Ireland here we MAY come. (1 Viewer)

[GWAYGWAY]

Another one of those reliable return to subjects, dealt with before, posts.
Madam has decided she wants to got Ireland and to go up the Atlantic way to see what rain really is and how green grass really gets..
I have diligently been trying to find the prices of the ferries to and from using differing routes and starting points. The sites I looked at are not exactly clear but the prices all seem a bit on the high side to me.
£208 each way for Irish Ferries from different point up the coast to differing points down theirs. the Sealink ones were the same kind of cost within a small frame. The Truck ferry seemed to be a bit cheaper but I asked for return and the site gave £198 bu tI thought that must be each way as well as the others were. I couldn't get the return fare to come up so was it the return fare as well in the quote?. Is the fare that much cheaper?? I am coming from Dover so I do not want to go all the way to Scotland to go over and the others from Liverpool, Heysham and Pembroke are all the same prices.
Has anybody got a cheaper way to get over and back that they would use or is there any codes or promotions available, I do not belong to the clubs just to get ferry fare through them or is it worth it????

 

[Adbt]

We were going to go to NI last September for ten days but the high ferry prices put us off , went to France instead , cheaper and sunnier / drier .
Shame really as I really fancied it .

 

[BryanM]

Just at the moment Stenaline have re introduced up to 20% off their sailings from Liverpool or Cairnryan into Belfast. The fares are scandalous for these routes and as I have to use them with my car frequently, I have a constant complaint running with them when they come back for feedback after a crossing. They are maybe starting to realise the amount of business they are losing by ripping people off.

Other than the above discount, if you travel on the daytime sailing on Saturdays and Sundays on the Liverpool/Belfast crossing, a Motorhome of any length is the same price as a car which can work out not too bad. Probably wrong place to,say it but on the same sailings you can get your caravan on free! This same deal also applies to the Cairnryan/Belfast crossings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This deal works all year round as far as I'm aware.

Did the Donegal part of the Wild Atlantic Way for 5 days at Easter and had a fabulous time. Weather a bit stormy but wild camped at 4 different beach Carparks and had no problems other than the dog, at the end of the week not wanting to see another beach for yet another long walk!!

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[Minxy]

I love Ireland ... can't get enough of it! Lovely country, lovely people - yes it rains but its beautiful and so relaxing there, stonking scenery and beaches - absolutely beautiful.

You can use Tesco vouchers to offset the cost of some of the ferry operators (can't remember which ones so you'll need to check the website) but I think there's a limit of £105 one way or £210 return maximum (eg £35/£70 or Tesco face value vouchers), the big bonus is that you don't pay for dogs or have to see a vet so if you have a couple of dogs it can work out pretty much the same price as going across to France. We used to go up to Stranraer but now prefer the Holyhead crossing as it's easier for us to get to and the cost is a little bit less, it does of course depend on which part of of Ireland you want to visit though. Our last trip was for 5 weeks to get the most out of the cost of the crossing!

We've been 3 times now and will probably be going again next year.

 

[BobtheBass]

Seat Truck is £99 each way including a cabin, free food and drink and wifi in port. Trying it out in the summer.

 

[Minxy]

Seat Truck is £99 each way including a cabin, free food and drink and wifi in port. Trying it out in the summer.

That'll be the £198 return that's he's got then ... no pets and no disabled facilities though.

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[Spud]

Ive been crossing the Irish Sea for many, many years and basically there are two choices when it comes to fares, take it or leave it!!
There are a limited amount of operators the two main protagonists being Irish Ferries & Stena (who's fare difference is almost non existent and who seem to hold a monopoly on the shorter crossings!). P&O do a couple of crossings, but is a long drive to Cairnryan (the shortest crossing) or a long sailing from Liverpool.
But my advice is to go, you will enjoy it, the craic is good and there is no point worrying about the cost you won't be able to spend it when your dead.
Spud.

 

[scottie]

Check Heysham to Warrenpoint, I'm hoping to do it next year as my final visit, flying over this year to sign off all the relatives and do admin bit. Have been researching wild spots, and side streets of my home town Newry, to find adequate parking. Ireland should be easier than it is.

 

[Autowbars]

Sea truck is great but don't expect any fancy ferry type things, VERY basic shared cabin, and can be a long crossing time

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[GWAYGWAY]

I will wait until I can actually ring them during the day to find out the actual price on Seatruck. It might be promising but I am not holding my breath. If it was cheaper I think a load more might go.

 

[ruthiebabe]

nybody got a cheaper way to get over and back that they would use or is there any codes or promotions available, I do not belong to the clubs just to get ferry fare through them or is it worth it????

Used Tesco vouchers last year on the Fishguard route which would be better for you, Pembroke also. But YES it is worth it...Ireland is beautiful motor homes are welcome most places, some Aires, lots of wild camping, britstops and a safe nights scheme, we didn't try the latter. Food fuel, etc cheap enough, you must go at least once

 

[Minxy]

I will wait until I can actually ring them during the day to find out the actual price on Seatruck. It might be promising but I am not holding my breath. If it was cheaper I think a load more might go.

I think the length of the crossing will be the reason why a lot don't use it coupled with the minimal facilities - I think it takes 8 hours which is a long time.

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[GWAYGWAY]

Even the short sea route is Bl***y expensive.

 

[Tootles]

Has anybody got a cheaper way to get over and back

Here you go. And, the boat is freebie, just pick one up off the beach in Lesbos.

 

[Tootles]

Has anybody got a cheaper way to get over and back

Here you go. And, the boat is freebie, just pick one up off the beach in Lesbos.

View attachment 100009

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[Jaws]

We keep looking at Ireland but the ferry prices are always too high

But last night, inspired by this thread, I took another look

I went on Direct Ferries and found a crossing from Cairnryan to Belfast at £99 each way..

Now THAT had possibilities !
Now gotta start looking for places to go while there for a few weeks

 

[ruthiebabe]

What time of year was that for Jaws? ps hope you don't bite

 

[Autowbars]

Jaws, no need look, just go.

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[finyar]

We live in Ireland and often travel direct to France cheaper than going to the UK

 

[Spawn_e_git]

Went last year Pembroke to Rosslair out and Dublin to Hollyhead back.

Was about £400 return iirc which is steep but had a brilliant time over there and would go again.

 

[Jaws]

What time of year was that for Jaws? ps hope you don't bite

That was middle of June to middle of July Ruthie

Yes.. I DO bite.. but limit it to stuff like bacon sarny's !

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[Minxy]

Yes.. I DO bite.. but limit it to stuff like bacon sarny's !

I thought your name was the opposite of reality ... that you just give everyone a good 'gumming' ... but didn't want to be known as 'gummy bear'!!!

 

[Minxy]

25% discount on Stena Line - need to book by 14th April:

http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferries-to-ireland

 

[GWAYGWAY]

All I got on that link was that it didn't work.

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[Minxy]

All I got on that link was that it didn't work.

Hmm, don't know why it stopped working but I've replaced it with another one now.