Take a ferry to Holyhead, a historic town on Holy Island with rich history dating back to prehistoric times and a transport hub connecting Wales with Ireland!
The Holyhead is located on Holy island, which is part of the Isle of Anglesey, in Wales.To the north is the Sea of Ireland and is separated from Anglesey by the Strait of Cymyran. The history of the town dates back to prehistoric times with Roman influences in its architecture. The location of this port town is important because it connects Wales with Ireland and is a busy port with regular services to Dublin. In the town of Holyhead there are important attractions , museums showcasing the maritime history of the town and outdoor activities such as fishing, golf and sailing which are particularly popular among visitors drawn to the scenic beauty of Anglesey.
Ferry connections to Holyhead
The main ferry connection to Holyhead is from Dublin and is served by two major ferry companies, Irish Ferries and Stena Line.
Ferry to Holyhead from Dublin
The route is operated by two ferry companies, each offering flexible travel options for the passenger.
Irish Ferries offers the fastest crossing with a duration of about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Stena Line's journey lasts the same and offers up to 10 crossings per day, providing passengers with flexible travel options throughout the day
The ferry service from Dublin to Holyhead runs approximately 42 times a week, approximately 6 times a day and caters for both foot passengers and those traveling by vehicle.
Holyhead ferry port
Holyhead's ferry port is located in Anglesey, Wales and is considered an important commercial and ferry port and the link between North Wales and Ireland. Situated on a part of Anglesey known as Holy Island, it is a busy port town that is best known as a gateway to Ireland.It is a busy port as it handles over 2 million passengers annually and is ranked as one of the busiest ferry ports in the U.K. As a port it offers extensive ferry services supported by modern facilities and is easily accessible to the traveler either by road or rail.
From Holyhead ferry port, there are services mainly to Dublin with many daily crossings throughout the year with conventional ferries. This ferry link is vital for both passenger and freight travel between Wales and Ireland.
Moving around Holyhead
The city's transport infrastructure is well developed and serves both residents and visitors. Moving around Holyhead is easy with buses connecting various parts of the city and surrounding areas.
Furthermore, you can always book a cab for your own convenience. Have in mind, that this is the most expensive option.
Also, due to the fact that many attractions are within walking distance of each other, walking is an option as visitors can get from the city center to the harbor in about five minutes via the Celtic Gateway Bridge.
Highlights worth seeing in Holyhead
Holyhead offers a variety of attractions and activities that showcase its rich history, stunning natural landscapes and maritime heritage.
Let's take a look at the places worth seeing and doing in this vibrant city!
- Explore the Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve: A visit to this refuge is a must especially for nature lovers. It features sheer cliffs and a wide range of flora and fauna.It is worth walking along the Anglesey Coastal Path, which traverses the cliff tops, providing stunning views of the coastline
- Visit Holyhead Mountain Hut Circles: These are ancient structures known as the Tŷ Mawr Hut Circles or the "Irishman's huts" and date back to the Iron Age (circa 500 BC). At this archaeological site, visitors can see the circular foundations of around 20 surviving huts from the original 50 and learn about the ancient history of this town
- Discover the Holyhead Maritime Museum: Housed in the oldest lifeboat station in Wales (founded in 1858), showcasing the maritime history of Holy Island. In this museum, visitors can explore various exhibits including shipwreck memorabilia, WW II stories and interactive displays that bring maritime history to life
- Enjoy Trearddur Bay: Ideal for families who want to enjoy a day at the beach. This is a long sandy beach with rock pools and water slides perfect for swimming or exploring marine life. There are cafes nearby for refreshments which makes it convenient for a busy day out by the sea
- Explore the lake and trails and walk through Breakwater Country Park: this country park is the site of the old quarry where all the stone for the Holyhead Breakwater was quarried.The visitor can explore the hiking trails and walk around the lake. It has now been turned into a country park where you can explore the hiking trails, walk around the lake where you will see some of the buildings that were part of the breakwater project that it took 28 years to complete. The park is also home to an outdoor gallery and cafe, as well as lots of wildlife, including wild ponies and rabbits.
- Climb to the top of South Stack Lighthouse:located at the far end of Holy Island, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Wales. The visitor has the opportunity to climb the lighthouse and enjoy the amazing view of the Irish Sea and the rugged coastline
- Visit Trefignath Neolithic Burial Chamber: it is relatively close to Treaddur Bay and is an ancient burial site believed to have been built around 3000 BC, during the Neolithic period. It is one of many burial sites in Wales that were used to interment the remains of many individuals
- Discover wildlife at Penrhos Coastal Park: easily accessible from Holyhead, this park offers stunning views of the Anglesey coastline and is ideal for walking, bird watching and cycling
- Reach the summit of Holyhead Mountain:it is the highest peak in Anglesey and on the way to the top the visitor will come across Caer y Twr (an old Roman watchtower), the ruins of prehistoric huts, a former brickwork closed in 1973 and odd standing stones
Beaches in Holyhead
Holyhead has many beautiful beaches that cater for all tastes from sandy shores to rocky coves. Here is a detailed overview of notable beaches in and around Holyhead:
- Newry Beach: A small pebble and rock beach located inside the harbor formed by the large breakwater. It is accessed by a footpath that runs alongside it and links the Holyhead Maritime Museum with the sailing club
- Penrhos Beach: Known for its picturesque sandy bay with partly white sand. It is safe for swimming and offers views of ferries traveling to Ireland
- Porth Dafarch Beach: Owned by the National Trust and a protected sandy beach, located on the south coast of Holy Island. It offers secure mooring for yachts and has rock pools perfect for children to explore
- Porth Rhwydau Beach: A tiny sandy cove that only becomes visible at low tide
- Trearddur Bay: One of Anglesey's most popular beaches, with a vast stretch of sand overlooked by hotels and golf courses. Of great historical significance due to an ancient burial site excavated in 2003 nearby, linking it to local heritage
- Porth Diana Beach: A picturesque cove on the southern shores of Trearddur Bay. It serves as a popular mooring for small boats and is frequented by members of the local yacht club
