Ferries to Dublin arrive at the Port of Dublin, Ireland's largest ferry port for passengers and freight. Every year the port of Dublin sees more than 1.5 million passengers pass through its doors and over 300,000 vehicles and in recent years has had in the region of £130 million invested in it as part of the port's ongoing development. The port itself is well connected via rail and road and offers quick and easy access in to the centre of Dublin.
There are three major carriers operating the Service from the U.K.
- The crossing from Holyhead to Dublin operated by Stena Line offers two sailings per day with a crossing time of around 3hours 45 minutes
- Irish Ferries have six crossings per day with an average sailing time of 3 hours 15 minutes on the giant cruise ferry 'The Ulysses'. They also offer a fast craft service on board the 'Jonathan Swift' which takes 1 hour and 49 minutes.
- The other popular route to Dublin sails from Liverpool and is served by P and O Irish sea ferries
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- There are also three sailings a day from Douglas in the Isle of Man to Dublin with Steam Packet with a sailing time of around 3 hours and 45 minutes.
There is such a wide variety of things to do in this fascinating literary town that it's hard to know where to begin. Whether you just want to relax with a few pints of Guinness and soak up the atmosphere of some of the traditional pubs and bars in the notorious Temple bar area of town, or visit interesting historical sights like Dublin Castle or Trinity College, there is plenty to see and do for everyone.
Visiting Dublin
In the wake of a remarkable economic boom, Dublin's landscape has changed immeasurably over the past decade. These days Dublin ranks among the top tourist destinations in Europe, and this vibrant city hums with a palpable sense that it is creating a new cultural heritage.
The city's burst of prosperity gave it a new confident sheen, but what remains special is the spirit of the people who ensure that, despite whirlwind changes, Dublin remains one of Europe's most down-to-earth, friendly and accessible cities.
Dublin lies on the east coast of Ireland, with Greater Dublin sprawling around the arc of Dublin Bay, bounded to the north by the Howth hills and to the south by the Dalkey headland. The city is split - physically and psychologically - by the river Liffey; the north has traditionally been poorer and the south wealthier. Two canals - the Grand Canal in the south and the Royal Canal in the north - form semi-circular arcs around the centre.
North of the river, the most important streets for visitors are O'Connell St, the major shopping thoroughfare that leads to Parnell Square, and Gardiner St, a B&B and hostel hotspot. To the west, the Smithfield area is emerging as a tourist magnet. Busáras, the main bus station, and Connolly station, one of the two main train stations, are near the southern end of Gardiner St.Immediately south of the river is the hub of Dublin, Temple Bar, where you'll find a concentration of pubs, restaurants, shops and a number of art galleries.
Nearby Trinity College is at the southern end of Grafton St, the city's most exclusive shopping street. On the south side you'll also find the best examples of Georgian Dublin, with stately houses and elegant parks.
Eating Out In Dublin
Ireland's largest city is also the nation's culinary capital. From the lowliest greasy-spoon diner serving the kind of deep-fried food that your arteries will resent, to the fanciest Michelin-starred restaurant where eating is a veritable culinary journey, Dublin is a glutton's delight.
Dublin Nights Out
While Dublin's nightlife has been jacked up in recent years and now includes a dizzying roundabout of trendy bars, cafes and clubs, the local pub still exerts a centrifugal pull on fun. The pub is a meeting point for friends and strangers alike, the place where Dubliners are at their most convivial.
Shopping in Dublin
Classy crystal, chunky knitwear and off-beat artefacts. If it's made in Ireland, you can probably buy it in Dublin. Traditional buys include Irish knitwear, Celtic-style jewellery, crystal, fine china and linen. But there are also loads of small shops selling eccentric and offbeat wares and your souvenir trinket doesn't have to be staid.
