How to Travel From England to Ireland

Most travelers from England to Ireland arrive in Dublin, the nation's largest city. (Photo: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images )

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By Ferry

Step 1

Plan ahead. Ferry schedules change seasonally, and frequently change from published schedules with little notice or forewarning. Check with the port that you are planning to leave from for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, ferries during the summer months can be crowded and can sell out quickly. Purchase your tickets ahead of time to avoid any hassle.

Take the ferry. Ferries across the Irish Sea generally tend to serve the cities that are geographically closest to one another. Liverpool offers ferries to Dublin; Stranraer has ferries to Belfast; and Fishguard, Holyhead and Plymouth have ferries to County Cork in the southern part of Ireland. Car ferries are available if you'd like to take your own vehicle across the water. Trips take between one and 10 hours, depending on your point of origin and destination.

By Air

Step 1

Buy tickets. Tickets can be booked through the airlines, on the Internet or through travel agents. Additionally, England allows airlines to sell their unused tickets to consolidators or "bucket shops," which in turn re-sell them to travelers at much lower prices.

Fly to Ireland. Flights between England and Ireland generally last between one and two hours, depending on where you're going. UK and European Union citizens only need a photo I.D. to enter Ireland; everyone else must have a valid passport.