Best way to get from Ireland to England

Judy, is it possible to take a train from Holyhead to Shropshire? We took a train from Liverpool to Holyhead (fun and easy), then took the ferry to Dublin.
I guess it just depends on your plans in England: how long there and where else do you want to go?
I'm pretty sure you'll have to pay a fee to ferry the car into England. I'm assuming you'd leave from Dublin, but there may be another port that's better.
We flew from Dublin to Liverpool and found the rates cheap (Ryanair last summer). I know there are any number of posts on Ryanair issues--watch your luggage weight!

Judy,

Taking the car to England via Ferry is certainly one option, however there may be an extra charge to drop the car there. Also, with only 10 days vacation time, using Ferry is probably not the most efficient use of time as it will likely take the better part of a day.

The other option is budget airline from Ireland to either Liverpool, Manchester or Birmingham where you could rent another car. The cost for tickets should be quite reasonable if booked early enough. Keep in mind that tickets are usually non-refundable and non-changeable.

I normally try to avoid RyanAir as much as possible, but they have lots of flights from Dublin to various points in England. If you decide to use RyanAir be sure to PACK LIGHT, use carry-on luggage only and visit the WC in the airport before you board your flight! Aer Lingus and EasyJet are also possibilities, depending on which part of Ireland you'll be just prior to going to England. I believe EasyJet only operates from Belfast.

Even with the check-in, wait and security times, using a budget flight will probably be quicker than using the Ferry. Hopefully someone from the U.K. will be able to provide more specific information.

Happy travels!

directferries.co.uk shows some ferries between Dublin and Holyhead (Wales) taking 2 hours. Others are about 3.5 hours. Personally, being from land-locked Arkansas, I always find ferry rides like this fun...to get out on the water, explore the boat, etc. In contrast, I haven't enjoyed a plane flight in a long long time!

Sure, there's some time spent getting on and off the ferry. But there's time spent getting to the airport and on and off the plane, too.

I think most people would leave the car in Dublin and get a new car at Holyhead, because taking a car to a different country can complicate things. The major car rental companies have outlets at both ends of the ferry ride.

To drive from Holyhead in Wales to Shrewsbury in Shropshire takes about 2 1/2 hours and is over 100 m.
according to Google Maps. I picked SHrewsbury as it is a major town in Shropshire.

You can also take a train from Holyhead to Shrewsbury. Go to thetrainline.com for infomation on fares and times.

Since you only have 10 days in Ireland, I would look into flying perhaps to Bristol and then renting a car there.

I know you would love to visit your friends but it seems to is going to make a serious dent in your time in Ireland. Maybe you should just plan on another trip sometime just to England!!

Judy
Here is a thought.
Have your friends come to Ireland to visit you.
Plan for them to come over when you are near Shannon or Dublin. They fly over, spend time exploring with your family. Not only do you get to see them but you do not lose time going there. Much easier for one person to get to you then four trying to get to them.
Just a thought - Either way have a great trip.
Mike

I don't want to sound like a big England advocate here, but I just don't see how cutting off a little time in Ireland to drive a couple of hours across north Wales and a little of England could be called "lost time". Seems like anything you see or do "over there" would be a treat compared to the things we're used to at home.

Thanks everyone! All good suggestions. I know the trip to England cuts into our Ireland stay, but seeing a friend from 30 years back is something we'd like to try and do. Good advice on traveling by Ryanair. Not sure what we will do, but I will take all suggestions into consideration. Thanks again and anymore advice is very welcome!

Judy
I just got back from Dublin and went to Newcastle to visit a friend for a one day visit using Ryan Air.

If you can find a dirt cheap airfare (mine cost 50 euros pp) I'd say fly.

Ryan air does have bag limits, so one carry one max (that includes a purse, bag, pack, laptop, etc.) and they charge you to check in suitcases.

You also need to print your boarding pass beforehand (15 days prior) and at Ireland, you'll need to get a "Visa check" before going thru the TSA security, because we are not part of the EU.

It all worked out and I am glad I took the 1 day to see Karen. PM me if you have ??'s

We priced it out in May Judy, and it was ridiculously less expensive to fly. Much less expensive to fly and rent a car, than to ferry with the car.