with. Once you find a ferry you want to book with, you want to make sure it travels to the destination you want to get to. This is very easy to do, but you still want to compare several options before settling on the ferry you want to book with.
The second step is to book the ferry. In most cases you can do this online, but if the trailer doesn’t meet the requirements for you to book online, you’ll have to show up to the port and pay there. If you are allowed to book online, you’ll enter your information and then make your payment. It’s as easy as that.
The next step is to show up to the port on the day you are scheduled to leave. Generally speaking it’s good to get to the port an hour or two hours before departure. If you’re only travelling with a small trailer and/or with light equipment that is clearly visible, then the process of boarding the ferry should be quick. If you have a large trailer with lots of items on it or an enclosed trailer with cargo in it, then authorities may want to inspect it before you board.
Where Do The Ferries Travel To
The ferries you can catch from Ireland go to various locations, such as the UK. Holyhead and Liverpool (both in the UK) are a few examples of where you can travel to via a ferry from Ireland. You can also go to Cherbourg in France, and Bilbao in Spain. These are only a few examples of the destinations you can travel to via a trailer ferry from Ireland.
As for where the ferries travel from in Ireland, there are several locations. The majority of ferries travel from Dublin Port. Other ferries serve ports in County Cork and Belfast. Bear in mind that some routes are served regularly, while other routes might only be served on a limited basis, such as a weekly basis.
Prices & Fees
How much you’ll pay to travel via a ferry from Ireland depends on several factors. The main factor is the type of trailer you’re travelling with. If you have equipment on or inside the trailer, then this might play a role in how much you’ll pay. The good news is it is generally affordable to bring a trailer on most of the ferries from Ireland.
Tips To Keep In Mind
Travelling via a trailer ferry from Ireland is usually straightforward. However, there are a few tips you should keep in mind if you want to enjoy a stress-free trip. The top tips to keep in mind include:
- Book Ahead Of Time Or Show Up Early– You’ll want to book ahead of time because ferries from Ireland can fill up quickly, If the ferry line you want to use doesn’t let you book online due to the type of trailer you’re travelling with, then make sure you show up to the port as early as possible. You don’t want to be turned away. The chances are you’ll be told when you should show up to the port and/or it will be shown on the ferry line’s website.
- Secure Any Cargo & Bring Documents– If you’re travelling with a very large trailer that has cargo or any loose items in it, then secure it before you travel. Depending on the time of year you travel, as well as weather conditions in general, the trip from Ireland to your destination may be bumpy due to rough seas. The last thing you want is for any items to become damaged during your trip.
Also, if you’re bringing a long trailer such as a horse trailer or cargo trailer, then you might need documentation. Whether or not you will depends on where you are travelling to. Make sure you read the terms and conditions. If required, then gather relevant documentation about the items you are transporting within your trailer.
Those are the top two tips to keep in mind when it comes to travelling on a ferry from Ireland. The cost/Booking ahead of time means you don’t run the risk of being turned away when you show up at the port. Securing your items on or in your trailer will ensure they are kept safe and secure.
All you have to do now is start comparing your options. Once you find the trailer ferry from Ireland that you want to book, you can book online or simply show up to the port. Make sure you keep the previously discussed tips in mind as you start looking for ferries from Ireland.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
