Dublin to London with 1 overnight in Wales

Welsh train bookings are not available or necessary more than 8 weeks out.

In any event summer train timetables start on 2 June, although drastic changes are unlikely, but will not be known until more than 8 weeks before travel- so mid April.

Trains in the UK are mass transit, and there are lots of trains from Holyhead. Look at the connections in say 4 weeks time for a good idea of what will run.

The through ticketing starts from Dublin Port so you will need to buy separate tickets either for the ship transfer bus from the city centre or the public bus #53. Or take a taxi. The port is not within walking distance, even from the end of the LUAS tram line, with luggage.

The 0805 ferry from Dublin arrives at Holyhead at 1130. It is a 1 hour connection into the train. That is a fast train to Llandudno Junction only calling at Bangor arriving at LJ at 2pm. Conwy only has a limited service, so LJ is the better station. It is about a mile back over the bridge by local bus or cab (there is a rank at the station). So expect a hotel arrival at around 2.30pm.

The ferry terminal and railway station at Holyhead are the same building BUT all ships now dock in the outer harbour so it is a bus transfer from ship to terminal.

All trains to London call at LJ, not Conwy.

Thanks for the info! I realize my error, while I knew I needed to book the train to London from LJ, I didn't try booking Holyhead to LJ instead of Conwy. Good to know about the distant ferry docking in Holyhead too. The trip from the LJ station looks like a nice walk to Conwy over the National Trust Suspension Bridge. Thoughts? (We will hopefully be packed light with backpacks and a single carry-on rolling suitcase)

If you are travelling light enough to walk and don't mind doing so, then the old suspension bridge is THE way to arrive into Conwy properly. We are used here to people needing transport from The Junction station.
Totally walkable. 15 to 20 minutes.

Either Conwy - or near by Llandudno - would be a great place for a break.

There’s loads to see and do. Conwy is a walled medieval town with a lot of character. There is the ruined castle and also Plas Mawr, an Elizabethan manor house.Both are worth visiting. Do walk the walls and look for the bank of latrines outside the Mill gate.

Llandudno is a Victorian seaside town with a pier and traditional Punch and Judy Show. Take the Victorian tramway to the top of the Great Orme or do the marine drive in a vintage bus or catch service bus 26 up to the top.

It would be even better if you could manage two nights as that would give chance to see a bit more of the area - eg Betwys y Coed is easily reached by bus

I agree with Wasleys. Northern Wales is worth more than one night. Conwy, Llandudno and even a trip to Caernarfon would be worth an extra day of visiting.

Thanks for suggestions. I wish we had more than 1 night, but unfortunately it's either 1 night or 0 nights. We're excited to experience Wales even if the vist is far too short.

One night is better than none. You will have to come back!

I am heading to Wales in May for the first time. I have watched a lot of YouTube travel blogs. Anglesey Island looks amazing. Plas Newydd has red squirrels! Take a picture at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. I am super stoked to visit Bodnant Garden. Postcard and a Pint on YouTube has great suggestions.

We spent a couple weeks in Wales in 2019 and it wasn’t enough time. One entire day was spent on Anglesey by itself.