Taking the Holyhead to Dublin ferry is one of the easiest ways to spend a weekend in Ireland with your own car. The crossing takes about three and a quarter hours, and from Dublin Port the Boyne Valley is under an hour’s drive north. Sail on Friday, spend Saturday and Sunday among 5,000-year-old monuments, and you are home for Monday.
How does the Holyhead to Dublin ferry work?
Two operators sail the route, Irish Ferries and Stena Line, with several sailings a day between them. The crossing takes roughly 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes depending on the sailing. You drive on and off, so there is no luggage limit and no car hire to arrange.
How long is the drive from Dublin Port to the Boyne Valley?
Under an hour. From Dublin Port, the Port Tunnel takes you straight onto the M1 heading north, so you avoid the city centre entirely. Tower Lodge at Monasterboice is just off the motorway near Drogheda.
Driving in Ireland will feel familiar: it is on the left, as in the UK. The main differences are that speed limits and distances are in kilometres, and the currency is the euro.
A two-day Boyne Valley weekend
Friday: sail and settle in
Take a morning or early afternoon sailing from Holyhead and you will reach the lodge in time for dinner. If you arrive in daylight, walk over to the round tower next door.
Saturday: Newgrange and Slane
Start at Newgrange, about 20 minutes away. Tours leave from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and should be booked ahead; our Newgrange guide explains how. In the afternoon, drive on to Slane for the castle views and the Hill of Slane.
Sunday: Monasterboice, then home
Spend the morning at the round tower and high crosses beside the lodge (see our Monasterboice guide), and add Mellifont Abbey if time allows. Then it is under an hour back to Dublin Port for an afternoon sailing.
With an extra day, add Trim Castle or a morning in Drogheda. Our guide to the best things to see and do in the Boyne Valley has more ideas, and if you are travelling in the colder months, read our winter weekend guide.
Where to stay
Tower Lodge is a restored barn beside the Monasterboice round tower, sleeping four in a king room and a twin room. With your own car there is easy parking at the door, and the self-catering kitchen means you can bring supplies over on the ferry.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin?
About 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on the operator and sailing.
How far is the Boyne Valley from Dublin Port?
Under an hour by car, using the Dublin Port Tunnel and the M1 motorway north.
Is a weekend long enough for the Boyne Valley?
Yes. Two full days covers Newgrange, Slane, Monasterboice and Mellifont at a relaxed pace.
