ireland to london travel

Find cheap flights from Ireland to London from £38

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to london departing on 20/7. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to london.

Save 28% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Flights to London - Travel Insights & Trends

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights to london to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest flight to london.

The flight route Cork to London was the most popular route on KAYAK over the last 3 days. A return flight could be found for £94. Also in the last 3 days, Dublin was the most budget-friendly place to find a flight to London with one-way tickets at £30 and £61 return.

How much is a flight to London?

On average, a flight to london costs £205. the cheapest price found on kayak in the last 2 weeks cost £15 and departed from dublin. the most popular routes on kayak are dublin to london which costs £408 on average, and cork to london, which costs £158 on average., see prices from:, what is the cheapest day to fly to london, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to london is tuesday where tickets can be as cheap as £70. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is sunday, where prices are £135 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to london, the cheapest month for flights to london is june, where tickets cost £42 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are march and april, where the average cost of tickets from ireland is £128 and £117 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is september with an average price of £46., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to london, the cheapest time of day to fly to london is generally in the evening, when flights cost £65 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to london is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is £93., what is a good deal for flights to london, if you’re looking for cheap airfare to london, 25% of our users found tickets to london for the following prices or less: from dublin £44 one-way - £127 return, from shannon £61 one-way - £147 return, from cork £64 one-way - £111 return., how far in advance should i book a flight to london, to get a below average price, you should book around 3 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 60 days before departure., which is the cheapest airport to fly into in london, prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in london is london southend airport, with an average flight price of £66., which airlines fly to london, ryanair, aer lingus and british airways are the most frequent flyers to london from ireland. see the amount of flights per week for popular airlines flying to london., which airline offers the most flights to london, of the 5 airlines that fly to london, british airways offers the most flights, with around 446 per week, followed by easyjet with 328 flights per week., how many airports are there in london, there are 6 airports in london: london heathrow airport (lhr), london gatwick airport (lgw), london stansted airport (stn), london luton airport (ltn), london city airport (lcy) and london southend airport (sen). the busiest airport is london heathrow airport (lhr), with 49% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to london, the duration of your flight to london depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to london on kayak are from shannon , which takes 1h 15m, cork , which takes 1h 15m, dublin , which takes 1h 15m, and knock , which takes 1h 25m., how many direct flights to london are there each day, there are around 124 direct flights from within ireland to london every day. most flights depart in the morning, with 10:00 the most common departure time and 55% of flights departing in the morning., how many direct flights to london are there each week, each week there are around 862 direct flights from within ireland to london. the most common day for departures is thursday, with 16% of flights taking off on this day., how many long-haul flights are there to london each week, there are not any long-haul (6-12 hour flight duration) or medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) flights to london. instead, there are 465 short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration), with the most arriving from dublin., how many cities have direct flights to london, from ireland, there are direct flights to london from 5 cities. the city with the most direct flights is dublin, with 323 direct flights each week., good to know - cheap tickets from ireland to london, faqs - booking london flights, which london airport is closest to central london.

There are 6 airports in London. The closest airport to London’s city centre is London City (8 miles). London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport, and London Luton Airport are 14 miles, 24 miles, and 28 miles from the centre of London, respectively.

On average, a flight to London costs £205. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost £15 and departed from Dublin Airport.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to London?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to London.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to London?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to London is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to London?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to London with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to London?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to London up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to London

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest London flight deals.

Prefer to fly direct to London?

Find which airlines fly direct to London, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Ireland to London

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +121 more

ANA, AccesRail, +122 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +122 more

ANA, AccesRail, +123 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +119 more

ANA, AccesRail, +120 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +125 more

ANA, AccesRail, +126 more

Direct returns

London to Ireland

Top 3 airlines serving from ireland to london.

The flight was half full and I presume that the next few days are even less busy not sure why they are still charging a premium to change a flight.

Short flight so not much to rate. Surprised I had to pay for a soda.

the room on the plane was good but that is because flight not sold the other three seat and I had room. the food in terrible.

First the price I paid was excellent, my flight was full, but my seat was roomy. The one downside to the experience was they had games on the entertainment console. The guy behind me poked at my head about half the flight. I hope they get rid of this feature.

Very good need to offer better choice of food for business

They should. Heck planes more often not when they are suppose to be leaving causing delays

Crew was fantastic got lovely food and plenty of water. Entertainment was good. Never had to ask for anything. Left on time and got to Seattle early. Luggage did not take long either.

Always find Aer Lingus reliable and good value for money. Food on this flight was pretty basic and the headphone Jack at my seat only worked for one ear. Little disappointed in movie selection, limited on recent releases. Staff are okay - but I always buy a cheap ticket so not like I expect first class opulence anyway!!!

Boarding was so quick, flight was ahead of time which is great and the pilot spoke clearly and was letting people know everything, amazing, love travelling with you 😊

Great hospitality and service! Seats could always be cushioned better.

Perfect timing, perfect departure, lovely crew on the ground and in the air.

Good flight. Take off a little late but make up the time

Everything’s went straight forward, no issues, good service and friendly crew

Left on time and arrived on time both ways, thank you

The flight was 45 mins delayed but the crew provided water and necessities like tissues

Cheap flights as you expect with Ryanair. I would take cheaper flights over entertainment and comfort for short haul travel. Main issue is usually delays at airports. In this case we landed roughly 2hr30 later than planned due to earlier delays with the plane. Not the worst I imagine

We each paid for 10kg checked in luggage. Flying out there were no issues sharing one case (20kg). Not so coming back. Additional £48 charge and unable to provide an explanation of why it was ok on one journey but not the other, or indeed what material difference it makes between 2x10kg cases vs 1x20kg case. Scam, and appalling from Ryanair.

Easy process and good flight experience The food good be better

I didn't like. The seats and the floor were very dirty and it is not the first time

Unfortunately didn't realise how far away Frankfurt Hahn airport is from Frankfurt the city. Outbound flight was delayed by 2.5 hours and no communication at airport, just a whisper emknating through the packed crowd ready to board at the gate as someone read out an email they had received. All rather poor and pathetic

This flight was cancelled at the last minute. We were rebooked on another flight but a day later. We lost a day of our vacation and paid for a night in a hotel we couldn’t use. The flights we were rebooked on (both American) messed up our seating on both flights-we didn’t get the seats we had paid for. All in all, a terrible experience.

I declined a wheelchair in Vienna as I was told it was a short walk. However, though I "boarded" the bus first, I was at the back when we got to the plane. There were steps up to the plane and no-one helped except the stewardess as I was near the top of the stairs. She found a better seat for me also.

Horrible connection in Heathrow on flight to destination. Flight missed due to delay on incoming flight. They did rebook us, and then that flight was delayed 2 hours. They don’t post gate info until 45 minutes to departure time which can cut it close if you have to take a tram to your terminal gate area. Then our return flight was completely cancelled. They notified us at 4:30AM. They rebooked us on a different airline and a different fare class. We were completely screwed. Travel day ended up being 30 hours. I will never fly them again.

Lost our bags in Heathrow, We didn’t receive bags in Mallorca for 3 days, out of a 7 day cycling vacation. Really inconvenient and disappointing!

There's no inflight entertainment, plane was old, power USB didn't work

We missed the flight to Barcelona because the flight from Baltimore was delayed. We flew on Vueling VW6653. Our luggage didn’t arrive. Please help us get our luggage. We are staying at Hotel Gran Via in Barcelona

They allowed some guy to move seats after 3hours of him being next to someone very sick, There were several empty seats, but they moved him to mine. I find that incredibly inconsiderate and should not have been done.

Excellent. Very nice and comfortable business class. Only negative is that it was difficult to hear the pilot’s announcement.

The seats were tiny, being of a fairly petite build, I don’t usually expect to feel crammed and cramped in a seat, but I definitely was on this flight. I couldn’t even bend over to get anything out from under the seat in front and getting up to go to the bathroom at night with the seat backs reclined was nearly impossible. I had to do gymnastics to get over and out. For an airline that does long flights overnight, it’s kind of ridiculous.

Food not so good. Need more veggies and whole grain especially the late food. Couldn’t figure out how to use the entertainment system.

Book cheap flights from Ireland to London

Cheapest flights to London from Ireland found in 2024

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Cheap Flights from Dublin to London (DUB-LHR)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $20 for one-way flights and $60 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Dublin to London Flights

Whether you’re looking for a grand adventure or just want to get away for a last-minute break, flights from Dublin to London offer the perfect respite. Not only does exploring London provide the chance to make some magical memories, dip into delectable dishes, and tour the local landmarks, but the cheap airfare means you won’t bust your budget. So no matter whether your ideal itinerary involves flying one way, non-stop, or round trip, you’re bound to find flights that match your schedule on Expedia, and at prices that won’t shock your wallet.

Bagging a cheap flight from Dublin to London may mean more dollars to spend on for one-of-a-kind souvenirs when you arrive, but it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your travel experience, as Expedia offers a sizzling selection of cheap airlines that’ll put you in your happy place on their planes, whether that’s getting lost in a hair-raising airport thriller, dreaming on the passing landscape over a glass of bubbly, or jotting down your vacation bucket list at 38,000 feet. There’s also bound to be plenty of opportunities to snap a few photos of the high life that will make your friends green with envy. After all, enjoying the journey is part of the fun.

With so many affordable flights and so many wonderful adventures awaiting you, there’s no reason to put off booking a fantastic flight from DUB to LHR today. So don’t leave it to the last minute to make your dream trip a reality: pack your bags with your go-to travel accessories, put together your list of must-see attractions and can’t-miss activities, and get ready to broaden your horizons – with Expedia, the wonders of London are only a plane trip away. Book your travel arrangements with us today!

If you would like to book flights to London more flexibly many prefer to purchase one-way tickets with options to take different airlines. A one way ticket to London is $20 now!

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Top Routes from Dublin

• Dublin to Chicago (DUB - ORD)
• Dublin to Newark (DUB - EWR)
• Dublin to Los Angeles (DUB - LAX)
• Dublin to Newburgh (DUB - SWF)
• Dublin to Paris (DUB - CDG)
• Dublin to Boston (DUB - BOS)
• Dublin to Amsterdam (DUB - AMS)
• Dublin to New York (DUB - LGA)
• Dublin to Edinburgh (DUB - EDI)
• Dublin to Barcelona (DUB - BCN)
• Dublin to New York (DUB - JFK)
• Dublin to Rome (DUB - FCO)

Top Routes to London

• Chicago to London (ORD - LHR)
• Newark to London (EWR - LHR)
• San Diego to London (SAN - LHR)
• Los Angeles to London (LAX - LHR)
• Washington to London (DCA - LHR)
• Miami to London (MIA - LHR)
• Boston to London (BOS - LHR)
• Fort Lauderdale to London (FLL - LHR)
• New York to London (LGA - LHR)
• Denver to London (DEN - LHR)
• Washington to London (IAD - LHR)
• New York to London (JFK - LHR)
• Aer Lingus Dublin to Paris
• Aer Lingus Dublin to Edinburgh
• Aer Lingus Dublin to New York
• British Airways Chicago to London
• British Airways Newark to London
• British Airways Los Angeles to London
• British Airways Miami to London
• British Airways Boston to London
• British Airways Denver to London
• British Airways Washington to London
• British Airways New York to London
• British Airways Seattle to London
• British Airways Houston to London

Top Flight Destinations

• Flights to London
• Flights to Edinburgh
• Flights to Manchester
• Flights to Liverpool
• Flights to Glasgow
• Flights to York
• Flights to Birmingham
• Flights to Bath
• Flights to Brighton
• Flights to Blackpool
• Flights to Bristol
• Flights to Belfast
• Flights to Cardiff
• Flights to Newcastle-upon-Tyne
• Flights to Inverness
• Flights to Southampton
• Flights to Leeds
• Flights to Oxford
• Flights to Bournemouth
• Flights to Windermere
• British Airways
• Swiss International Air Lines
• JetBlue Airways
• TAP Portugal
• Austrian Airlines
• Brussels Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• Waterford Airport (WAT)
• Ireland West Airport (NOC)
• Letterkenny Airfield Airport (LTR)
• Shannon Airport (SNN)
• Donegal Airport (CFN)
• Cork Airport (ORK)
• Kerry Airport (KIR)
• Reeroe Airport (CHE)

$21 Find cheap flights from London to Dublin

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from london to dublin departing on 6/7. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to dublin.

Save 21% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Cheap flight deals from London to Dublin (LON-DUB)

Flights from london to dublin - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends into flights from london to dublin to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more..

Planning a trip from London to Dublin? KAYAK’s data-powered insights will help you find cheap flights. The cheapest month for flights is January, and the most expensive months are August and December. To get a below average price on the flight, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. Flights between London and Dublin usually take around 1h15m.

What is the cheapest London to Dublin flight route?

Our data shows that the cheapest route for a one-way flight from london to dublin cost $18 and was between london stansted airport and dublin. on average, the best prices are found if you fly from london luton airport to dublin. the average price for a return flight for this route is $33., what’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from london to dublin, for london to dublin, tuesday is the cheapest day to fly on average and friday is the most expensive. flying from dublin back to london, the best deals are generally found on monday, with friday being the most expensive., what is the cheapest month to fly from london to dublin, the cheapest month for flights from london to dublin is january, where tickets cost $52 on average. on the other hand, the most expensive months are may and march, where the average cost of tickets is $111 and $98 respectively., how far in advance should i book a flight from london to dublin, to get a below average price on the flight from london to dublin, you should book around 3 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 30 days before departure., which airlines provide the cheapest flights from london to dublin, in the last 3 days, ryanair offered the best one-way deal for that route, at $21. kayak users also found london to dublin round-trip flights on ryanair from $33 and on british airways from $66., which airlines fly most frequently between london and dublin, ryanair connects london to dublin with up to 18 flights per day. aer lingus also offers 13 flights per day, while british airways follows with 13 flights per day., which airlines fly non-stop between london and dublin, there are 4 airlines that fly nonstop from london to dublin. they are: aer lingus, british airways, ryanair and ryanair uk. the cheapest price of all airlines flying this route was found with ryanair at $33 for a one-way flight. on average, the best prices for this route can be found at ryanair., how many flights are there between london and dublin per day, each day, there are between 39 and 49 nonstop flights that take off from london and land in dublin, with an average flight time of 1h 24m. the most common departure time is 8:00 am and most flights take off in the morning. each week, there are 323 flights. the most frequent day of departure is thursday, when 15% of all weekly flights depart. the fewest flights depart on a sunday., which cabin class options are there for flights between london and dublin, there are 3 cabin class options for the route. these are business, economy and prem economy. perform a search on kayak to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines., how long does a flight from london to dublin take, direct flights take on average 1h 20m to travel the 290 miles between london and dublin., what’s the earliest departure time from london to dublin, early birds can take the earliest flight from london at 6:05 am and will be landing in dublin at 7:30 am., what’s the latest departure time from london to dublin, if you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from london to dublin jets off at 10:45 pm and lands at 12:10 am., good to know, when to book flights from london to dublin, faqs for booking flights from london to dublin, how convenient is it to land at dublin airport late at night.

If you land at Dublin Airport late at night, you can spend the remaining hours at either Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport or Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport, which are the two hotels located inside the airport.

Which airlines flying from London to Dublin are suitable for those traveling with kids?

Ryanair tops the most popular airlines if you are flying with kids from London to Dublin. Ryanair's Family Seat Policy is what sets them above the rest of the airlines along this route. According to this policy, children who are between 2 and 11 years can get free reserved seating, which enables them to sit beside a parent.

How can I catch up with the earliest flight from London to Dublin?

Enjoy an easier connection to London Gatwick Airport to catch up with the earliest flight to Dublin by spending the night at one of the nearby hotels. Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central, which has free airport shuttles, is one of the hotel options to consider.

Which other cities can I get to from Dublin Airport?

Dublin Airport serves as the gateway to Dublin for international travelers. However, from DUB, you can connect to other nearby cities like Blanchardstown, Clondalkin, and Portmarnock. You can conveniently connect from the airport to these cities using rental cars.

What transport options are available when getting out of Dublin Airport?

Most travelers arriving at DUB prefer using buses to connect to the city center from the airport. In particular, Bus Lines 101, 109A, and 133 provide direct connections from DUB to Dublin city center. Apart from buses, you can also use taxis or rental cars, which are slightly more expensive but faster than buses.

How convenient is it to fly with pets from London to Dublin?

Both LGW and DUB have pet-friendly policies with designated pet-relief areas where visitors arriving with their pets can have them relieved. At LGW, you can access a pet relief area post-security inside Terminal B. At DUB, pet relief areas are located inside the terminals as well as at the arrivals or baggage claim levels.

Are there onsite hotels at Dublin Airport?

Both the Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport and the Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport are located within the grounds of the airport and are within walking distance of the terminal buildings although both hotels offer a free airport shuttle to pick up and drop off guests.

Does Dublin Airport have facilities for babies?

There are dedicated baby changing and feeding rooms in both T1 and T2 at Dublin Airport. These facilities have changing tables, microwaves and bottle warmers as well as high chairs. There is seating outside so the rest of the family can wait comfortably nearby.

Is there a luggage storage facility at Dublin Airport?

Luggage storage facilities are available from the Excess Baggage area in the arrivals hall at T1. You can leave your luggage there and pay for it after you collect them. The costs range from EUR7 (around GBP6) for 0 – 4 hours and EUR12.50 (around GBP11) for 0 – 24 hours.

How do I get to get from the airport into Dublin on public transport?

There are several bus/coach services from the airport, but the AirLink Express will make fewer stops before the centre and will stop at various important places throughout in the city. Tickets can be bought on the coach, from the Airport desk, or from ticket vending machines in the terminals.

What is the cheapest flight from London to Dublin?

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from London to Dublin was $21 for a one-way ticket and $33 for a round-trip.

Do I need a passport to fly between London and Dublin?

Yes, you'll most likely have to show a valid passport before boarding the plane in London and on arrival in Dublin.

Which airports will I be using when flying from London to Dublin?

London has 5 major airports: London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, and London Stansted. Dublin is the only airport in Dublin. You’ll usually find the cheapest deals if you fly from London Gatwick Airport.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from London to Dublin?

The Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the London to Dublin flight route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from London to Dublin?

oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam are the airline alliances operating flights between London and Dublin, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

On which days can I fly direct from London to Dublin?

There are nonstop flights from London to Dublin on a daily basis.

Which is the best airline for flights from London to Dublin, Aer Lingus or Ryanair?

The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from London to Dublin are Aer Lingus and Ryanair. With an average price for the route of $160 and an overall rating of 7.2, Aer Lingus is the most popular choice. Ryanair is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $48 and an overall rating of 6.8.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from London to Dublin?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from London to Dublin.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from London to Dublin?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Dublin from London is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from London to Dublin?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Dublin with an airline and back to London with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from London to Dublin?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Dublin from London up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from London to Dublin

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $99 or less one-way and $188 or less round-trip.
• Flights from London to Dublin have multiple departure airports, including London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), and London Stansted Airport (STN). The benefit of LHR over LGW and STN is its easier accessibility. On the other hand, the benefit of departing from LGW or STN, which are less popular routes, is that you have higher chances of getting cheaper flight deals.
• Since London Gatwick Airport serves as a hub for British Airways, booking this airline gives you a chance to enjoy world-class lounge amenities. In addition to this, British Airways has a high frequency of daily flights to Dublin Airport (DUB) from LGW. Therefore, you can reliably get a flight that is convenient to your schedule.
• Persons with reduced mobility (PRM) have nothing to worry about when flying from London to Dublin. At LGW, all airlines avail cab-to-aircraft wheelchair services to any travelers in need of those special services. Similarly, at DUB, all airlines have their staff deployed to strategic areas to offer mobility assistance to travelers with reduced mobility.
• Can’t decide which departure airport to use for flights from London to Dublin? It will depend where you are staying. Heathrow and Gatwick are much easier to reach from central London, a 15 minute and 30 minute journey, respectively. The Stansted Express takes 47 minutes, while Luton is more complicated because there is no station at the airport and so you have to take a shuttle bus from the station to the airport. London City can be reached using the Docklands Light Railway, but there are fewer flights departing from this airport.
• For passengers with time to kill at London Heathrow before flights from London to Dublin think about booking into the Aer Lingus Lounge in T2. Aer Lingus passengers can enjoy the lounge and its benefits for free while other passengers can use the lounge with a pre-paid lounge pass costing GBP30. This can be booked online or paid for at the reception desks.
• If you would like to purchase some good old Irish whiskey as a reminder of your holiday to Dublin pop into The Loop – Dublin Airport’s duty free store which boasts The Irish Whiskey Collection with its 365 whiskeys to keep you going throughout the year. This diverse collection of local and international whiskeys will have something to suit every different palate and there are experts right there to help you make your decision.
• There is free WiFi at Dublin Airport so you will be able to use your devices while you are waiting to leave the airport or waiting for your flight. You can connect to the Dublin Airport WiFi or eircom network and click the ‘continue to surf’ link, no registration needed.
• If you are waiting at London Gatwick for your flight to Dublin and you fancy treating yourself to a Jamie Oliver meal you are in luck. There are Jamie Oliver restaurants in both terminals – Jamie Oliver’s Diner is in the South Terminal and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner while in the North Terminal you have Jamie’s Italian and Jamie’s Bakery so there is something to suit all culinary moods.

Prefer to fly non-stop from London to Dublin?

Find which airlines fly direct from London to Dublin, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

London to Dublin

Aer Lingus, Air Canada, American Airlines, +5 more

Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +6 more

Aer Lingus, Air Canada, American Airlines, +6 more

Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +7 more

Nonstop returns

Dublin to London

Top 3 airlines serving from london to dublin.

Are Longus was fine. I booked thru Kayak and was unable to get my business class seat early. Sat next to galley. Crew forgot to wake me for breakfast.

I loved how they arrange boarding (starting with people seated in back and moving to the front). Flight crew was very polite and welcoming. Seating was ok, I felt like there was enough leg space however it is noticeable when the passenger in front of you sets their seat back.

Flight staff very friendly and helpful where possible. Late flight and travelling with young child, cabin lights remained on for the duration of the flight which was a little disappointing considering the time of the flight. Overall very happy to travel with Aer Lingus.

Nice to be on a flight that wasn't fully booked so there were only two of us in the three seat row.

The only problem was there are games on the entertaiment system. The guy behind me played poker the entire time and poking the back of my seat. I hope they remove these.

Delayed due to weather... fine. But then the board us. Rows 15 and back had to go down the stairs and back up the back stair entrance to the plane. No assistance offered. Then they inform us that we are delayed for paperwork for an hour. So why did we board? Then, about 45min later they inform us that it'll be another 60-90mins. Really? No wifi, no seat entertainment, no drink or snacks offered. And we were not allowed to deboard.

Great travel. Wonderful experience. Hope to do it again in the near future. God willing

Aer Lingus doesn't have plug ins for devices at each seat. They also did not give me a dairy free meal as requested and confirmed by staff. It was as if I had not requested anything. Otherwise, they were great!

There were a lot of empty rows. As a single passenger I should not have been seated with 2 others. The WiFi didn’t work. The Kosher meal was awful.

Both flights were delayed due to maintenance issues. Because they where late boarding all four of our bags where left behind on our last connecting flight.

flight delayed, no information given until late on, Ryanair app said "on time" until 5 minutes before expected departure time, crew rushed us to board, when it was already 3 hours late

I got denied boarding bevause they said they "ran out of seats on a plane"

Speakers were blaring. It's like being in a Moroccan market and you keep getting shouted at with what's for sale

We missed the flight due to very slow security control and lack of last call announcement. We only found out at the gate that the gate is closed. Altogether 14 or 15 people missed the flight FR4500 from Cologne to Dublin.

What can you say Ryanair get you there,no frills Not so cheap anymore ..... but what is now days! Would use again as always. Good flight times for us.

Very unpleasant staff, disgusting service, ignoring requests, refusal to help

Late again rude staff at gate bullying passengers made us stand in the cold 3degrees for 40 mins before they let us board

The usual average Ryanair flight, but we landed 20 min before due time, which was very good.

The flight boarded and departed Venice on time (more or less), the cabin crew were super friendly and efficient, the flight crew kept us informed of progress, and the flight arrived early in Dublin. All in all, this flight was as close to perfect as is possible to achieve. Well done, Ryanair. The fact that Ryanair aircraft arrive and depart from gates that are in the back of beyond in Dublin's Terminal 1 is a bummer - in terms of the length of the walk need on both ends of a return flight. But I suspect that this is not Ryanair's fault

Enjoyed our flight with Ryanair to Arrecife. Flight boarded pretty much on time, crew were welcoming and very good. Generally good for a frequent low cost flight, Seats could however have been more comfortable.

We were told to check our bags at the last minute, and the communication was poor.

Lost our luggage in Heathrow. Showed up 3 days into a 7 day vacation. Very inconvenient and disappointing!!

My luggage never arrived to Zurich. They can't confirm when it will arrive

Late again. 3 out of 4 late. One cancelled flight and one lost bag.

Charged an extra 65 pounds for overweight suitcase, Not told how much overweight but had no choice but to pay the price. Compare to Delta Airlines where I flew internationally a few days before with this suitcase and no extra charge by Delta. Comfort was horrible. I am just under 6 feet tall, and good that the flight was only 1 1/2 hours, because my knees were in the seat back in front of me the whole flight. I felt that my knees were part way up to my chest. No reason to have the seats that close. I will say to the positive was the flight crew, very friendly and efficient.

The flight was delayed as they were waiting on catering. Catering. Was eventually delivered but they still had no food. No meals for us in business class - just a bag of nuts.

Our luggage is missing. We are at the Hotel Gran Via in Barcelona

Air hostess delayed providing food and then pulled away the tray before i finished eating

my original flight was cancelled the previous day, and i was rescheduled onto this flight, which left much earlier in the morning, impacting my previous evening and requiring me to get up much earlier in the morning to get to the airport online. This practice happens way way way too much, and it seems on every airline, though AA is probably the worst.

The flight was on time and the crew very professional. Everything went as expected and I will use BA again for this trip.

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How to Travel From London to Dublin by Plane, Train, Bus, and Car

TripSavvy / Julie Bang

London , the capital of England, and Dublin , the capital of the Republic of Ireland, are two of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom and Europe respectively. London and Dublin are 288 miles (463 kilometers) apart as the bird flies. Dublin offers a smaller and more intimate city experience, while London brims with activity day and night.

The United Kingdom and Ireland are separated by the Irish Sea so flying between the two capitals is the only direct option for travel between London and Dublin. Any route that involves a car, bus, or train, will also require a journey by ferry, which slows the travel time down significantly. Ferries leave four times a day from Holyhead in Wales, and the journey takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. There are several low cost European and UK airlines that fly from London to Dublin so ticket prices can be relatively affordable. Of course, the prices will vary greatly depending on the time of year, time of day, London airport used, and how far in advance the tickets are purchased.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From London to Dublin?

Taking the bus is the cheapest, as well as the longest, way to travel between the two cities. The full trip by bus and ferry from London to Dublin takes 12 hours and 30 minutes. Prices start as low as $20 depending on the time of year and how far in advance the tickets are booked. Buses bound for the ferry which will ultimately transport passengers towards Dublin leave from Victoria Station in central London. The buses leave in the evening (usually around 6 p.m.) and cross England towards Holyhead. After stopping in Luton, Milton Keyes, and Birmingham, the overnight coach takes passengers to Holyhead, Wales to board the ferry to Ireland. From there, bus travelers can disembark at the Dublin port or keep going to the central bus station known as Busáras . The service is operated by National Express , and booking a ticket guarantees you a seat on their modern coaches which are all equipped with Wi-Fi. If you don’t want to browse digital entertainment, you can even sleep during the journey.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From London to Dublin?

Flying is by far the easiest and fastest way to travel between London and Dublin. The journey takes around 90 minutes, not including the time it takes to get to the airport, clear security, and collect your luggage. London has five major airports that offer flights to Dublin Airport. The best fares between the two capital cities will depend on the carrier and the time of year. Ryanair, EasyJet, Aer Lingus, and British Airways are a few of the airlines which fly the route multiple times per day. Rates can vary dramatically depending on the time of year and what is included (e.g. hand luggage only or checked baggage, and the flexibility to change bookings in the future), but can be found for as low as $50.

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

Departing from London, the journey by car to Holyhead takes about 5 hours and 10 minutes. Once you arrive in Holyhead, you will need to find a spot on the car ferry and purchase tickets for the crossing, which takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. This is the most flexible way to travel between London and Dublin. If you are planning to rent a car, you should first check to ensure that the contract allows you to travel across borders with the vehicle or if you need additional international insurance. Take the M40 to the M6, eventually continuing to the A5 which marks the point where you will cross from England into Wales. Remember that England, Wales, and Ireland, you will have to drive on the left-hand side. For more, here is a complete guide to driving in Ireland.

How Long Is the Train Ride?

The journey from London to Holyhead takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes, though this can be longer on the weekends or on holidays. The ferry ride from Holyhead to Dublin takes between 2 hours and 15 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the schedule. The first step in getting from London to Dublin by train requires a stop in Holyhead. Trains depart from London Euston Station bound for Holyhead approximately every four hours. Trains are operated by Avanti West Coast and tickets from London to Holyhead start around $100. The Holyhead port and the Holyhead train station are in the same building so travelers do not need to worry about walking a long distance to the ferry. Once in Holyhead, switch to the ferry to complete the journey from the United Kingdom to Dublin. However, you will need to purchase a separate ferry ticket from one of the two ferry companies which make the crossing. These tickets cost an additional $35 or so.

When Is the Best Time to Vist Dublin?

The best time to visit Dublin is in April or May when the spring weather arrives, but the crowds stay manageable, or in October before the truly cold temperatures return. Ireland experiences a fair amount of rain all year but, save some rather cold weather in January and February, the city is fairly pleasant to visit all year. Summer sees Dublin at its most crowded, but the weather is nicest. Certain holidays, such as St. Patrick’s Day (March 17 th ) and the weeks leading up to Christmas (December 25 th ), are also great times to be in the Irish capital in order to experience a festive atmosphere.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Dublin?

Travelers from the U.K., E.U. and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Dublin. Travelers from other countries may need to apply for a visa depending on the duration and type of stay. For more information, visit the Irish Department of Justice and Equality website .

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport?

Dublin Airport is 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) south of the Dublin City Centre. A variety of different bus services pick up from Dublin Airport Bus Park and take passengers around Dublin and the rest of Ireland. To get to central Dublin, take the Dublin Bus 16 and get off stop #1279 on Trinity Street. The journey will take approximately 50 minutes and will cost 3.30 euros.

What Is There to Do in Dublin?

From theater to literature, to art and eateries, Dublin is a wonderful place to start any trip to Ireland. The city of just over 1 million people is easy to explore on foot and has a blend of historic and modern sites to be discovered. For ideas to begin planning your trip, see our complete guide to Dublin, which includes everything from where to eat, a breakdown of the best museums and sites, plus where to stay.

Flying is by far the easiest and fastest way to travel between London and Dublin. The journey takes around 90 minutes, not including the time it takes to get to the airport, clear security, and collect your luggage.

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel between the two cities. Prices start as low as $20 depending on the time of year and how far in advance the tickets are booked.

Yes, you can take a train from London to Dublin, but it will also require a journey by ferry, which slows the travel time down significantly.

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The Ultimate London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

Last Updated on December 6, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Travelling through the British Isles is something many people want to do in their lifetimes. And it’s no surprise as to why. England, Scotland, and Ireland not only have a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years, but is home to both bucolic natural scenery and some of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities. With so much to see and do in a seemingly small landmass, it can be hard to plan out the perfect London-Scotland-Ireland itinerary.

Luckily, I’m here to help. Read on to find out the best places to visit in Great Britain and Ireland and where you should spend your time!

Table of Contents

Planning a Trip to England, Ireland and Scotland

If you’re wondering about the best way to see England, Scotland and Ireland, then make sure to follow the tips and tricks outlined below.

Though it can be fairly easy to travel around this area, there are a number of logistical things and considerations to take into account in order to make the most out of your trip.

Everything from the time of year you visit to the mode of transport you use to get around can make an impact on your trip, so we’ve taken the time to outline all major options out there.

Best Time to Visit the United Kingdom and Ireland

Contrary to popular belief, it is not always cold and rainy in Britain and Ireland. The weather tends to be mild in the British Isles no matter what time of year, with no extreme variance between the seasons.

However, there are some seasons to travel to this beautiful corner of the world that are better than others which is important to consider when wondering how to plan a trip to England, Ireland and Scotland.

Summer is the most popular time to plan a trip. The days are long and the weather is as warm as it can be.

Highs in most of England and Ireland in the summer average around 20-22ºC (68-72ºF) and you can expect highs in Scotland to be about 15-17ºC (59-63°F). Though there are definitely rainy days, you can generally expect more sunshine this time of year than in other seasons.

While the weather is fantastic (for Britain) in the summer, it is also the busiest time for tourism. That means that the prettiest cities and towns will be filled with people and accommodation will book out well in advance. Prices are likely to be higher as well.

If you plan to go to Edinburgh, it is best to avoid the city during the month of August when its world-famous Fringe Festival is going on (unless you specifically want to visit for this occasion). Accommodation books out months in advance and it can be absolutely packed with people.

Autumn could arguably be the best time to visit Britain and Ireland because you get fewer crowds and decent weather. It doesn’t tend to get properly cold in the British Isles until November, so if you don’t mind a bit of rain and needing to wear a jacket outside , then autumn might be the best bet for you.

Along with the beautiful colours of the changing leaves, average highs in England and Ireland land somewhere around 10-17ºC (50-63ºF) and 8-14ºC (46-57ºF) in Scotland. Plan your visit for late September to early October and you very well might get some beautiful sunny days that are over 20ºC!

Spring in Britain and Ireland can be quite chilly still as the weather doesn’t start warming up properly until mid to late May and doesn’t consistently stay warm until June.

It can be quite rainy, windy, and miserable through most of the spring and even a bit dreary as the leaves don’t return to the trees until May. If you’re travelling in the spring, expect highs to be between 9-14ºC (48-57ºF) in England and Ireland and 7-13ºC (45-55ºF) in Scotland.

Winter is the coldest and darkest month in England, Scotland, and Ireland. While the majority of the isles don’t get a lot of snow, it does get dark quite early (around 3 or 4 PM depending on where you are) and it can be extremely wet and rainy.

Snow and sleet are common so make sure to pack accordingly. Average high temperatures in England and Ireland in winter clock in around 5-7ºC (41-45ºF) and 0-5ºC (32-41ºF) in Scotland.

Winter in Britain and Ireland can be miserable, however, many do like to travel around Christmas time in order to enjoy the decorations and markets scattered throughout the cities.

Cities like London and Edinburgh have wonderful Christmas markets and carnivals set up, but most major towns and cities all throughout this England-Scotland-Ireland itinerary will have something to fill you with holiday cheer.

How to Get Around

When it comes to planning a trip around England, Ireland, and Scotland, many people assume that it is easy to see a great portion of all three countries relying solely on the train. While the train network, especially in England, is extensive, it can be very expensive and they don’t always connect to smaller towns and more rural areas.

We recommend relying on the train and public transport systems while visiting England and then hiring a car once you arrive in Scotland and Ireland respectively if you’re following this itinerary. Both of the countries are noticeably more rural than England and don’t have as extensive of a train network.

The bus is also another option and there are more reliable bus connections within Ireland and Scotland than there are with the train.

Bus tickets can also be considerably less expensive than train tickets, however, it is almost always cheaper to book tickets for both at least a little bit in advance instead of on the day of travel. We suggest looking on Omio to book tickets for trains and buses in the UK

If you can drive, however, and your budget allows for it, then we would seriously recommend you hire a car in Ireland and Scotland . There are many places on this Ireland and Scotland itinerary that are much easier reached if you have your own mode of transportation.

Having a rental car not only allows you to get to more off-the-beaten-path and hard-to-reach areas, but it also gives you more flexibility. Nobody likes to be at the mercy of irregular bus timetables! You can browse car rental options here.

It can also be worth taking out an excess insurance policy with iCarHireInsurance to ensure you don’t need to pay a cent if you get into an accident. This will be significantly cheaper than taking out additional insurance from the car rental company.

It is worth knowing that the majority of rental cars available have a manual transmission. If you can only drive automatic, you need to expect to pay a little bit more for that! Also, this goes without saying, all three countries drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Finally, are you considering taking out a travel insurance policy before your trip? World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

3-Week London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

In order to get a good feel for each country, we recommend you spend at least one week in each of them. Obviously, you could easily spend weeks exploring all three countries on their own, but then that is what future trips are for!

If you have a shorter period of time, why not make it solely a London-Scotland-Ireland itinerary? While we recommend spending as much time in the massive city that is England’s capital as possible, you can see all of the biggest tourist attractions of London in just three or 4 days before taking the train or flying up to Scotland.

Week 1: England

London — the capital of the United Kingdom — is the most logical starting point for this itinerary. London is an absolutely massive city and while most visitors only spend a couple of days exploring, we would recommend that you spend the entirety of your week in England solely staying in London .

While there is certainly more to England than London, due to its central location as a transport hub, it is easy to visit other English cities as a day trip by train. And also a week in the city allows you to dig deeper and see beyond the main tourist draws and get a glimpse at how and where locals actually live in this diverse metropolis.

If you have never visited London before, then it is only understandable that you might want to spend a couple of days seeing everything that makes The Big Smoke so famous. Take the time to visit Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament.

If you plan on visiting many paid attractions, then consider investing in a London Go City Pass that includes entry to several of the most popular places in the city and will save you money if you visit enough places!

Enjoy free entry into some of the best museums in the world like the British Museum, Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. And, if you can, be sure to catch a West End show.

If these are the only things you plan on doing, then we suggest planning to stay in Central or West London (neighbourhoods like Soho, Kensington, and Knightsbridge) in order to avoid wasting valuable time sitting on the tube or bus.

Many first-time visitors to London grossly underestimate the city’s size and expect everything to be quite close to each other when, in reality, travel times in the city can take a very long time.

One benefit to spending one week in London, however, is that you will have time not only to do that traditional “touristy” things but also be able to get a little bit off the tourist trail and significantly reduce your overall London trip cost .

After you’ve spent your first couple of days exploring Central London and the museums, take a journey east and hang out with the hipsters in Shoreditch, walk along Regent’s Canal to London Fields, or see some live music in Camden.

London is much more than what is displayed in movies and in the media — it is easily one of the most multicultural cities in the world and has close to 9 million residents. Take the time to realise that London is not solely British and you won’t be disappointed.

Another benefit to spending one week in London is that it gives you the opportunity to take some day trips to other English cities. London is very different from the rest of the country, so it can be a really great experience to see how other cities function in England. Cities like Oxford , Cambridge , and Brighton are very popular day-trips from London and are all within about an hour’s train journey.

If you want to visit some less touristy cities that are still easy to do as a day trip, we would recommend getting up early and catching a train to Bristol or Bath in the west, which is a very cool and completely underrated city with an amazing craft beer and arts scene. Or, if you want to see a beautiful walled medieval city, head north to York , which can also easily be visited as a day trip from London.

If you don’t want to spend your entire week in England completely in London, then we would actually recommend spending five nights in the capital before spending two nights in York. There, you can spend one day exploring the city and another venturing out into the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

Where to Stay in London

It really depends on what you want to do and see in order to find the best area to stay in London . These are our suggestions for some of our favourite areas of the city:

Z Hotel Soho  – cool boutique hotel located right in the centre of Soho. The rooms have been stylishly decorated and there are a number of great cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. 

Astor Hyde Park Hostel   – great budget option in this area offering a mix of dorm and private rooms. The hostel has a brilliant common area, large kitchen and cheap breakfast available with proceeds going to charity. 

Eden Plaza Kensington   – a mid-range hotel located just a few minutes walk from the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. Also well connected with nearby Tube stations.

Shoreditch: 

Prime Backpackers Angel  – this hostel is located in Angel, just a short walk along the canal to lively and bustling Shoreditch. They have a range of great dorm and private rooms available and come quite highly rated. 

The Hoxton   – boutique hotel with funky and stylish rooms, located only a few minutes from Old Street Tube Station. Downstairs is a popular bar and restaurant that gets busy on weekends, however, rooms are completely soundproof. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other London hotels.

Week 2: Scotland

After spending one week in London and exploring England, it is time to head north to Scotland. You can reach Scotland either by taking the train — which is incredibly scenic, though expensive — or flying, which is often cheaper. If driving, there are a number of great stops between London and Edinburgh to check out!

Begin your adventures in Scotland by spending two days in Edinburgh , the Scottish capital. This beautiful city has an incredible history but it is quite compact and easy to get around — and it’s drastically different from London!

Take the time to walk the Royal Mile, tour Edinburgh Castle, swill some single-malt whiskey in a convivial pub, or maybe let your inner Harry Potter nerd run wild at Greyfriars Kirkyard!

After spending two days in Edinburgh, it’s time to venture into the Scottish Highlands and to explore the largest city there: Inverness. Inverness has the feeling of a small town and the main tourist appeal is its proximity to Loch Ness , however, it is very much worth exploring in its own right.

Spend one day in Inverness itself and another on a day trip from Inverness to Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, or the famous Loch Ness.

From Inverness, it’s time to get in the car and drive to one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland and a top place to visit in the country: the Isle of Skye . Though many people treat Skye as a simple day trip or stopover spot, it is quite large and really deserves to be explored fully.

That is why we recommend spending 2 full days here in order to see some of the main attractions while also getting a bit off the beaten path. There are some really fantastic hikes to do on Skye as well, so make sure you have proper boots!

After you have spent a wonderful two days exploring the beautiful Isle of Skye, head back to Edinburgh of one night before catching a flight to the Emerald Isle.

Where to Stay in Scotland

Apart from the traditional accommodation options listed below, you can find a number of private rentals in Scotland such as this contemporary cottage on the Isle of Skye or this charming riverside cottage in Inverness.

Edinburgh  

Cityroomz Edinburgh — Located in the heart of the city, this small hotel had a number of rooms on offer and comes very highly rated.

Castle Rock Hostel   — This small, centrally located hostel continues to be one of the highest-rated places to stay in Edinburgh. They have a number of rooms on offer, from dorm beds to privates, a friendly staff, and are a great option for both budget and solo travellers.  

Torridon Guest House – a quaint bed and breakfast that is a great place to stay in Inverness. It is within a short walking distance of the city centre and a good option if you don’t want to stay in a hostel.

Black Isle Hostel  – a great hostel offering dorms and private rooms that is a fantastic option if travelling solo and if you want to meet other travellers. 

Isle of Skye 

An-Airidh Bed & Breakfast Portree – located in Portree, this is a cosy bed and breakfast with plentyof great rooms, a hearty breakfast and friendly owners. Perfect for mid-range visitors.

Skyewalker Hostel — one of the top-rated hostels in all of Scotland, it’s excellently located, they have a number of different room options, a friendly staff, and they sometimes organise social events in the evening. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other Scotland hotels

Week 3: Ireland

Ireland is a country that fills many people with visions of rolling green hills, pastoral beauty, and incredibly friendly people — and upon visiting you will find that it certainly delivers!

While most people spend one week in Ireland going a pretty standard route from Dublin south to Cork and then following the coast up to Galway , we suggest that you venture on a path less taken when you get to this portion of the London-Scotland-Ireland itinerary.

It is easiest to begin your Ireland trip in Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Dublin is a large and dynamic city with many layers, however, it can be quite expensive for tourists and there aren’t a plethora of things to do.

Two days in Dublin should be more than sufficient to see the main sites such as Trinity College, Temple Bar, and the Guinness Storehouse.

From Dublin, instead of following all too many tourists ahead of you and going south, it’s time to instead head west for the naturally stunning Connemara region in County Galway.

Situated on Ireland’s west coast, Connemara is famed for its rugged scenery, mountainous and boggy terrain, and unique Gaelic culture.  Though Connemara is your eventual destination, there are a number of interesting stops you can make in the drive along the way.

Spending two days in Connemara will give you time to experience all of the fantastic things to do in this beautiful peninsula.

You can spend the day driving the famous scenic Sky Road outside of Clifden, explore charming fishing villages like Roundstone and Letterfrack, lie on the pristine white sand of Dog’s Bay Beach, and visit the gorgeous and historic Kylemore Abbey.

The final stop sees you in the wonderful Irish city of Galway. There are a number of great things to do here from exploring the main sites like the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, whiskey tasting at Garavans Pub, listening to traditional Irish music in the trendy West End, and eating at some of Ireland’s top restaurants.

Spend two days exploring Galway city and one more day to take a day trip to one of Ireland’s most famous natural attractions: the Cliffs of Moher . These amazing cliffs are a popular spot for a reason: they are absolutely stunning. Avoid the tourist crowds by trying to get there early, you won’t be sorry!

Where to Stay in Ireland

Apart from the traditional accommodation listed below, you can find a number of private rental properties in Ireland including this stunning city-centre flat in Dublin or this lovely restored barn in Connemara.

Hotel 7 – This perfectly located boutique hotel is the ideal place to stay if you’re looking for a bit more comfort in Dublin. Situated within easy walking distance of some main attractions, they have a number of plush rooms available and a restaurant and bar on site.

Jacobs Inn – This centrally located hostel is a great place for solo and budget travellers. As one of the best-rated hostels in Dublin, they have a range of dorm rooms and privates available and they also organise social events. 

Island View B&B  – Located in the small seaside village of Roundstone, this B&B is the perfect base to explore all that Connemara has to offer. They offer a tasty and filling breakfast and the rooms were clean and comfortable. This is absolutely one of the best places to stay in Connemara. 

Galway  

The Stop B&B   – This is a great bed and breakfast located in the Claddagh neighbourhood of Galway. Though the location is more quiet and residential, it was only about a ten-minute walk to the city centre and even closer to Galway’s vibrant west end. They also have a fantastic breakfast in the morning, included in the room rate. 

Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel – Centrally located just off of Galway’s Eyre Square, this is one of the top-rated hostels in Galway City. They have both dorm and private rooms on offer and also include breakfast in their nightly rate. It’s a fantastic option for both budget and solo travellers alike. 

Additional Information

If you have more time to devote to your itinerary, it can be worth adding a week onto all three countries or forgoing visiting one country altogether.

If you want to see more of England, consider spending a week in the beautiful southwestern region of Cornwall (there are a number of great stops from London to Cornwall to explore!) or heading north to the perennially popular Lake District. The latter makes more sense for an England-Scotland itinerary.

If you have more time and want to spend it in Scotland, consider adding on the Orkney Islands or driving all or part of the North Coast 500 route – this will allow you to see some of the most beautiful areas of the country where few tourists ever venture.

If you want to spend more time in Ireland or want only an Ireland-Scotland itinerary, you can head south from Dublin and spend time in Cork and the Ring of Kerry before tacking on Galway City and Connemara or alternatively head north from Dublin to Belfast and explore Northern Ireland!

Planning the perfect itinerary for England, Scotland and Ireland can be difficult as there is so much to see in each country. With these suggestions, however, you are sure to have the trip of a lifetime!

Are you trying to plan a trip to England, Scotland and Ireland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Is Scotland Expensive? Trip To Scotland Cost Guide in 2024

The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Day Donegal Road Trip Itinerary

The Perfect Isle of Mull Day Trip from Oban

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

I am a widower and solo traveller of 76 years old can you recommend a company that would cater to my age group to see england scotland and Ireland, would it be better to take a cruise on small ship or land tour. I want to spend some time in London as well. It’s been thirty years since Ive been there. I realize this may be too much for one trip but not sure I would ever get back. I am not one to organize tours on my own look forward to hearing from you martin taffel

Hello Maggie,

Hope you are doing great and thank you for having chat blog which would help travelers like us.

We are a family of three adults and fan of Manchester United. We are planning to travel in September/October to see or 2 matches of Man U then travel to Scotland and Ireland. . I also want to know how could travel to the three places, train or air would be better. We are coming from Singapore. Any tips and guidance for us would be good.

Thank you very much Seli

Hi Selvi, if you don’t want to drive yourself, I’d recommend taking the train from London to Manchester and the same onward to Scotland. Then it’s a quick flight to Ireland 🙂

Thanks for the ideas and feedback. This helps stop the head spinning.

One question as we are planning something in June or July 2024 ( I know need to get going), but it will be a family of 3 (2 adults and 1 14YR Old Son). Knowing all cool viewing points will not always be as fun for a 14 year old, any thoughts/suggestions for his consideration?

Hi Tom, maybe plan to spend more time in the cities rather than in the country? There are lots of things that could be of interest to a teenager depending on what your son likes!

Love your recommendations! We will likely visit England, Scotland and Wales in a three to four week trip. Any thoughts about a brief Wales tour? My ancestors are from Llanddulas and we’ve never been to Wales.

I saw you suggested Ireland and Scotland if you only plan to spend 10 days, but what do you think about Ireland and England? I’d love to know your thoughts.

Thank you so much for the great info! My husband and I just booked a trip in and out of London from 9/12-10/16. We plan to do 2 weeks in England and a week each in Scotland and Ireland. He has roots in County Cork so we definitely want to go there. Can you help with an itinerary? Since we’re flying in and out of London, do you recommend one week in the city and one week in the countryside? We definitely want to go to Bath. York, Cambridge, Oxford and maybe the Cotswalds? What do you suggest? Also, is there a ferry from Scotland to Ireland and how are the roads in the rural areas of these two countries? We’ve never driven on the UK side of the road. Will we need a car at all in England? Thank you so much! Debbie

Hello Maggie, I enjoyed your article. My wife and I are planning a Sept 2023 trip to Scotland/London area. Will spend 14 days or so. Wondering if we fly into a Scottish airport or London on a RT ticket from Seattle, WA? The only thing in England we want to see is Sudeley Castle (family relationship), then it’s off to Scotland for 11-12 days (focused on highlands), probably by train then rental car. We could do Sudeley on front end or back. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I am planning a 13 days trip to the UK in January.

I want to understand if I should do both Scotland and Ireland with london.

Please guide.

Thanks for your super helpful blog! I have just a couple of questions:

– Would you recommend separate car hires for Scottland and Ireland? – If you recommend separate car hires, would you recommend travel to Ireland from Scottland via ferry, or plane?

Hello Maggie,visiting Europe for the first time- London – Paris – Italy – would love some advise from you Is the Oliver plaza hotel a good choice to stay in London We are considering 3 to 4 days in London ( sight seeing the most famous sites) – traveling to Paris via the eurostar – 4 day stay in Paris- need advise on hotel close to normal sight seeing- then Italy Rome-pissa -Venice- any and all advise is welcome Thanking you in advance for your help! Adriana

Greetings Maggie! We have a reunion meeting in Belfast on 16-20 Sept 2022. I am flying from New York to Heathrow with connection to Belfast. After the reunion we want to explore Wales and Edinburg and Loch Ness (20-22 Sept) then back to London for return flight to NY. Would appreciate if you could recommend a good itinerary (I don’t drive manual so driving is not for me) taking the ferry from Belfast to Wales and maybe by air to Edinburg (pls suggest the best transport to take). Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Wonderful information. I have a 1 week trip to London in August and want to spend 2 days in Ireland. My family is from County Fermanagh but I am not sure I can get that far in such a short time and still enjoy it leisurely. Any must do’s or suggestions?? I am not too interested in Dublin.

Spending 2 days in Ireland will definitely be a bit rushed, especially when you consider travel times. I would recommend planning to visit another time if you’re strapped for time on this trip 🙂

Hello Maggie we are 6 people from India all 60 plus of age want to visit London & Countryside in second half of June for around 12 nights what can be best ittenary for the same.My daughter living in London suggested Isle of Wright,Cotswold & Scotland

Hi Maggie- My son is graduating from college and we are planning to go to Ireland, Wales and London. We have approximately 2 weeks. We fly into Dublin and will finish up in London. I’m going home then and he’s heading over to the continent for another 10 days before he returns home to Chicago. I’m considering renting a car in Ireland so we can have more flexibility getting to more places “off the beaten path”. Any advice? Thanks!!

Hi Patrice – sounds like you’re planning a really memorable trip! I think that renting a car in Ireland (and in Wales, too) is a great idea as it will give you a lot more flexibility. Hope you have a great time!

I’m returning to the British Isles in April with my husband & son, as we will be visiting our older son studying in Swansea, Wales. Do you have any recommendations/links for a bed & breakfast or hotel in Swansea and for a bed & breakfast in Dublin, Ireland? Thank you for your kind consideration.

Hi there Maggie,

Thank you for this interesting read! I’ve actually been wanting to do a eng-sct-irl tour like this for quite a while (due in part to being a huge Harry Potter nerd), but I’ve never actually looked into it until now. Your itinerary guide has been really informative!

I know it’s almost impossible to say, BUT if you were to give a ballpark cost figure for the full tour for a single traveler hiring a car, what would it be?

Thanks again! And best wishes.

Thanks for your comment, Jason! We actually have a few cost guides that you might find helpful when coming up with a rough budget. England: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/england-trip-cost/ Scotland: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/trip-to-scotland-cost/ Ireland: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/ireland-trip-cost/

Great article, thank you. In terms of a budget for the three locations, do you have anything on this? Many thanks, Ken

Hi Ken! We actually have separate budget guides for England ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/england-trip-cost/ ), Scotland ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/trip-to-scotland-cost/ ) and Ireland ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/ireland-trip-cost/ ). To help you even further we also have budget guides specifically for London ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/london-trip-cost/ ), Edinburgh ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/prices-in-edinburgh/ ) and Dublin ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/prices-in-dublin/ ). Hope this helps!

Dear Maggie, thank you so much for putting this information out. 6 of us (3 couples family) want to plan a vacation to these locations in June 2022. This really helps us. My mother in law was from England and my husband and siblings want to see it all again. Fingers crossed. Thank you, Barbara

Thanks for your comment, Barbara! Really hope you’re able to have a fantastic trip 🙂

Dear Maggie, This is wonderful information. Thank you so very much. I along with 3 other nurses who have worked off and on together for over 30 years are planning a 6 week trip through England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. Your tips have helped me with the planning of this trip. Thank you again,

Thanks for your comment, Terry! So happy that we’ve been able to help you plan your trip and I hope that you’re able to have an unforgettable adventure.

Hello, we are considering a 4 week trip for our family of 5, and I was wondering how your 6 weeks went? I am starting to think 4 weeks isn’t enough time

I am planning a trip to the U.K next year. I’m planning on moving to the U.K from Maryland. Where are the best location to settle down. It’s just me and no kids.

Hi Felicia, thanks for your comment! Where you plan to live in the UK really depends on what you’re after. There’s quite a lot of options so make sure to do some research and see where you like the most when you’re visiting next year 🙂

My husband and I are hoping to travel next year to London, Scotland and Ireland. This was a very informative and helpful article. We unfortunately will only have two weeks and not three to do this trip so we may leave off Ireland. Any suggestions on how to spilt the 3 of them in a 2 week period or do you suggest skipping one for a later time date by itself? Thank you

Hi Vicki, thanks for your comment! If you only have two weeks, I think the right move is to only concentrate on England and Scotland and leave Ireland for another trip. It is way better to visit fewer places and actually get to see and experience them then feel as if you have to rush through too many places and not really get the most out of them. Hope this helps and you’re able to have a great trip in the future!

Thanks for your tips etc on visiting Scotland/Ireland. A question can I rent a car in Scotland go over to Ireland leaving the car behind and pick up another car with the same rental company. Thus saving Ferry costs for the car. Whick port do you advise to use?

Regards Sakkie

Hi Sakkie, I’m not aware of any particular companies that you could do this with — you’ll need to contact a few yourself. Hope you have a great trip!

hello maggie,me and my wife are leaving USA,first time for our 30th anniversary.taking 2 1/2 weeks.wanted to visit all 3 places plus amsterdam,and normandy.was planning on flying to all of them,we heard it was the less expensive and doing small day tours in each.3 days in each,London,Edinburgh,dublin,amsterdam and normandy,all in may 2021.think too much?trying to plan a headstart.

Hi Jeffery, I think if you want to visit all of these places in 2.5 weeks it’s going to be a bit too much. Personally, I would limit yourself to just England and Scotland and maybe Ireland and save continental Europe for another trip 🙂 I think you will be able to enjoy the places you visit more this way.

Wondering what the best itinerary would be for 17 day trip. We would fly into the suggested city and rent a car for sure. Looking to get all 3 in and definitely want to see all the highlights. Any recommendations ?

H John, if you have 17 days, I would follow the 3-week itinerary that I’ve lined out and just pick one or two places that don’t interest you in order to meet your time constraints.

Dear Maggie, Thanks for the great information I’m planning for my short vacation (one week ) trip to London . North iceland and Scotland. Do you have any idea or suggestions for this short period ?? Regards Joanne

Hi Joanne, that is a lot of places to pack into one week! I would honestly only suggest sticking to the capital cities (London, Edinburgh, Belfast) and maybe take a day trip or two from them. That would allow you to get a good feel for the places without cramming too much in. Hope you have a great time!

Wonderfully insightful and helpful information on traveling the British Isles. I am planning an 18 day trip next September for my wife and I. Following your suggestions, I think 3 days in London would be enough for us to see many of the important and historic sights there. Then we would take the train to Edinburgh and stay for 2 or 3 days (maybe a short trip to St. Andrews one of those days). Then off to Inverness and the Isle of Skye for 2 days. I’d like to know if you think Glasgow is a must see. If not, we will simply head to Ireland and have a few more days to spend there.

I like the idea of Air BnB sites, but have no experience with them and want to make sure there is no concern necessary. I am a bit cautious at this point.

I’m looking forward to your response and any further/additional suggestions for helpful information.

Best regards, Pat

Thanks for your comment, Pat! I’m glad you’ve found this information helpful and it sounds like you’re planning a great trip. A lot of people tend to skip Glasgow when visiting Scotland (I, myself, have never been) as I don’t believe it has the same kind of beauty and historical sites that you can find in Edinburgh or elsewhere in the country. It is pretty up and coming, however, and there is a great music scene (so I’ve heard), so it all depends on what you’re after.

As for Airbnb, I have stayed in many many Airbnb properties all over the world and have never once had any sort of safety issue. It is actually my preferred kind of accommodation and I use it more often than not. All I would say is make sure you read the reviews of whichever property you want to stay in so you know what to expect. But there isn’t anything to worry about 🙂

Hope this helps!

Maggie, I really enjoyed your discussion and suggested itinerary. I is a great start for us. We are planning a five week trip to England, Scotland and Ireland (hopefully including Northern Ireland). A bit of Wales if we can fit it in would be nice. We are deciding between May and September. Do you have any recommendation/preference? I was thinking September since we would be heading pretty far north in Scotland. Also, do you have any thoughts on additional places to add for a trip of this length. We would likely limit our time in London to two-three days max. Both my wife Sue and I have visited London multiple times, but that is the extent of her travels to Britain. I have seen a fair share of the West Country and South Wales, but would appreciate any thoughts from an expert on how to expand your suggested itinerary. FYI, I have been no further north than the Cotswolds and have not seen Oxford/Cambridge/York and only limited places in Kent/Sussex/Hampshire/Dorset. Thanks in advance.

Thanks for your comment, Bob. I think that planning to go in September is a better bet, the weather is more consistently warm then — May can be really cold throughout Britain. If you’ve already been to London, then I would recommend spending some time in Cambridge and York. The Lake District could be a good option for you, as well, especially if you like nature. I hope you have a great trip!

Thank you so much for such informative articles (I’ve read several of them tonight)!

My husband and I are celebrating our 40th anniversary this December. We never had a honeymoon, so we have been planning a trip to Ireland and Scotland in March/April of 2020.

After reading this article, however, I’m thinking we might be better off to wait until Fall of 2020. ?

I have been looking into tour group trips, but none of them seem to be what we really want. After waiting all this time to go on a trip we’ve dreamed all our lives, I want it to be as special as can be. You have given me the courage to try and plan a trip myself and even hire a car! ?

Thank you again for the insightful advice.

Hi Lorrie, thanks so much for your comment and I am so happy that I’ve inspired you to travel independently for your 40th anniversary “honeymoon!” I’m sure you and your husband will have an amazing time! If you have any questions regarding your trip, please don’t hesitate to get in touch 🙂

we plan to travel to London 14 days on 19dec2019 onwsrds for Christmas celebration n New year 2020 and knowing that daylights short..about 4pm will b dark..

We don’t plan to drive.. can u recommend which date shall we stay in London ? will like to travel to Paris, Scotland or any better suggestion.

Regards Amie

Hey Amie, you can stay in London on any of these days but keep in mind that virtually everything shuts down on Christmas (25 Dec), including all public transport. Other than that, I’m sure you will have a great time — there are lots of markets and fun, festive things to explore that time of year. Just make sure to pack warm clothes!

We are planning a 10 days trip to London Scotland and Ireland.Please suggest an itinerary.

10 days in all three of London, Scotland, and Ireland is going to be too rushed. I would suggest concentrating on either London and Scotland or Scotland and Ireland depending on what interests you most. Hope you have a great trip!

Hi Maggie, Planning a 2.5 week trip and a friend has offered for me to use her vehicle (starting point West London). Would this be a good option or will I be wasting time driving long distances?

Hi Stephanie, if you have the option to borrow your friend’s car for the trip, I would definitely recommend it! Driving in London can be a nightmare, but otherwise, you will have so much more flexibility on your itinerary without being beholden to bus and train timetables. The UK is a small country, so no drives are really that long, either. And you can always find somewhere great to stop along the way!

Hi Maggie! We are looking for a 2 week trip to all 3 places. London we only want to do a few days and see the highlights. Then Scotland and Ireland. We want to stay a night in a castle in Scotland. Ireland we have to kiss the Blarney Stone. Touristy stuff as we have never been. Guinness and Jameson yours too! Ideas?

Hey Maureen, sounds like you’ve got a great trip planned! Hope you have a great time 🙂

Dear Maggie, Read your wonderful and infomative blog. Planning a trip to England, Scotland and Ireland in Mid September for family of 4 adults , a 4 years child and a 8 months baby.

We have only 2 weeks to spend. Please recommended some suggestions and an itinerary. Would like self driving in Scotland and Ireland.

Glad you found the information helpful! While the above itinerary is 3 weeks long, it is entirely possible to cut it down to 2 weeks if you just decide to skip some of the destinations that don’t interest you. For instance, you can only spend a couple of days in London, and skip one destination from each Scotland and Ireland and you will be able to plan to perfect 2-week trip. Hope you and your family have a great time!

Dear Maggie, Happy New Year! Your information is great but I was wondering if you have info on just navigating travel to these beautiful cities via train or other types of transportation between your suggested cities What is your opinion of taking a ferry to one of our selected city? I will be traveling with my 16-year-old daughter and will not be renting a car. I would be too freaked out and make our trip unbearable. We have been to London but never to Scotland or Ireland. We are traveling from Los Angeles and look for to making this a reality. Our travel will be in June of 2019. Great Article and look forward to reading more of your articles.

Happy New Year, Rosemarie! Thanks for your comment 🙂 Depending on where you want to go in Ireland/Scotland, renting a car isn’t entirely necessary, it can just make things more convenient if you want to visit more rural areas. Bus and train connections between the bigger cities in both countries are frequent and reliable, so you shouldn’t need to worry much about that. I’m not sure where you plan to take a ferry to, however, in my experience, the ferries are large, clean, and comfortable and tend to operate on time. If you’re not renting a car, you can also take day tours from all of the bigger cities/towns to visit more difficult-to-reach areas as well. I hope this helps you plan your trip! If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to send us an email 🙂

Hi Maggie, my husband and I are planning a trip Oct 1-15 for his work to Tenby, Wales. He will have to work each day and I would love to see the UK, my daughter is planning on flying for one week of our stay and just wondering how we could see Ireland-Scotland-London in a 7 day period or is that too much to see in such a short time? Would love your suggestions!!

Hi Pam, thanks for your comment! I personally wouldn’t recommend trying to cram a visit to England, Scotland and Ireland into one 7-day trip – you’re likely not going to get a lot out of it and will spend more of your time travelling between places rather than actually seeing anything. I would recommend staying simply in England and Scotland (or just one of them) and then plan to visit Ireland some other time when you have enough time to properly dedicate to it.

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The Man in Seat 61

How to travel by train & ferry

London to dublin & ireland.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, london to dublin from £51.10.

Fed up with flying?  Discover a well-kept secret:  You can buy a cheap SailRail ticket between any rail station in Britain & any rail station in Ireland, train & ferry on one ticket.  Swap a stressful flight for a relaxed train ride along the beautiful Welsh coast, then by cruise ferry across the Irish Sea.  See the journey in pictures below & watch the video .  It reduces your CO2 emission by up to 73% .

All-weather reliability:    Flights can be cancelled due to fog, snow & other bad weather, but Irish Ferries say their rock-steady 50,000 ton ship Ulysses has seldom missed a sailing due to weather.

Train travel in Ireland

Which route to choose .

If you look at the map below it should be self-explanatory.  The route via Holyhead is the traditional route from London to Dublin & most of Ireland including Cork, Limerick, Galway & Sligo.  The Fishguard-Rosslare route is good for London to Wexford & Waterford, and also for Bristol or Cardiff to Dublin.  However, Rosslare is not well linked to Cork or Limerick so these are best reached via Holyhead & Dublin.  You can travel between Scotland & Dublin either via Cairnryan & Belfast , or via Holyhead, it's usually cheaper & easier via Holyhead.  For London to Belfast you can go via either Holyhead, Liverpool or Cairnryan, see the Northern Ireland page .

If you use the journey planner at trainsplit.com and it'll work out the most logical route for your journey. 

Click here for a detailed map of the UK train network & ferry routes .

London to Dublin, recommended departure

Let's keep it simple.  Here's the service I'd recommend for travel between London or Southeast England and Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo & most other Irish destinations.  It's the cheapest option, with all-weather rock-steady reliability and it's a classic journey with lots to see on the way, see the journey in pictures & video below.  It's not the only option, far from it - see the complete London-Dublin timetable here .

London ► Dublin

Step 1, travel from London to Holyhead by train in 3h40

You leave London's Euston station at 09:02 on Mondays-Saturdays by air-conditioned 125mph Avanti West Coast Voyager train direct to Holyhead arriving 12:50.  On Sundays you leave London at 08:15, change trains at Crewe and arrive Holyhead at 12:43.

It's a lovely and historic journey across England and along the North Wales coast onto Anglesey, see the journey in pictures below .  For the best views between London & Holyhead, choose a seat on the right-hand side of the train, ignoring your reserved seats if they are on the wrong side.  Refreshments are available from the on board shop.  Map of London showing Euston station .

At Holyhead, the ferry terminal for both Stena Line and Irish Ferries is inside the station at the end of platform 2.  Walk straight off the train into the ferry terminal and check in for the ferry at the relevant ferry operator desk.  There's a 30 minute check-in for Irish Ferries, 40 minutes for Stena Line.  After getting your boarding pass there's a brief and painless X-ray security check, and you then check in your bags so you don't have to carry them round with you on the ferry.  Both Stena Line & Irish Ferries ships berth a little way from the terminal building at Holyhead, so after check-in passengers are shuttled to the ferry by courtesy bus.

Step 2, sail across the Irish Sea from Holyhead to Dublin in 3h15

If you book to Dublin Port Irish Ferries (or to Dublin Ferryport , as different websites use slightly different terms) you sail from Holyhead at 14:10 on Irish Ferries ship Ulysses , arriving Dublin Ferryport at 17:25.

If you book to Dublin Port Stena , you sail from Holyhead at 14:45 on Stena Line's Stena Adventurer arriving at Dublin Ferryport at 18:00. 

Both line's ships are excellent and both sail every day, but in my opinion the superb, huge & rock-steady 50,000 ton Ulysses is the most glamorous & comfortable ship.  Whichever company you choose, the ferry has free WiFi, bars, cafes, lounges, a restaurant, cinema, children's play area, fast food outlets, shop & open-air deck.  You can pay for a private cabin if you like, with toilet, shower & satellite TV, just ask at the ferry's reception desk.  Take a virtual tour of the Ulysses .

Tip:  Upgrade to Club Class on the ferry.   For a small extra charge (£18 or €21) paid on board at the entrance, you can use the Ulysses ' Martello Club Lounge on deck 11 above the bridge with complimentary red & white wine, tea, coffee, smoked salmon, cheese and biscuits.  The lounge gives a superb forward view of the coast of Ireland and the Bay of Dublin approaching.  There's a similar lounge on Stena Line called Stena Plus . which also gives a great forward view.  If you want privacy, a nap or a shower, you can pay a small charge for a private day cabin with shower & toilet, just ask at the ferry's reception desk.  This is the best way to see Ireland for the first time, not from inside an airport!  .

Step 3, transfer 2 miles into Dublin city centre by bus or taxi , see map of Dublin showing ferry terminals & city centre ,

If you arrive on Irish Ferries' Ulysses at 17:25, you'll find a double-decker Nolan's bus waiting outside the terminal to take you to the city centre just 2 miles away.  It leaves when the foot passengers have left the ship at around 18:00, arriving at Connolly station (for trains to Belfast, Wicklow, Sligo) in central Dublin around 18:15.  Hop on the LUAS tram from Connolly station to Dublin Heuston station if you want trains to Cork, Limerick, Galway, Tralee.  The bus fare is €3, children aged 4-15 half price, under 4 free.  You pay with a debit or credit card, cash not accepted.  Check bus times at www.nolancoaches.ie/services/ferry-shuttle-bus , you can pay online there too.

If you arrive on the Stena Adventurer at 18:00, a double-deck Nolan's bus will be waiting outside the terminal, leaving at 18:40 and arriving at Connolly station in the city centre (for trains to Belfast, Sligo, Wicklow) at 18:55 and Dublin Heuston station (for trains to Cork, Limerick, Galway) at 19:15.  The fare is €3, children aged 4-15 half price, under 4 free.  You pay with a debit or credit card, cash not accepted.  Check bus times at www.nolancoaches.ie/services/ferry-shuttle-bus , you can pay online there too.

If you'd prefer a taxi, this costs around €20 from the ferry terminal to Connolly Station or any central Dublin hotel or €17 to Dublin's Heuston station, journey time 25 minutes.  You'll find plenty of taxis waiting outside the ferry terminal.

A painless and scenic trip from central London, three countries in one day, England, Wales & Ireland!

Step 4, if you're heading for Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo or Belfast , use the transfer bus from Dublin Ferryport to Dublin Connolly station and (if necessary) the LUAS tram to Dublin Heuston station.  Then hop on an Irish Rail inter-city train as follows - You can check these train times at the Irish Railways website www.irishrail.ie .

For Belfast , take the daily 19:00 Enterprise from Dublin Connolly arriving at Belfast Central 21:15.

For Sligo , take the daily 19:05 train from Dublin Connolly station arriving Sligo at 22:05.

For Cork , take the daily 19:00 train from Dublin Heuston station arriving Cork at 21:58.

For Limerick , a train leaves Dublin Heuston station on Mondays-Saturdays at 19:00, change at Limerick Junction, arriving Limerick at 21:28.  On Sundays, leave Heuston at 19:05, change at Limerick Junction and arrive Limerick at 21:23.

For Galway , leave Dublin Heuston station on Mondays-Saturdays at 19:15 arriving Galway at 21:50.  On Sundays, leave Heuston at 18:45 arriving Galway at 21:25.

For any other destination in Ireland , use the journey planner at www.irishrail.ie to check train times from Dublin.  Make sure you allow enough time to interchange in Dublin.  If it's not possible to complete your journey the same day (for example, the last train to Tralee leaves Dublin before you get there), SailRail tickets allow you to stay in Dublin overnight and take a train next day.  Map of Dublin showing railway stations & city centre .

Dublin ► London  

Step 0, if you're starting your journey in Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo or anywhere else in Ireland , travel up to Dublin by any evening train and stay the night.  Find hostel or hotel in Dublin .  If your train arrives at Heuston station, take the LUAS tram to Connolly station, this runs every 5-10 minutes and takes 15 minutes, fare €1.70 (not included in through tickets).  The tram leaves from right outside the front of the station.  Map of Dublin showing city centre, railway stations & ferry terminals .

Step 1, transfer from Dublin city centre to Dublin Ferryport by bus or taxi

To connect with the 08:05 Irish Ferries ship Ulysses , a bus leaves Dublin Heuston (Parkgate Street, bus stop 10996) at 06:40, Bachelors Walk (bus stop 102111) at 06:50 and Custom House Quay (bus stop 135271) at 06:55, arriving Dublin Ferryport Terminal 1 at 07:20.  The fare is €3 adult, child 4-15 half price, please have exact fare.  You pay with a debit or credit card, cash not accepted.  Check bus times at www.nolancoaches.ie/services/ferry-shuttle-bus , you can pay online there too.

To connect with the 08:15 Stena Line ship Stena Adventurer, a bus leaves Dublin Heuston (Parkgate Street, bus stop 10996) at 06:40, Bachelors Walk (bus stop 102111) at 06:50 and Custom House Quay (bus stop 135271) at 06:55, arriving Dublin Ferryport Terminal 2 at 07:15.  The fare is €3 adult, child 4-15 half price.  You pay with a debit or credit card, cash not accepted.  Check bus times at www.nolancoaches.ie/services/ferry-shuttle-bus , you can pay online there too.

Irish Ferries' luxury superferry Ulysses sails from Dublin Ferryport terminal 1 at 08:05 every day and arrives at Holyhead at 11:30.  The Ulysses was until recently the world's largest car ferry, with excellent on board accommodation including bars, restaurant, cinema, children's play area, free WiFi and even private cabin for an extra charge.  At Holyhead, a courtesy bus transfers you to the ferry passenger terminal at the station.

On Mondays to Fridays, you leave Holyhead at 12:46 on a direct Voyager train to London Euston arriving 16:35.

On Saturdays, you leave Holyhead at 12:32, change in Chester (arrive 14:10, depart 14:32) and arrive London Euston 16:35 or there's a direct train leaving Holyhead at 13:53 arriving London Euston 17:35.

How much does it cost?

London to Dublin costs £51.10 if you book by 18:00 the day before travel or £57.50 if you buy your ticket on the day or the £51.10 rate sells out or is unavailable.  Bought in Ireland, it's around €60.

London to Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Tralee or Killarney costs £77.20 each way if booked by 18:00 the day before travel or £83.50 if bought on the day or when the £77.20 rate has sold out. 

Children under 16 travel for half price, under 5's go free, no ticket required just bring them along.

You can buy a SailRail ticket from any station in Britain to Dublin or any station in Ireland.  No break of journey is allowed on SailRail tickets, and no further discount with railcards.  See full details of SailRail fares between any British station & any Irish station here .  See first class fares here .

How to buy tickets

Buy SailRail tickets at tfw.wales

tfw.wales is the Transport for Wales website, they manage SailRail fares on behalf of all National Rail operators.  There's no booking fee.

Tip:   For Dublin, type station code DFP ( Dublin Ferryport ) to travel on the Ulysses , or DPS ( Dublin Port - Stena) to travel with Stena Line.

You can book days, weeks, maybe a month or two ahead.  You can't book months and months in advance and don't need to.  More info .

You collect tickets from the ticket machines at any main British station, or tickets can be sent to any UK address including Northern Ireland for £0.95 by 1st class post or £8.88 by Royal Mail next-day tracked delivery.

You don't have to start in London, of course:  Simply use the journey planner at tfw.wales to check times & prices & buy SailRail tickets from Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh, Cambridge, or any railway station in Britain to or from Dublin Ferryport to travel with Irish Ferries or Dublin Port - Stena to travel with Stena Line.  Full details of fares & how to buy tickets .

Important:   Tickets can be collected at any British station including London Euston free of charge, but cannot be collected in Ireland.  For one-way journeys starting in Dublin with ticket collection at Dublin port, book with Irishferries.com as shown here .

Can't book beyond Dublin to Cork, Limerick, Galway etc?   SailRail fares exist from any British station to any Irish station, not just Dublin (look up Sevenoaks to Wicklow at www.brfares.com and see!), but Transport for Wales regularly forgets to load Irish train times into the British national rail database, therefore you'll get a 'no journeys found' error when booking beyond Dublin and websites can't sell you a ticket. The easiest solution is to buy a SailRail ticket to Dublin then a separate ticket from Dublin to your Irish destination at www.irishrail.ie .  Alternatively, go to a station and find a capable booking clerk who knows how to manipulate his ticketing system to produce a ticket without first finding train times.

Alternative website:   You can also buy tickets at trainsplit.com , international credit cards no problem, no booking fee, it'll let you choose your seat from a seat map on any Avanti West Coast train.  You collect tickets from any main station in Britain.

Booking tip:   In the Dublin to London direction in summer it can be difficult to book the 08:05 Irish Ferries Ulysses from Dublin using the rail industry booking system, because it's overtaken by the faster 08:30 Swift and the system ignores the 08:05 ship.  The solution is either to switch to Stena Line and book from Dublin Port - Stena to London as a one-way and use the 08:15 Stena Line ship instead of Irish Ferries Ulysses , or to book the 08:05 Dublin to London service as a one-way ticket at www.irishferries.com on their SailRail page - the Irish Ferries website allows you to specifically select the 08:05 Ulysses departure and gives you an open ticket for the train, with tickets collected at the Irish Ferries desk in Dublin.  By all means take the 08:30 Swift if you like, but the Ulysses is £6.40 cheaper, has more facilities and rock-steady all-weather reliability.  The Swift is faster but cancelled as soon as wave height exceeds 1 metre.

How to buy SailRail tickets starting in Ireland

If you can collect tickets from a station in Britain before you go to Ireland, you can book with tfw.wales as shown above.  But if that's not possible, you can buy SailRail tickets starting in Dublin from Irish Ferries at www.irishferries.com .

Select Dublin Port to London (all stations) or any other British station you like, with an 08:00 departure time.  Tickets can be collected at the Irish Ferries desk at Dublin Ferryport or sent to any address in Ireland or worldwide by normal post at your own risk.  You can add access to the Martello Lounge or a private day cabin to your booking this way, too.  Full details of prices & how to buy tickets starting in Ireland .

Incidentally, yes the site sells SailRail tickets and yes that includes the UK train, but no, it won't tell you the train times, it just gives ferry times and provides an open ticket for the rail part, you can use any suitable train and sit where you like.

Back to top

What's the journey like ?

Holyhead to dublin with irish ferries.

The Ulysses is one of my favourite ships, and a crossing on her is a real treat.  At 50,000 tons, the Ulysses was the biggest ferry serving the British Isles until Stena Line's 63,000 ton Stena Hollandica & Stena Britannica entered service on the Harwich-Hoek van Holland route.  She's rock steady under most conditions, and in ten years of service she has hardly ever missed a sailing due to weather - more than can be said for the planes!  You check in your bags at Holyhead so you don't have to carry them round on the ferry.  She has free WiFi, too.

Holyhead to Dublin with Stena Line

Stena Line's Stena Adventurer is also a great ship, also with free WiFi and with its own premium lounge called Stena Plus .  As with Irish Ferries, you check in your bags at Holyhead so you don't have to carry them around on the ferry.

Video guide:  London to Dublin

This shows how easy the London to Dublin journey is, and what there is to see on the way.  As you enter Euston Station, pay your respects to the statue of Robert Stephenson (1803-1859), the engineer who built the railway to Holyhead including the Britannia Bridge, it's been the civilised way to Dublin since 1850.

London to Dublin complete timetable & fares

Which ferry to choose.

Take a train to Holyhead, then two different ferry operators sail from Holyhead to Dublin, Irish Ferries & Stena Line.

Stena Line or Irish Ferries?   Both are great companies, and fares are virtually the same, simply book to Dublin Port Stena for Stena Line or to Dublin Port (Irish Ferries) for Irish Ferries.  Through tickets to Galway, Cork, Limerick & so on are usually routed via Stena Line by default, but you can change this when using www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk by clicking More options and entering Dublin Ferryport as a via station .  I think the huge 50,000 ton Ulysses is the more glamorous ship, indeed she's a personal favourite of mine, but I like the Stena Adventurer too.  Why not go out with one and back with the other?

Ship or fast ferry?   Remember that the ships have much more extensive facilities and all-weather reliability, and they're rock-steady.  The lightweight Swift is an hour faster but bumps about a bit and is cancelled when wave height exceeds 1 metre, with passengers transferred onto the next sailing of the Ulysses .  Bear this in mind when travelling in winter, or with an appointment to keep.

Timetable westbound

Timetable eastbound, notes for timetable.

* = The Swift fast ferry only operates from early March until late October.  It does not operate in winter.

** = On Saturday mornings leave Holyhead 04:25, change Chester, arrive London 09:29.  Or take the direct train leaving Holyhead 06:52, London 10:38.

Always check times at www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk , especially at weekends as times can vary due to engineering work.

You can check ferry times at www.stenaline.co.uk or www.irishferries.com .

Direct = This train is a direct 125mph Avanti West Coast Voyager or Pendolino train between London & Holyhead.

Crewe = You must change trains at Crewe.    Birmingham = You must change trains at Birmingham New Street.

-   = there is no train connection available for this ferry.

At Holyhead the ferry terminal for both Stena Line & Irish Ferries is right next to the station at the end of platform 2.  After checking in, passengers for the Ulysses and Stena Adventurer are transferred by courtesy bus across the port to the ferry as the ships berth a little way from the terminal.  There's a 30 minute check-in for Irish Ferries, 40 minutes for Stena Line, your bags are checked in for the crossing.  Holyhead town centre is 5 minutes walk across a footbridge if you have time for a wander.

Dublin Ferryport is 2 miles from Dublin city centre.  Transfer buses meet Irish Ferries arrivals and take passengers to central Dublin.  The bus costs €3, children half price, pay the driver on the bus with debit or credit card, cash not accepted.  Buses also operate from Dublin City centre to meet Irish Ferries departures, bus times are at www.nolancoaches.ie/services/ferry-shuttle-bus .  Buses also connect with Stena Line arrivals and departures with similar prices.  A taxi from Dublin port to central Dublin will cost €20 to most central area hotels or Dublin Connolly station, about €17 to Dublin Heuston station, journey time about 25 minutes.  Check bus times at www.nolancoaches.ie/services/ferry-shuttle-bus .

Map of Dublin showing ferry terminals, railway stations & city centre .  Map of London showing Euston station .

How to find times from any British station

Use the journey planner on tfw.wales or trainsplit.com to check train times & buy SailRail tickets from any British station to Dublin.

Enter any British station you like in the From box, enter DFP ( Dublin Ferryport) or  DPS (Dublin Port - Stena) in the To box depending whether you want to travel with Irish Ferries or Stena Line.  Enter your dates of travel and search.

When the results appear, it doesn't distinguish between the Ulysses ship and the Swift fast ferry to Dublin Ferryport, it just says 'ferry'.  With 'Dublin Port (Irish Ferries)' selected, if the ferry takes 3 hours or more than it's the Ulysses , if it takes 2 hours or less it's the Swift .  With Dublin Port (Stena) selected, it will be the Stena Line ship.  Click 'fares' to see the fare for that journey.

SailRail fares :  Any station in Britain to any station in Ireland

You can buy a SailRail ticket from any station in Britain to any station in Ireland via Holyhead, via either Stena Line or Irish Ferries.  This covers both the train and the ferry and any onward Irish train all on one ticket for one inclusive price.  All fares are one way, a returns = two one-ways.  To check fares from any specific station in Britain to Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland, look up which UK zone that station falls into using the zone table , then use the fares tables below.  You can check these prices using the fares database at www.brfares.com .

Advance fare =  SailRail Advance , must be booked before 18:00 on the day before travel, limited availability, when it sells out the Single fare applies.  Advance fares include a reservation on the ferry and on those trains on the British part of your journey on which seat reservation is possible.  You can only travel on the specific trains which have been reserved for you, unless a delay means a missed connection.  No stopovers allowed.  On local or suburban trains where seat reservation isn't possible you can use any suitable train.  Tickets are non-refundable, but changes to date or time can be made for a fee (about £10) in person at British railway stations but not in Ireland or by phone.

Single fare = SailRail Single , also known as Standby  This what you pay when the SailRail Advance fare has sold out or if you buy on the day.  A reservation is required on the ferry, but seat reservation on trains is optional and you can use any train and any permitted rail route to and from the ferry port.  However, no stopovers are allowed except as necessary to make connections.  Refunds are allowed, less a £10 admin fee.

About SailRail fares

What do SailRail fares cover?   SailRail fares cover the train to Holyhead and the ferry to Ireland, all on one ticket for one inclusive price.  Tickets to Irish destinations beyond Dublin also cover the Irish train.  You can check all these SailRail fares at www.brfares.com .

Making a return journey?   All fares are one-way, a return journey = two one-ways.  If you're not sure when you want to return, buy the outward ticket, then buy the inward ticket later using www.irishferries.com , collecting the ticket at Dublin Port.

Children:   Children under 5 travel free (but need a reservation on the ferry), children under 16 half price.  Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  Unaccompanied children 16-17 years old must have written authority to travel from their parent or guardian.

Does the price vary?  Can tickets sell out?   Booking opens between 9 & 12 weeks in advance.  There are two price levels, SailRail Advance (London-Dublin £51.10 by train & ship, £57.50 by train & fast ferry) and SailRail Single (London-Dublin £57.50 by train & ship, £63.80 by train & fast ferry).  The Single price is always available even on the day of travel (assuming the quota of ferry places placed on the rail industry reservation system hasn't run out), the SailRail Advance price is usually available if you book in advance, although it's sometimes sold out or unavailable so only the SailRail Single price appears.  Note that in practice the rail industry reservation system has a limited quota of ferry places allocated to it, which can sell out at busy times such as around Christmas or Easter, even at the SailRail Single fare, so advance booking is a good idea.  Cost of SailRail tickets if bought in euros in Ireland .

Railcard discounts:   There's no railcard discount on SailRail fares.

Stopovers:   Stopovers are not allowed with SailRail tickets other than to make connections.  If you want to stop off, you'll need separate tickets.

Buses to Dublin city centre:   The transfer bus from Dublin Ferryport costs €3 to George's Quay in central Dublin, children aged 4-15 half price, under 4 free.  You simply pay on board the bus, with debit or credit card, not cash.

First class travel:   There are no first class SailRail fares, if you want first class comfort on your journey to Ireland simply buy an advance-purchase 1st class ticket between London & Holyhead and separate ferry ticket to Dublin, see the London to Dublin first class section .

Other Irish destinations:   Ireland's rail stations are zoned 1-3, with Cork, Limerick, Galway and Sligo all in zone 3, at the prices shown above.  Fares to (say) Wicklow or Athlone will be more than to Dublin, less than to Cork.

Luggage , bikes, pets...

Are there baggage limits or baggage fees?  Do I check my bags in?

There are no baggage weight limits or baggage fees to worry about, as long as you don't take the Mickey.  You simply take your bags with you on the train, placing them on the luggage racks above your head or at the end of the coach.  You check bags in at the ferry terminal so you're free to use the ferry's facilities without being encumbered with luggage, then you collect your bags again from the carousel at the ferry terminal on the other side of the water.  There are left luggage lockers at London Euston ( see here for details ) and at Dublin Heuston station, but not at Dublin Connolly.  There used to be a private left luggage office at Holyhead, but this has reportedly closed.

Is the ferry affected by bad weather?  Can it get rough?

I have always found the huge 50,000 ton Ulysses to be rock steady under most conditions, even in the depths of winter.  And in ten years of service she has seldom missed a sailing due to weather - or for that matter, volcanic ash, which is more than can be said for the planes.  The Ulysses almost always gets through!  If you use the smaller, faster Swift SeaCat, this can be cancelled if the weather is poor, especially in winter, when perhaps 5% of sailings are cancelled.  If it's cancelled you'll simply be transferred to the next sailing of the Ulysses (if you turn up early for the 08:30 Swift, then if you find it's cancelled, you may get onto the 08:05 sailing of the all-weather Ulysses ).

Can I take my bike?

Yes.  Bicycles go for £10 each way on Irish Ferries, £10 on Stena Line.  Pre-booking is recommended for Irish Ferries, email them at [email protected] for details.  Bikes are carried free on trains to Holyhead, but a bike reservation is compulsory on Avanti West Coast as there's a 3-bike limit and recommended for tfw.wales who have a 2-bike limit.

Can I take my dog or cat?

Dogs go free on British & Irish trains.  For the ferry part of the journey, Stena Line & Irish Ferries allow foot passengers to take small dogs or cats if they're in a container which you can carry onto the ferry.  The dogs or cats must travel in their container on the car deck or in the kennel area, see www.irishferries.com or www.stenaline.co.uk/faqs for details.  On Stena Line, you can also bring a larger dog not in a container, placing your dog in a kennel on the car deck - this is free on the Holyhead-Dublin route, but best to call Stena to check there's a kennel free first.  Guide dogs can be taken into the passengers areas, other dogs cannot.

  How to buy tickets in Britain

tfw.wales can send tickets to any UK address by 1st class post for £0.95 or by tracked next day delivery for £8.88.

Important: Going beyond Dublin to Limerick, Cork, Sligo, Galway & other Irish stations?

SailRail fares exist to any Irish station, but TfW often forget to load Irish train times into the British ticketing system so no journeys are found, and if no journeys are found, no tickets can be sold.  Got that?  Good, now don't waste any more time, just use tfw.wales to book from anywhere in Britain to Dublin Ferryport (DFP) or Dublin Port Stena (DPS), then use the Irish Rail website www.irishrail.ie to buy a separate ticket between Dublin and Cork, Galway or wherever.  Advance-purchase web fares for Ireland start at only €10 so this can actually be cheaper.  Just allow plenty of time for the ferry-station transfer in Dublin.

Buy SailRail tickets in person:   You can buy these train+ferry SailRail tickets at most main British railway stations, even on the day of travel.  This includes London Euston.  But allow plenty of time to buy your ticket, and be aware that small stations (ones without the capability to do seat reservations) may not sell these tickets.  It's better to buy tickets a day or two before if you can.

  How to buy tickets in Ireland

Buy SailRail tickets online at www.irishferries.com .

For one-way or round trip SailRail tickets starting in Ireland, use www.irishferries.com to book from any rail station in Ireland to any rail station in Britain via Holyhead.

Ticket delivery

Tickets can be collected at the Irish Ferries desk at Dublin Port, useful if you're from overseas.

Tickets can be sent by registered post to Irish addresses.

Tickets can be sent to any address worldwide by normal post at your own risk.

Tips for using www.irishferries.com :

For travel to London, select London (all stations).   The departure & arrival times it gives you are for the Dublin-Holyhead ferry, not for the whole journey, as the system is only programmed with ferry times, not train timetables.  Just look up connecting train times separately, either see at the Dublin-London timetable on this page or look up Irish trains at www.irishrail.ie then British trains at www.nationalrail.co.uk .  But YES, SailRail tickets do include the UK train, tickets are valid on any suitable connecting train without restriction.

Remember to allow at least 40 minutes check-in for the ferry at Dublin port outward and at Holyhead on the return, plus plenty of time for transfers between Dublin port and Dublin's Connolly or Heuston stations.  Obviously, this will only book Irish Ferries, not Stena Line.

Top tip: It's well worth the extra to upgrade to the Club Class lounge, with complimentary tea, coffee, red & white wine and canapés!  You can do this when you book or pay the extra on board the ferry.

Buy SailRail tickets in person at Dublin Connolly station at the main ticket window, which sells SailRail tickets 09:45-12:30 & 14:30-16:30 Mon-Sat, 11:30-15:30 Sundays & holidays (see photo on the right) or at these Irish Rail stations:  Athlone, Ballina, Claremorris, Dublin Connolly, Dundalk, Drogheda, Ennis, Galway, Longford, Mallow, Cork, Tralee, Killarney, Waterford, Limerick, Limerick Junction, Sligo, Thurles, Tullamore, Westport.  They can sell train & ferry SailRail tickets from any Irish station to any British station.  SailRail tickets now cost €6 more if bought on the day of travel.

Buy SailRail tickets by phone:   Call Irish Railways on 0818 366222 (lines open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday) (from outside Ireland call 00 353 818 366222) or call Irish Ferries on 0818 300 400 (lines open 09:00-19:00 Mondays-Fridays, 09:00-16:00 Saturdays, if calling from Northern Ireland or anywhere outside the Republic of Ireland, dial +353 818 300 400) or call Stena Line on (01) 204 7777 .

Buy ticket by e-mail to Irish Rail at [email protected] or Irish Ferries at [email protected] .

Cost of SailRail tickets bought in Ireland:   Bought at least one day before travel, Dublin to London costs €60, Dublin to Birmingham or Leeds costs €54, Dublin to Liverpool or Manchester costs €53.  Cork, Limerick or Galway to London costs €80.

Fares in euros for tickets bought in Ireland can be found using the journey planner at www.irishferries.com .  Note that tickets bought in Ireland are all of the walk up type, a reservation is needed (and included) on the ferry, but no seat reservation is required on British trains, you can take any suitable connecting train you like once in Britain, although no stopovers are allowed.

London to Dublin first class:  "Ryanair eat my shorts"

There are no 1st class SailRail tickets, but you can easily book a first class journey from London to Dublin using separate train and ferry tickets bought direct from Avanti West Coast and Irish ferries.  London to Dublin starts at around £188 one-way in first class comfort, with a complimentary cooked breakfast served at your seat on the morning Avanti West Coast train to Holyhead and a seat in the Martello Club lounge on the cruise ferry Ulysses with complimentary red or white wine and canapés, with great views of the coast or Ireland slowly approaching. 

London ► Dublin first class  

Step 1, travel first class on Avanti West Coast from London to Holyhead, leaving London Euston at 09:02 Monday-Saturday, arriving Holyhead 12:50.  This is a modern air-conditioned 125 mph Voyager train.

In first class you can select an intimate table for two with two armchairs facing each other across a table with table lamp.  Or choose a solo seat or table for four.  In first class it's quiet, civilised and relaxed - Whenever I've travelled, the first class on this train has been virtually empty, you may have it to yourselves!

On weekdays a complimentary cooked breakfast is served at your seat by the steward or stewardess, perhaps egg, bacon and sausage or scrambled egg and smoked salmon.  There's cereal or even porridge, and toast.

Step 2, sail from Holyhead to Dublin by luxury superferry, leaving Holyhead at 14:10 daily on Irish Ferries cruise ferry Ulysses across the Irish Sea, arriving Dublin Ferryport at 17:25.

In the ferry's quiet and relaxed Martello Club lounge located over the ship's bridge, you get a fantastic forward view of the coast of Ireland approaching, while you enjoy complimentary red or white wine, tea, coffee, juice, and canapés of smoke salmon or cheese and biscuits.  There's also free WiFi.  Or you can book a private cabin with beds, shower and toilet.

Transfer from Dublin Ferryport to your Dublin hotel by taxi, this costs around €20.

Dublin ► London first class

In the quiet and relaxed Martello Club lounge located over the top of the ship's bridge, you get a fantastic forward view of the Welsh coast approaching, while you enjoy the complimentary red or white wine, tea, coffee, juice, and canapés of smoke salmon or cheese and biscuits.  There's also free WiFi.  Or you can book a private cabin with beds, shower and toilet.  At Holyhead, a courtesy bus transfers you to the passenger terminal and station.

London to Ireland via Fishguard

London, bristol & south wales to ireland via fishguard-rosslare.

There is a regular integrated train & ferry service from London, Bristol & Cardiff to Rosslare in southern Ireland via Fishguard.  Rosslare is handy for Wexford & Waterford.  Combined train & ferry SailRail tickets are sold from any British railway station to Rosslare Europort via this route, just use the journey planner at tfw.wales to buy a ticket to Rosslare Europort.  If you're heading for Cork, Limerick and so on, you're better off travelling via Holyhead & Dublin, see here .  London-Dublin journeys are best made via Holyhead, see here .

Important:   Trains between London & Fishguard are not direct, you need to change once at either Newport, Cardiff, Swansea or Carmarthen - the booking system at tfw.wales will tell you where, as it varies.

No service on 25 & 26 December.  Always check UK train times for your date of travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or tfw.wales as engineering work can affect train times especially at weekends.

Rosslare Europort is linked by train to Wexford, Wicklow & Dublin.  They've rather stupidly moved the platform away from the ferry terminal, and it's now a 5 minute walk from the terminal building.  Check Irish train times at www.irishrail.ie .  Rosslare to Wexford & Dublin buses are operated by Bus Éireann, check times & fares at www.buseireann.ie .

The Waterford connection:   Sadly, the Rosslare-Waterford railway was closed in September 2010, and is now the missing link in the Irish rail network.  You unfortunately now need to travel by bus.  Please check bus times between Rosslare Europort and Waterford at www.buseireann.ie .

Check the fare from any British station to Rosslare Europort using tfw.wales .

Advance fare =   Sail Rail Advance = the fare you would normally want to buy, unless it has sold out and only the Single fare is offered.  Tickets must be booked by 18:00 the day before you travel.  The fares shown above are not 'starting at...' prices, but are fixed prices that are almost always available at the price shown, even the day before departure, though they sometimes sell out.  The ticket includes a reservation on the ferry and on any British trains on which seat reservation is possible.  You can only travel on the specific train or trains which have been reserved for you, not on alternative trains or routes, unless a delayed ferry means you miss a scheduled connection.  No stopovers allowed.  On trains on which seat reservation is not possible, meaning local or suburban trains, you can take any suitable train.  Tickets are non-refundable, but changes to date or time can be made for a fee (about £10) in person at British railway stations but not in Ireland or by phone.

Single fare = Sail Rail Single (also known as Standby) = the fare you pay if you buy a ticket on the day of travel or if the Advance fares have sold out.  A reservation is required on the ferry, but seat reservation on trains is optional and you can use any train and any permitted rail route to and from the ferry port.  However, no stopovers are allowed except as necessary to make connections.  You can buy a Single fare in advance if you like, but the only reason you'd want one is if you wanted the flexibility to take alternative trains or routes on the way to or from the ferry port from those that the system offers you.  Refunds allowed less a £10 admin fee.

About these SailRail fares

The fare includes the train to Fishguard and the ferry to Rosslare, all on one ticket for one inclusive price.

If you book through to Wexford or Dublin or any other Irish station, it also includes the Irish train.  SailRail tickets do not cover buses, so if you want to use a bus, for example the Rosslare-Waterford bus, book a SailRail ticket as far as Rosslare and buy a separate ticket for the bus when you get to Rosslare.

The fares are fixed price, it's the same price whether you buy 90 days in advance or just one day ahead, summer or winter, mid-week or Fridays.  These fares are not a limited availability offer, they are always available.  However, the Single fare now applies if you buy a ticket on the day of travel.  Just remember that in practice the rail industry reservation system has a quota of ferry places allocated to it, which can in theory sell out at busy times, so advance booking is a good idea.

Return journey = two one-way fares.

Stopovers are not allowed.

Railcard holders:   There's no further discount for railcard holders, as they're so cheap anyway.

Children 5 to 15 travel at 50% off these fares, under 5s free.

Travelling beyond Rosslare?   SailRail tickets to Irish stations beyond Rosslare were stopped, but were reinstated in 2013.  So you can now book through from any British station via Rosslare to any Irish station.  However, check your connection by train is possible, for example there's no train service between Rosslare and Waterford, only buses, and SailRail tickets aren't valid on buses.

Taking a bicycle?   Bikes go for £10 each way on Stena Line, no reservation required.  Bikes are carried free on trains to Fishguard, but reservations are recommended as there's a 2 bike limit on Arriva Trains Wales and a 6 bike limit on First Great Western.  Call First Great Western to book your bike on the train.

By phone , call the SailRail booking line 03333 211 202 (UK callers only).  Lines open 08:00-20:00 Mondays-Fridays, 09:00-17:00 Saturdays & Sundays.  Or call Stena Line on 03443 350 027, lines open 08:30-20:00 Mondays-Fridays, 09:00-18:00 Saturdays & 09:00-17:00 on Sundays.

In person at staffed British railway stations.

In Ireland, buy by phone calling (01) 703 1884, lines open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday.  Or buy in person at major Irish Rail stations.  You can also buy from www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk , although you can't collect tickets in Ireland they'll send overseas by post for a fee.

What's the journey like?

See the video:   crossing from fishguard to rosslare, short breaks to ireland by train & ferry.

All short breaks from the UK to Ireland involve flights, don't they?  No they don't!  Back in 2008 Railtours Ireland started running short breaks to Ireland using eco-friendly train & ferry to Dublin, with the option to add one-day tours to kiss the Blarney Stone, the Ring of Kerry, or visiting the Giant's causeway out of your Dublin base.  No airport hassles, no ugly motorways.  They've now been joined by train holiday specialists Railbookers and Tailor Made Rail who also now offer short breaks to Dublin by train & ferry.  All three companies come highly recommended.

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating . 

They offer a flight-free breaks & holidays from starting points all over Britain to Dublin & Ireland, with train & ferry travel plus hotels all booked for you as a package.  Go to Byway.travel , click Destinations and then Ireland .  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Alternatively, they can build a trip to your requirements, email them or use the contact form .  Byway includes package protection, 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and WhatsApp support while you're away.

Railbookers ( www.railbookers.co.uk ) can tailor-make a 2-night or 3-night short break from anywhere in Britain to Dublin for you, starting on virtually any day or date you like , with train and ferry travel from anywhere in Britain to Dublin then 2 or 3 nights in the 4-star Ashling Hotel in Dublin.  See www.railbookers.co.uk or call 0207 864 4600 .

Tailor Made Rail can also organise a trip to Dublin & Ireland by train & ferry, with hotels and transfers. Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/ireland .

Railtours Ireland ( railtoursireland.com ) run a tour leave London every weekday from March to October, using the morning Avanti West Coast departure direct from London Euston station to Holyhead via the scenic North Wales coastline. At Holyhead you board the Irish Ferries cruise ferry Ulysses and sail across the Irish Sea to Dublin Ferryport, just as I recommend above.  It's the scenic & painless way to reach Ireland!  See the account of this journey & photos .

The break combines London-Dublin return train+ferry travel plus 2 nights three-star hotel accommodation in Dublin, with the option of extra nights.  You can then mix-&-match the London-Dublin tour with one or more 1-day tours (or longer) from Dublin, see the day trips section above.

To book from the UK, call Railtours Ireland free on 0800 328 2899 .  To book from outside the UK, call +353 1 856 0045.

Or make your own short break to Dublin

Book a SailRail ticket to Dublin as shown above . 

Add a hotel in Dublin using the hotel search system below .

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk

Hotels in dublin & ireland, a perfectly-located dublin favourite:  the gresham hotel.

Perfectly located on Upper O'Connell Street in the heart of central Dublin, 10 minutes walk from Connolly Station, The Gresham is an iconic hotel, a Dublin landmark since 1817.  The impressive facade is matched by a marble-floored foyer and bar, and comfortable carpeted lounges.  Yet you can find rates from £90 for a double room, 4-star comfort at a remarkably good price.  To check room rates & availability click here .

Backpacker hostels: www.hostelworld.com

If you're on a tight budget, don't forget the hostels.  For a dorm bed or an ultra-cheap private room in backpacker hostels in most European cities use www.hostelworld.com .

Travel insurance & VPN

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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The Ultimate Guide: How To Travel From London To Ireland

• Last updated May 09, 2024
• Difficulty Intemediate

• Category Travel

Are you dreaming of exploring the lush landscapes of Ireland, sipping pints of Guinness in Dublin's lively pubs, or marveling at the ancient ruins scattered throughout the Emerald Isle? If so, you're in luck – this ultimate guide has you covered on how to travel from the bustling streets of London to the charming shores of Ireland. From different modes of transportation to essential tips and tricks, get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey across the Irish Sea. So, pack your bags and let's dive into the ultimate guide on traveling from London to Ireland!

What You'll Learn

Options for traveling from london to ireland, taking a flight from london to ireland, using the ferry to travel from london to ireland, exploring train and bus routes from london to ireland.

London and Ireland are two popular destinations in Europe that attract millions of tourists each year. If you're planning to travel from London to Ireland, you have several options to choose from depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some of the options for traveling between these two destinations:

• The fastest and most convenient way to travel from London to Ireland is by air. There are multiple daily flights available from London's major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, to various destinations in Ireland such as Dublin, Cork, and Shannon. Airlines like British Airways, Ryanair, and Aer Lingus operate regular flights on this route.
• Flight duration from London to Ireland usually ranges from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the destination. It's advisable to book your tickets well in advance to secure the best fares, especially during peak travel seasons.

By Train and Ferry:

• If you prefer a more scenic and adventurous journey, you can choose to travel from London to Ireland by train and ferry. Firstly, take a train from London to one of the ferry ports in the UK such as Holyhead, Fishguard, or Liverpool. The train journey may take around 2-3 hours, depending on the port chosen.
• From the ferry port, board a ferry to your chosen destination in Ireland. The major ferry routes are between Holyhead and Dublin, and Fishguard and Rosslare. The ferry journey typically takes around 2-3 hours, and it offers stunning views of the Irish Sea.
• It's advisable to book your train tickets and ferry tickets separately in advance to ensure availability and to potentially save money.
• Another budget-friendly way to travel from London to Ireland is by bus. Companies like National Express and Eurolines operate bus services between London and Dublin. The journey time can be anywhere between 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route.
• The buses are often equipped with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and onboard facilities to ensure a pleasant journey. However, the long travel time should be taken into consideration when planning your itinerary.
• It's recommended to book your bus tickets in advance to secure the best fares and guarantee a seat on the desired departure date.
• If you prefer more flexibility and independence, you can choose to travel from London to Ireland by car. However, it's important to consider the practicalities and costs associated with driving on the opposite side of the road and using car ferries or the Channel Tunnel.
• The drive from London to one of the Irish ferry ports can take several hours, depending on the chosen route and traffic conditions. Once in Ireland, you can explore different regions at your own pace and visit attractions off the beaten path.
• It's recommended to check the requirements for driving in Ireland, including valid driver's license, insurance, and any specific road regulations, before embarking on this journey.

When planning your travel from London to Ireland, consider factors such as budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Each option offers a unique experience, allowing you to enjoy the journey and make the most of your trip to Ireland. Safe travels!

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If you're planning a trip from London to Ireland, taking a flight is often the most convenient and time-efficient option. With several airlines offering regular flights between the two destinations, it's easy to find a flight that suits your schedule and budget. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of taking a flight from London to Ireland.

Choosing an Airport:

• London has several airports, so the first step is to decide which one is most convenient for you. The major airports in London include Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and London City (LCY). Consider factors like location, availability of flights, and transportation options when making this decision.
• In Ireland, the two main airports are Dublin Airport (DUB) and Shannon Airport (SNN), both of which have good connectivity to other parts of the country.

Finding a Flight:

• Use flight comparison websites or airline websites to find the most suitable flights for your travel dates. Consider factors like price, flight times, and baggage allowances when making your decision.
• Be flexible with your travel dates if possible, as fares can vary significantly depending on the day and time of travel.

Booking your Flight:

• Once you've found the ideal flight, proceed to book it either directly through the airline's website or through a trusted travel agency. Make sure to enter all the required passenger information accurately to avoid any issues later.
• Pay attention to the baggage allowances and any additional fees for extras like seat selection or additional baggage.

Preparing for your Flight:

• Before your departure, make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport or ID card.
• Check if your flight requires the printing of a boarding pass in advance or if you can use a digital boarding pass on your smartphone.
• Arrive at the airport with ample time before your flight, typically at least 2-3 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Getting to the Airport:

• Depending on which London airport you're departing from, various transportation options are available. Consider taking a taxi, using private airport transfer services, or utilizing public transportation like trains or buses.
• Plan your journey in advance, taking into account any potential traffic or delays, to ensure you arrive at the airport on time.

Checking in:

• Upon arrival at the airport, locate your airline's check-in desks. Look for signs or consult the airport information screens for guidance.
• Have your identification and flight details ready to present to the check-in staff. They will then issue your boarding pass and possibly take your checked baggage, depending on your ticket type and baggage allowances.

Going through Security:

• After checking in, proceed to the security screening area. Prepare by removing any liquids, laptops, and other electronic devices from your hand luggage.
• Follow the instructions provided by the airport security personnel and place your belongings in the trays provided for X-ray scanning.
• Once through security, collect your belongings, including your passport and boarding pass, and proceed to the departure lounge.

Boarding the Flight:

• Keep an eye on the departure screens for information about your flight's boarding gate. Once your gate is announced, make your way to the designated area.
• Have your boarding pass and identification ready to present to the airline staff before boarding the plane.
• Follow the instructions of the boarding staff and locate your seat on the aircraft.

During the Flight:

• Once onboard, store your hand luggage in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you. Fasten your seatbelt and familiarize yourself with the safety instructions provided by the cabin crew.
• Sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight to Ireland. Depending on the duration of the flight, you may be offered food, drinks, and in-flight entertainment.

Arriving in Ireland:

• Upon arrival in Ireland, follow the signs and instructions to the immigration and customs areas.
• Have your passport or ID card ready for inspection by the immigration officers.
• Collect your checked baggage if applicable, and proceed through customs, ensuring you declare any necessary items.
• After exiting the customs area, you'll find various transportation options available to reach your final destination in Ireland. These may include taxis, buses, or car rental services.

By following these steps, you'll have a smooth and straightforward journey from London to Ireland. Remember to check for any specific travel requirements or restrictions before your trip, and always allow for extra time in case of unexpected delays or disruptions. Enjoy your travels!

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Are you planning a trip from London to Ireland and wondering how to get there? Well, one of the most convenient and picturesque ways to travel between these two destinations is by taking a ferry. With stunning coastal views and the freedom to explore at your own pace, traveling by ferry is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a unique and memorable journey.

To start your journey, you will first need to make your way to the ferry port in the southeast of England. If you are starting in London, you can easily reach the port by taking a train or bus. The most popular ferry ports for travel to Ireland are Holyhead in Wales and Fishguard in Southwest Wales. Both of these ports are well-connected to London and have regular departures to Ireland.

Once you have arrived at the ferry port, you will need to check-in and go through security. Make sure to arrive early to allow plenty of time for this process, especially during peak travel seasons. Keep in mind that some ferry companies require you to check-in at least one hour before departure, so it's always a good idea to double-check the specific requirements of your chosen ferry operator.

After checking in, you will board the ferry, and it's time to relax and enjoy the journey. Ferries traveling from the southeast of England to Ireland usually have excellent onboard facilities to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable. These amenities can vary depending on the ferry operator and the particular ship, but you can generally expect to find a range of restaurants, bars, shops, and even entertainment options on board.

The ferry journey from London to Ireland can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight, depending on your chosen route and the ferry operator. Most ferries offer both daytime and overnight sailings, allowing you to choose the option that suits your preferences and travel plans best. If you're looking to maximize your time exploring Ireland, an overnight ferry can be a great choice, as it allows you to arrive early in the morning and start your adventure without wasting a day on travel.

Once you arrive in Ireland, you will disembark from the ferry and start your Irish adventure. The exact location of the arrival port will depend on your chosen route, with popular destinations including Dublin, Rosslare, and Cork. From here, you can continue your journey by taking another train or bus to your final destination in Ireland or explore the local area in more detail.

When planning your trip from London to Ireland by ferry, it's essential to consider your preferences and travel needs. Take into account the duration of the journey, the amenities on board, and the arrival port's proximity to your desired destination in Ireland. By carefully considering these factors and planning ahead, you can ensure that your ferry journey from London to Ireland is smooth, enjoyable, and a highlight of your overall travel experience.

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If you're planning a trip from London to Ireland, you may be wondering about the best way to travel. Luckily, there are a number of options available, including trains and buses. In this blog post, we'll explore these options and provide some helpful information to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Train Travel from London to Ireland:

• Eurostar to Dublin: The Eurostar is a high-speed train that connects London with mainland Europe. To travel from London to Dublin, you would take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International station to Brussels Midi/Zuid station. From there, you can catch a direct train to Dublin. The entire journey takes approximately 7-8 hours.
• Ferry + Train: Another option is to take a ferry from England to Ireland and then continue your journey by train. There are several ferry routes available, with departures from ports such as Holyhead, Liverpool, and Fishguard. Once you arrive in Ireland, you can catch a train to your desired destination.

Bus Travel from London to Ireland:

• National Express: National Express operates coaches that travel from London to various cities in Ireland, including Dublin, Belfast, and Cork. The journey duration can vary depending on your destination, but it typically takes around 10-13 hours. National Express coaches are comfortable and offer amenities such as free WiFi and power sockets.
• Megabus: Megabus is another bus company that offers routes from London to cities in Ireland. The journey duration and amenities provided are similar to National Express. Megabus fares can be quite affordable, especially if you book in advance.

Tips for a Smooth Journey:

• Plan and Book in Advance: To secure the best fares and availability, it's recommended to plan and book your journey in advance. This applies to both train and bus travel. Keep in mind that prices and availability may vary depending on the time of year.
• Check Visa Requirements: Before traveling to Ireland, make sure to check the visa requirements for your nationality. In most cases, British citizens do not need a visa to enter Ireland. However, it's best to double-check to ensure a hassle-free journey.
• Pack Essentials: Depending on the duration of your journey, it's a good idea to pack essentials such as snacks, water, entertainment, and any necessary medications. This will ensure you're comfortable throughout your trip.
• Arrive Early: Whether you're taking a train or a bus, it's important to arrive early at the station or the bus stop. This will give you enough time to find your way, check-in or board, and settle in before your departure.

In conclusion, traveling from London to Ireland is an exciting adventure, and there are several options available to make your journey convenient and enjoyable. Whether you choose to travel by train or bus, following these tips and being prepared will help you have a smooth and memorable experience. Safe travels!

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Frequently asked questions.

There are several options to travel from London to Ireland. You can take a flight from London to one of the major airports in Ireland such as Dublin, Cork, or Shannon. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from a port in England, such as Holyhead or Liverpool, to a port in Ireland, such as Dublin or Rosslare. There are also bus and train services available that can take you from London to various cities in Ireland.

The travel time from London to Ireland can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. A flight from London to Dublin, for example, usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you opt for a ferry, the crossing time can range from 2 hours to 4 hours, depending on the route and weather conditions. Bus and train journeys can take longer, with travel times typically ranging from 8 to 10 hours.

The cost of traveling from London to Ireland can vary depending on factors such as the mode of transportation, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. Flights can range from around £30 to £150 or more, depending on the airline and time of booking. Ferry fares can vary from around £30 to £100 or more, depending on the route and cabin type. Bus and train tickets can range from approximately £20 to £80 or more, depending on the operator and travel class. It is advisable to compare prices and book in advance to secure the best deals.

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Friday, May 10, 2024 5:37 am (Paris)

• Immigration

Tensions rise between Ireland and the UK over migration

Dublin wants to force London to readmit asylum seekers who entered its territory via Northern Ireland.

By  Cécile Ducourtieux   (London, correspondent)

Time to 3 min.

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Relations between London and Dublin have taken a sharp turn for the worse in recent days. Ireland blames British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's office for the alleged collateral effects of the UK-Rwanda Agreement, which aims to deport asylum seekers who have arrived in the UK to the East African country. On Tuesday, April 30, the Irish government approved an emergency bill aimed at facilitating the return to the UK of asylum seekers arriving in the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland (still a British province).

Such is the tension between the two countries that the Irish authorities are talking about the need to monitor the almost 500 kilometers of border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This is even though Dublin battled throughout the Brexit negotiations, between 2016 and 2019, to keep this border completely virtual.

It all began with a figure put forward by Helen McEntee, Ireland's justice minister, at a hearing of the Irish parliament's justice committee on April 23. Some "80% of asylum seekers" arriving in Ireland come from the UK via Belfast, the minister stated. They are taking advantage of the Common Travel Area (CTA), a specific free movement agreement between Ireland and the UK, McEntee said, adding that a record 5,000 people had applied for asylum in the Republic since the beginning of 2024.

Controversial agreement with Kigali

Instead of applying for asylum when they arrive at an Irish airport or port from another European, African or Asian country, these people present themselves at the International Protection Office (IPO), in the heart of Dublin city. Emergency accommodation for them is so saturated that dozens of them are sleeping in tents set up in the streets adjacent to the IPO.

Sunak seized the opportunity, welcoming the figure put forward by McEntee as proof that the UK-Rwanda Agreement is already having the hoped-for "deterrent effect." According to him, people arriving in Ireland via Belfast are fleeing the prospect of being deported by the British authorities to Rwanda. On April 25, Sunak finally got Westminster to pass the Safety of Rwanda Act, which should make the controversial agreement with Kigali operational, as it is currently still virtual two years after being signed.

Dublin's response was swift and acid on Sunday, with Simon Harris, leader of the centrist Fine Gael party and Ireland's taoiseach (prime minister) for the past month, saying Ireland will "not provide a loophole for anybody else's migration challenges." "We're not going to accept returns from the EU via Ireland when the EU doesn't accept returns back to France, where illegal migrants are coming from," retorted Sunak the following day, adding that he was "not interested" in a migrant return agreement with Dublin.

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Dips and Trips

Most Popular International Travel Destinations for Summer 2024 (According to Delta Searches)

Posted: May 5, 2024 | Last updated: May 5, 2024

Delta Air Lines released its second list of the year , which reveals the most popular international destinations that travelers are thinking about going to this summer.

This data is based on searches made on Delta’s website – so should come with the caveat that the top searches don’t necessarily translate to the most popular ones people actually end up flying to. These are the top international destinations searched on the Delta website.

Vancouver, British Columbia

The summer is one of the best times to travel to Vancouver. It’s not going to be as warm as most of the other destinations on the list, which may be a bonus for some. This is going to help you take strolls downtown and around Stanley Park. Plus, even though the city is north of the border, you won’t be spending too much time at immigration. Flights from the West Coast can take less time than they would to many domestic destinations.

Barcelona, Spain

There are plenty of other European destinations on the list. In fact, there are so many that it’s kind of odd to find Barcelona this early in the countdown. On its own, it’s a great city where you can enjoy the arts, the food, and the beach. Plus, it’s one of those destinations that could serve as the perfect starting point for your summer Euro trip.

Dublin, Ireland

Perhaps the first major surprise on this list! Dublin may not feature numerous tourist attractions within the city limits. However, it is a welcoming place where you can find plenty of local pubs to enjoy. Maybe that’s one of the main reasons why travelers who are flying with Delta find it such an appealing destination. Also, since it may not be as popular a destination as other spots, Delta is the airline that features some of the best routes to this destination.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan is a destination that has been growing in popularity with American travelers over the past few years. One of the great things about Japan is that you can arrive in Tokyo and take the train virtually anywhere in the country. Be warned, though, that some areas are getting tired of tourists. Therefore, foreigners are actually charged more precisely for things like a train ride!

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Not the biggest surprise on the list by any stretch of the imagination. People have been fascinated by the lore of this city for generations. That’s still the case, even though some of the “wild” things that made the city famous are now readily available in many other parts of the world, including multiple US states. Amsterdam is still worth a visit, even though it, too, has been taking steps to minimize the number of travelers it takes in.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun has long been the most popular beach destination abroad for Americans. Delta is by no means the only airline that covers this route. The fact that it still made the top 5 is a clear indication that the Mexican beach destination will remain popular. What’s interesting is that no other cities within the Caribbean made the list.

Athens, Greece

Greece has become a very popular destination for travelers from all over the globe. There are actually other cities where you can catch a cruise to the Greek Isles, even from outside Greece. If you want the complete Greek experience, though, you have to arrive in Athens and take in the sights there. After a few days, you can board a ship to some of the colorful beachside towns.

Rome, Italy

Rome has always been a popular tourist destination, but that doesn’t mean it was always a popular gateway to Europe for American travelers. Perhaps the number of flights that Delta is taking to Rome has a little bit to do with how accessible the rest of Europe is from here. Like many other cities, it’s great for a few days, and then you can move across Italy or other countries in Europe.

Paris, France

Plenty of Americans are reportedly heading to France this summer. If you’re hoping to catch a last-minute flight and find decently priced lodging options, you’re probably out of luck this year. The Olympic Games are taking place in the city, meaning that most hotels in and around the French capital have been full for a while. If you’re not interested in the games, this is not the summer to fly to Paris.

The summer is, without a doubt, the best time of the year to visit the UK. You’ll get fewer rainy days than on other dates throughout the year. With the eyes of the world focused on Paris this summer, the British capital may not be as crowded. Delta offers plenty of flights to London, and unlike Rome, this has always been a city that’s a gateway to Europe, at least for American travelers. You don’t have to deal with language barriers, and you’ve probably already tried some of the popular British dishes at some point. Flying from the US East Coast to London only takes about 8 hours, so it’s not such a grueling flight.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Rylan Clark wanted to ‘knock out’ vile homophobe while filming new show

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Rylan Clark has said he wanted to ‘go mad’ after being attacked by vile homophobes in Italy .

The Eurovision host had been with a drag queen collective in Venice, along with Rob Rinder, 45, for their upcoming BBC travel show Grand Tour.

The group had been crossing San Marco Square when a young man shouted a homophobic slur at them.

Rylan, 35, said the horrific abuse made him ‘want to go mad, go after the bloke and knock him out.’

But after the homophobe yelled the horrendous slur, Rylan said a group of nonnas in their 90s stood up and applauded him.

The nonna’s supportive response changed the former X Factor star’s perception of generational attitudes.

Recounting the ordeal on Olivia Attwood ’s So Wrong It’s Right podcast, Rylan said that LGBTQ+ progress can feel like it’s going ‘backward’ and used his experience in Italy as an example.

He said during filming they met a drag collective in Venice who are forced to perform behind closed doors because they did not feel ‘safe’ in the streets.

Rylan said: ‘All these people would meet behind closed doors – now in 2024 – to dress up in drag, have fun, have a lovely day, wipe off all the drag, and then go back out on the streets of Venice and go home.’

The former It Takes Two presenter said he and Rob got dressed in drag and joined the collective for a stroll across Venice’s piazzas.

He continued: ‘We were walking through the streets and one thing that really stood out was someone shouted out something in Italian.

‘It was a young guy, probably 20-something, I turned to one of the drag queens and said, “What did he just say?”. And they said, “Burn the [homophobic slur].”

‘I’m now 20 foot in a pair of heels – because I’m 19 without; I wanted to go mad. I wanted to go after this bloke and basically knock him out.’

Rylan continued: ‘Then what happened, 20 metres later there was a group of old nonnas, probably in their 90s, and they all stood up and clapped us.

‘It was that realisation of thinking we always blame the older generation for everything, they’re backward in their thinking, when actually it was that generation that was applauding this collective for being comfortable in who they are, and yet it was our generation of people who were shouting out the [homophobic slur].’

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Rylan has previously revealed the vile homophobic messages he was sent after his powerful football documentary, Rylan: Homophobia,  Football  and Me, aired on Tuesday.

He recalled his own memories of what growing up as a football fan as a gay man was like, saying he had his ‘fair share of s**t thrown at me’.

After the show aired, Rylan shared screenshots of some of the abuse he received on Instagram.

He wrote: ‘Thanks to everyone who watched last night. Here’s a few comments from the promo vids that have been released from my documentary about homophobia in football.

‘Just thought I’d highlight the reason why I was asked to front this show. Case closed. I’ve blurred the usernames as to not encourage the same behaviour towards them.

‘Thanks for all your great comments, and thanks to everyone involved in making the show x.’

Rylan’s post was showered in support from fans and friends alike with Union J singer Josh Cuthbert writing: ‘The world still needs massively educating doesn’t it. F**k sake.’

Soaps star James Sutton added: ‘So much love for you and so much respect for this project.’

Zander Murray, Scotland’s first openly gay male footballer, also shared: ‘Ignore them ❤️ making a big impact.’

Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour starts on Sunday, May 12 at 9pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

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Money latest: Mortgage rates could go lower than expected, BoE hints; 'era of cheap food over,' says supermarket boss

The Bank of England has hinted a base rate cut is coming, and it's "not ruled out in June". Read all today's personal finance and consumer news - and listen to the latest Ian King Business Podcast below.

Thursday 9 May 2024 23:09, UK

• Interest Rates
• Interest rate held at 5.25% | June rate cut 'not ruled out but not fait accompli' - BoE | Cuts may take interest rate 'lower than currently priced into market'
• Supermarket boss declares end of the 'cheap food era'
• Gordon Ramsay to open new restaurants on London skyscraper

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• Ed Conway on interest rates : Waiting game almost over - but Bank needs to be bold to jump US
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• Cheap Eats : Chef at Tom Kerridge pub picks Buckinghamshire spot
• Listen to the Daily above and  tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Looking for some longer Money reads for your evening/commute/lunch break?

Here's four from the last few months you might like...

Should you offer kids cash rewards for good grades? The psychologist's view

As exam season gets under way, some parents are putting hundreds of pounds aside to reward their children if they achieve certain grades. 

While some parents lambasted the idea as "absolute potatoes", others told Sky News they saw their children's focus increase after offering up to £250 for the top results.

We also spoke to teachers and a psychologist...

What can I do if flexible working request declined?

Every Monday we put your financial dilemmas or consumer disputes to industry experts. A few weeks ago Sky News reader AJ2024 asked...

"While on maternity leave my employer rejected my flexible work request and told me to pick from four new shift patterns or take redundancy if they didn't suit me. All new shifts were full working hours. No support as a new mother and ruined my last few precious weeks. What are my rights?"

We got an employment lawyer to answer...

'£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches

Money blogger Jess Sharp spoke to people who swear they've made money from manifestation - before finding herself meditating under a tree to see if she could get in on the action...

The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical, and where can you go?

Interest in a phenomenon known as "dark tourism" has been steadily rising in recent years - but what is it?

To find out, we spoke with tourism academic  Dr Hayley Stainton  and renowned dark tourist and author Dr Peter Hohenhaus, who runs a  dark tourism website ...

Fraud is "rife" on second hand marketplaces including Depop, Shpock and Preloved, according to a new survey by Which?.

The consumer magazine/website found that, of 1,300 buyers, 32% had been scammed on a second hand marketplace in the two years to January.

The most common ruse involved consumers receiving incorrect goods or nothing at all, while others were delivered an empty package or fake goods.

57% of those surveyed said they had experienced a scam on Depop.

This compares with 53% for Shpock and 51% for Preloved and Nextdoor. 

Amazon Marketplace came in at 35%, while for Gumtree and eBay the figures were both 29%. 

The number for Facebook and Vinted was 24% and 22%, respectively.

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said the survey’s findings were "worrying". 

"It's important that people properly check the seller's reviews and profile," she said, adding that marketplaces need to have proper checks in place and ensure that scam profiles are removed quickly.

Depop told the Guardian it offered protection for buyers and sellers and was investing in new technology. 

"We strongly encourage consumers who are buying and selling anywhere online never to share personal information with other users, to be very wary about following links to other sites, and to report any suspicious behaviour via in-app reporting systems."

Sky News has reached out to the other companies mentioned.

You may remember our coverage here a few weeks back on the proliferation of scams targeting Taylor Swift fans hoping to buy tickets to see one of her current run of shows across Europe...

The Shake It Off star will hold a series of concerts in the UK as she continues her Eras tour, with the first taking place in Edinburgh on 7 June.

But the artist's megastardom has seen a huge demand for tickets, which were not cheap even before they sold out within minutes - with prices ranging from £58.65 - £194.75.

Resale prices from legitimate websites have been in the region of £700 each - with some fans reported to have spent well in excess of that to see their hero.

However, such is her popularity among an army of mostly young female devotees that the market has become a target for people seeking to exploit the widespread desperation for tickets.

As reported here, a spate of attempts had seen Facebook users' accounts hacked by scammers, who would then create seemingly genuine posts in groups on the site that the users were members of.

Initially, the posts would suggest the user was seeking to sell tickets - generally four - that were invariably just a few rows from the front of a specific venue for one of Swift's UK shows.

The price suggested in the posts was generally around £180, more expensive than the face value of most tickets, but a fraction of the cost of those being advertised on legitimate resale sites - especially for such desirable seating.

More recent instances indicate the methods being employed by scammers have since evolved and, it appears, become significantly more sophisticated.

In these more recent attempts to defraud so-called Swifties (and in many cases, the parents purchasing the tickets), the posts detail the specific rows and seat numbers.

A further departure from the previous efforts is the scammers no longer including the asking price for the (non-existent) tickets.

Both these changes were evident in one attempt Sky News has become aware of - as was another and decidedly sinister tactic.

In this case, given the number of previous scams that have flooded Facebook, the admin for the group in question first removed the post - correctly assuming it was fraudulent.

But, he told Sky News, he was subsequently sent a photo of what appeared to be the user's passport as a means of verifying her post was genuine.

This development indicates the scammer in question had used some form of photo-editing software to create an image that appeared to be of the user's passport.

"I contacted her to explain that I had deleted her post and removed her account from the group as there are so many scams around, and I could not verify their identity or the validity of the ticket offer," said Trevor Williams, who runs the local community Facebook group in Birmingham.

"Within a few minutes, I received a photo of a passport in this name and an assurance that she was genuine.

"This was enough to change my decision and the post was put it back on the group.

"Most people have no idea of the problems of being an admin on these groups, as you simply cannot win."

How can you protect yourself against these scams?

For those looking to buy resale tickets, the main advice is to simply avoid being tempted into seemingly genuine offers posted on Facebook, unless it is from someone you know and have spoken to directly (and not just over Facebook).

Those looking to sell on their tickets will invariably use the established and legitimate resale sites such as Viagogo or StubHub.

Perhaps the most useful piece of advice is an old one - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

In terms of protecting yourself against your account on Facebook (or any social media site) being hacked by scammers, the best measure is to ensure you have enabled two-step or two-factor authentication.

This can be found through the security and privacy settings on your Facebook account, and involves the use of your telephone number or a separate authentication app on your phone whenever someone attempts to log in.

TV chef Gordon Ramsay has announced he will open new restaurants and a cooking academy in one of London's tallest skyscrapers. 

The 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate will have a 14-seat chef's table experience - run by the team from the chef's three-Michelin-starred Chelsea restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.

In addition, Lucky Cat restaurant, a Lucky Cat terrace bar and a Bread Street Kitchen will open on the 59th floor.

Finally, he'll be opening a cooking academy in the building, The Gordon Ramsay Academy. 

Mr Ramsay said: "This is more than just a new opening - it's a significant milestone for our business. 

"We're not only launching the highest culinary experiences in London, but also creating a vibrant culinary hub at the incredible 22 Bishopsgate."

City editor Mark Kleinman   has revealed that high street billionaire Mike Ashley is closing in on a deal to become the new British partner of struggling fashion chain Ted Baker.

He learnt that Frasers Group had emerged as the preferred partner for the chain following the collapse of No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), Ted Baker's existing UK licensing partner.

It is hoped a deal could be agreed over the coming days - read more on this story here ...

Eating ultra-processed meat is linked to an increased risk of early death.

A Harvard study over 30 years tracked more than 114,000 adults.

The highest risks were linked with the most processed meats such as sausages and ham. 

Regular eaters had a 13% higher chance of dying over the 34 years tracked.

Diets high in sugary and artificially sweetened drinks had a 9% increased risk, the study found.

The used car market increased by 6.5% in the first quarter of the year , with sales of over 1.9 million vehicles, new figures show.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says the total reveals the strongest start to a year since pre-pandemic 2019.

Sales of used hybrids also increased.

That's all from an enlightening news conference in which we heard an interest rate cut in June hadn't been ruled out - and that rates could fall more than markets expect. 

Scroll through to read and watch some of the key moments - meantime, we'll return to general money and consumer news.

We're now hearing the final questions of this news conference. 

The governor of the Bank of England is asked if August is more likely than June to see the Monetary Policy Committee cut interest rates. 

"Nice try to introduce the 'is it June' question again," Andrew Bailey says with a smile.

"We're going meeting by meeting," he adds, stressing that more data [which will be at the MPC's disposal over the coming months] will allow them more visibility and more scope to make a decision."

Our  economics editor Ed Conway  is next to ask the governor a question.

He asks whether increasing government interest in the Bank's workings has any influence on an interest rate cut.

"We [the Monetary Policy Committee] never discuss politics," Andrew Bailey replies. 

"We are an independent central bank, we have a remit and it is our duty to exercise that remit at all times."

"Our remit applies at all times, so it [politics] isn't a consideration."

Asked if inflation dynamics in the UK are different to the US, Andrew Bailey says there is no law that says the US moves first on interest rate cuts and everyone else afterwards.

"There is no law," he says.

"Moreover, we have a remit and target which is related to domestic inflation in the UK.

"We're an open economy so we take the rest of the world into consideration 

"But there is no law to say we can only move once the Federal Reserve (central bank of the US) moves."

There is a feeling among economists that, although the US often leads, the European Central Bank may be the first to move with an early June cut.

This could, it has been suggested, push the UK to cut on 20 June.

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

______________

ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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