View Full Version : Cheap Irish Ferries?
Dubversion
05-06-2007, 10:54
Pie Face and I have been talking about turning our trip to the Electric Picnic festival in Portlaois in August into a week-long trip to Ireland. But the ferries are proving ludicrously expensive - whatever I've looked at, a Holyhead-Dublin round trip is coming in at about £220-250, regardless of time of day or day of week travellled.
Anyone know any cheaper ways of doing this? Our van isn't huge (less than the 2.4m limit that seems to push vehicles into the next bracket)
Minnie_the_Minx
05-06-2007, 11:23
Pie Face and I have been talking about turning our trip to the Electric Picnic festival in Portlaois in August into a week-long trip to Ireland. But the ferries are proving ludicrously expensive - whatever I've looked at, a Holyhead-Dublin round trip is coming in at about £220-250, regardless of time of day or day of week travellled.
Anyone know any cheaper ways of doing this? Our van isn't huge (less than the 2.4m limit that seems to push vehicles into the next bracket)
:eek:
I remember getting the bus to Dun Laoghaire (probably wrong spelling but sod it) and it cost £16
That was probably 15 years ago though and we obviously didn't have our own van.
Can you not do without the van?
Dubversion
05-06-2007, 11:23
the whole point of going is to go in the van.... it's a van-based trip..
Minnie_the_Minx
05-06-2007, 11:30
the whole point of going is to go in the van.... it's a van-based trip..
Well I DO apologise :rolleyes: :p
Dubversion
05-06-2007, 11:30
perhaps i should have been clearer in my OP, for the more challenged amongst us :p
Minnie_the_Minx
05-06-2007, 11:31
Ah shut it you :p
Would it be cheaper to go to Northern Ireland?
Dubversion
05-06-2007, 11:31
dunno - that's why i posted this thread.
Minnie_the_Minx
05-06-2007, 11:37
Don't take that stroppy attitude
Could try this company (operate from Liverpool)
http://www.norfolkline-ferries.co.uk/EN/Fares/
Dubversion
05-06-2007, 11:45
Don't take that stroppy attitude
i was kidding, grumpy trousers. :p
Minnie_the_Minx
05-06-2007, 11:55
so was I only joking, and I'm still looking for you you ungrateful sod!
Dubversion
05-06-2007, 12:04
Could try this company (operate from Liverpool)
http://www.norfolkline-ferries.co.uk/EN/Fares/
about £350 to either Dublin or Belfast :(
Stanley Edwards
05-06-2007, 12:09
Is your van an obvious conversion?
In my limited experience (not Irish Sea crossings) I've always found the cheapest way is to simply turn up at the docks and buy a ticket from a booking shop on site for the next available crossing. I think the rates for non-motorhome or, commercial vehicle crossings may be cheaper. Not at all sure mind. And, possibly not a good idea for peak season crossings. I know of someone who will know for sure. Think he always goes from Fishguard to Rosslare. I'll send an email and see if he replies.
Gaffer tape, that big bit of tarpaulin in the back of the van... waterproof the bottom of the van and get an outboard motor!! :D
Winner!
Minnie_the_Minx
05-06-2007, 12:23
about £350 to either Dublin or Belfast :(
yeah, I've just been looking at them myself and couldn't see anything cheaper than £230 (didn't know how long your van was so put 6m :o )
£230 DIDN'T include fuel surchage of £5 per person either :rolleyes:
Gaffer tape, that big bit of tarpaulin in the back of the van... waterproof the bottom of the van and get an outboard motor!! :D
Winner!
what? outboard motors cost a bit...get a tow rope and sling it onto the ferry!
seriously though, August is a problem and some weeks it's even hard to get a booking - not as many ferries plying the Irish sea as there used to be.
Minnie_the_Minx
05-06-2007, 12:27
what? outboard motors cost a bit...get a tow rope and sling it onto the ferry!
seriously though, August is a problem and some weeks it's even hard to get a booking - not as many ferries plying the Irish sea as there used to be.
Have all the cheap flights bolloxed them up big time?
Unfortunately, the van adds ridiculously to the cost of ferry trips. We often have to sling a tent in the boot of the car instead.
Pembroke-Rosslare can be cheaper than Holyhead-Dublin, but you are going at the most expensive time of year.
There used to be an overnighter from Liverpool which is primarily freight and so quite cheap, despite the fact you have to book a cabin. Mind you, I like that - you get off all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and have all day to find the first night's camping spot.
I think the tip here is not to look at the Ryan air prices before you book.
Its the real bitch with having a vehicle and touring. 250 or so seems about the right price. I know my dad was always complaining about the boat prices when we went to Europe.
It is for up to 4 people isn't it?
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