Find out all you need to know about taking the Liverpool to Dublin ferry in this useful article. The ferry from Liverpool to Dublin is one of the easiest ways to get to Ireland from the UK and gives you the freedom to explore the Emerald Isle at your own pace.
Quick Takeaway: There is a daily car ferry from Liverpool to Dublin which takes 7 hours and 30 minutes. A ticket costs from £129 ($170) for a small car. Click here to book with Direct Ferries.
Please note: The Liverpool to Dublin ferry is for passengers with vehicles and does not currently accept foot passengers. Foot passengers can instead opt for the Holyhead to Dublin or Liverpool to Belfast ferries.
Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How To Take the Liverpool to Dublin Ferry
It’s easy to take the boat from Liverpool to Dublin with one sailing per day taking seven and a half hours. There is no foot passenger service and this route is for passengers with a vehicle only.
There’s lots to see and do in Dublin, and and it makes a great base for exploring the rest of the Emerald Isle. If you’re looking to hire a car for your Ireland trip, I recommend our partners at Discover Cars. Click here for prices.
Why Take the Liverpool to Dublin Ferry?
- Enjoy a leisurely trip without the stress of flying
- Cheap – tickets from just £129 ($170)
- Amazing views of the Irish Sea
- Discover the Craic in one of Europe’s most fun cities
- Arrive close to the centre of Dublin
There are many reasons to visit the vibrant city of Dublin from museums to art galleries and pleasant parks. I’ve been to Dublin many time and recently took the ferry there and back from England.
Liverpool to Dublin Ferry Price
The Liverpool to Dublin ferry cost is very reasonable considering the price includes all meals onboard. You’ll find it’s often cheaper than flying with tickets starting at just £50 for a motorbike and £129 for a small car if booked in advance.
- Motorcycle: £50
- Small car (e.g. Skoda Fabia): £129
- 2-Berth Cabin: +£18
A cabin is not necessary as there is plenty of seating in the public areas, but if you want a bit more privacy or to get some rest before arriving in Dublin, then upgrading to a cabin for just £18 is a great option.
Click here to book your ticket now
Liverpool to Dublin Ferry Timetable
| Ship | Departs Liverpool | Arrives Dublin | Duration |
| P&O Norbay | 09:30 | 17:00 | 7h30m |
Click here to book your ticket now
How to Buy Tickets for the Liverpool Dublin Ferry
You can purchase tickets at the port in Liverpool, however, as the route sells out it’s best to book in advance and this can be done online through companies like Direct Ferries.
Prices start from as little as £129 one-way for a car. Prices increase in summer and around holiday periods. Use the widget below to get a quote today:
How to Get to Liverpool Port Ferry Terminal
Unlike taking the Liverpool to Belfast ferry which leaves from Birkenhead across the River Mersea, the P&O Ferries Liverpool to Dublin boat departs from Liverpool Port in Bootle which is a lot easier to get to.
Address: Branch Dock Two, Gladstone Dock, Bootle, Liverpool L20 1BG. Click here for directions.
Check-In Time: closes 90 minutes before departure
Phone: +44 (0)800 1300 030
Website: poferries.com
The P&O Ferries Liverpool Port is in Bootle, about 4.5 miles from the city centre. Follow the A565 north up the coast from the city centre to reach the port.
If travelling from the north you’ll want to follow the M6 south towards Liverpool, and from the south, you’ll follow the M62 north to Liverpool.
About the Liverpool to Dublin Ferry
The Liverpool Dublin route is serviced by P&O’s ship the Norbay which was built in 1994.
Important Note: There are no passenger lifts or escalators on the Norbay and you’ll need to take the stairs to reach the passenger area.
Facilities on Board
- Restaurant
- Lounge bar
- Sundeck
- Children’s play area
Food and Drink
The ticket price includes all meals onboard and complimentary tea and coffee. Choose from the following:
08:00 Pre-departure Breakfast: Choose from a full, cooked breakfast, porridge or continental.
12:00 13:00 – Lunch Special: Homemade soup with fresh rolls.
16:00 High Tea: Choose from fish and chips, salads, chef’s special and a selection of desserts.
Book today with Direct Ferries
Getting to Dublin from the Ferry Port
Dublin Port Address: Terminal 5, Dublin Port, Terminal Rd S, North Dock, Dublin, D01 N6K6, Ireland. Click here for directions.
The Dublin ferry port is 4 miles (6 km) from the city centre and it takes around ten minutes to drive. Exit the port on Promenade Road before heading south into the city centre.
Top Things to Do in Dublin
The city of Dublin is a wonderful destination and somewhere I’ve been many times over the years. There is plenty to do including taking a tour of the Guinness Factory to the historic Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol and the General Post Office.
One of the best things to do though of course is enjoy the craic and have a few pints in colourful Temple Bar with its many traditional Irish pubs (The Foggy Dew is somewhere I’ve been visiting for years).
Dublin also makes a great base for exploring the rest of Ireland and there are daily buses around the country and to Belfast in Northern Ireland.
Here are some of the top things to do in Dublin:
- Have a pint in Temple bar
- Cross Ha’Penny Bridge
- Take a tour of the Guinness Factory
- Visit Kilmainham Gaol
- See the library and Book of Kells at Trinity College
- Explore the city’s parks and gardens
Where to Stay in Dublin
Here are a few places to stay in Dublin whatever your budget:
Budget: I stayed at the Jacob’s Inn which is a lively backpacker’s hostel ten minutes walk from O’Connell Street and Temple Bar. The beds are capsule style for added privacy and there is a large common room, bar and restaurant downstairs. Click here to book.
Mid-range: It’s possible to book a room at the 16th Century Trinity College campus in the heart of Dublin. Guests can choose from singles, doubles or a small apartment. Cooked breakfast extra. Click here to find out more.
Luxury: The Merrion Hotel offers five-star accommodation in the heart centre of Dublin. Relax in sumptuous surroundings that includes an ensuite bathroom with Italian marble and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Click here for more info.
FAQs About the Liverpool Dublin Ferry
P&O operates a passenger ferry from Liverpool to Dublin for those travelling with a vehicle. There is no foot passenger service, however, foot passengers can opt either for the Liverpool to Belfast or Holyhead to Dublin ferries.
The ferry from Liverpool to Dublin takes 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Holyhead to Dublin is the quickest ferry route from the UK to Dublin as it takes around three hours.
P&O sails once a day between Liverpool and Dublin. The boat departs Liverpool at 9:30am and arrives in Dublin at 5pm.
Conclusion
Now you know how to take the Liverpool to Dublin ferry, one of the easiest and most fun ways to travel between England and Ireland.
Avoid the hassle and stress of flying and arrive refreshed at your destination after a relaxing trip across the Irish Sea. Use the form below to get a quote, or click here to book your ticket today.
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About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲