Ireland is a beautiful and exciting place to visit, whether you’re out for a week or two in the peaceful lush countryside or a whistle-stop tour of the many bars in Dublin, Ireland is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK and Ireland of which there are many.
For whatever reason you have for your trip the best way to travel to the Emerald isle is via the Irish Sea on either a ferry or Catamaran. You can also fly via a number of budget airlines from the UK at selected airports but with green issues being on the mind of the government soon we may see additional costs for short haul flights coming in to effect.
Sailing via ferry has been the most common mode of transport for a number of tourists as the added benefit is that ferries are also able to carry vehicles so you would be able to drive your own vehicle when staying in Ireland, saving valuable money on car hire! Make sure before you leave though that you inform your insurer to make sure you will be covered should you have an accident whilst away.
Aside from the bonus of bringing your own car the great benefit of the ferry as opposed to the air plane is much more space and comfort. In a plane you’d be cooped up with little leg room and confined to the airline food if they even serve on such a short flight. On a ferry you are able to move about freely, take to the upper deck to brave the cold sea air if you’re daring, or simply stay below deck to one of the restaurants on board or relax in large armchairs and sofas.
Admittedly ferries are obviously slower than airlines but if time is not in short supply then travelling by ferry is highly recommended, the length of the trip could be cut significantly if the route you are booked on is not on a ferry but on a more modern solution: The Catamaran.
A catamaran or “Sea-Cat” as they are known as, is much faster than a ferry with a 3+ hour trip cut in half given good sea conditions, as someone who has travelled on a sea-cat in less than favourable conditions I recommend you find a seat and try staying put as the vessel does rise and fall a lot and can leave you feeling a little queasy trying to walk from one end of the vessel to another.
On poorer conditions such as the tail end of the year it is best to try and book a ferry as opposed to catamaran; catamarans are unable to sail in adverse conditions such as high winds whereas a ferry can easily cope. Whereas if a plane is delayed or cancelled it can spell disaster for any travel plans with a ferry there are regular services as a lot of ferries transport goods on Lorries so you can always be sure of a departure should your particular voyage be delayed.
Once you arrive and disembark there are often bus services going to the city of Dublin for those who didn’t come via car and they will often drop you off in the city centre there are plenty of taxi services operating from the city centre to nearby hotels in Dublin and further a field. There are also regular tram services running with many of the hotels being closely situated to at least one stop or a bus stop.
So if you are planning on booking a holiday or even just a weekend in Ireland then travelling via ferry is much more favourable thanks to the added comfort and flexibility compared to airlines.