Driving to the UK from Ireland

Are you looking to travel from Ireland to the UK? Save yourself the stress of flying and enjoy the journey by car. This way, you can experience the most beautiful scenery from the driver’s seat. Bring your vehicle on a number of ferries departing from Dublin, Rosslare, Larne and Belfast, with sailings available every day.

However, those driving from Ireland to UK must be aware of certain regulations prior to departure. Here is a list of things to get you started.

Why drive to the UK from Ireland?

Whether you’re planning a road trip for leisure or simply seeking the freedom to explore the countryside at your own pace, driving between Ireland and the UK provides many advantages. If you’re going away with family, particularly with children or pets, driving can be more convenient than flying. There are no restrictions on luggage, and you can stop for breaks whenever you so please. Driving also gives you the opportunity to explore by taking the scenic routes along the Welsh coastline or through the Lake District.

Ferry from Ireland to UK

There are several ferry routes across the Irish Sea, with multiple crossings available to Wales and Scotland. Wherever you plan on visiting in the UK, you should have no trouble finding a route convenient for your journey. Here is a list of ferries from Ireland to UK:

Dublin to Holyhead Ferry

Connecting Ireland’s capital to North Wales, this is one of the most popular routes to the UK. Drive aboard and reach Holyhead in approximately 3 hours and 28 minutes. Choose between Irish Ferries or Stena Line. Both of which accommodate vehicles onboard, and each provide up to 4 sailings per day respectively. The Dublin to Holyhead ferry is perfect for anyone wishing to see the Snowdonia National Park.

Belfast to Cairnryan Ferry

Embark on your adventure by taking the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. This crossing takes around 2 hours and 22 minutes with Stena Line and departs up to 5 times a day. Sailings are available from 03:30 until 23:30, giving you plenty of flexibility. This route is particularly convenient if you want to visit Glasgow, Edinburgh or the Scottish Highlands.

Rosslare to Fishguard Ferry

If you are driving from Cork or Kilkenny, you might prefer to catch the ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard. This crossing takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, departing up to 12 times per week. When you arrive in Fishguard, you will have an easy drive to the M4 motorway which provides great connections to the main cities of England.

Rosslare to Pembroke Ferry

There is always the ferry from Rosslare to Pembroke instead. Should you wish to travel with Irish Ferries, you can use this crossing as a like-for-like alternative. Reach Pembroke in just 4 hours and continue your journey onwards via the M4. Enjoy the scenic coastline of Wales along the way and the iconic Severn Bridge.  

What you need to enter the UK

Good news! If you are an Irish citizen, you can enter the UK freely by car. All you need in order to cross the UK border is a valid passport, which you will be asked to present upon your arrival. There are automatic ePassport gates to pass through to expedite the process.

You must also have your driver’s license. Although the documentation is available online, we suggest that you take your license with you. Please also note that anyone driving in the UK must be aged 17 or above.

Driving to UK Requirements

We know you are eager to get behind the wheel. However, there are a few important things to look out for while driving in the UK.

·       The legal speed limit on UK motorways is 70 miles per hour (mph) for cars and motorcycles. If you are towing something, then the speed limit is 60mph.

·       Many cities in the UK have Clean Air Zones (CAZs) including Birmingham, Bristol, Portsmouth and Sheffield. You may be charged depending on the model and age of your vehicle so please check on the official GOV website.

·       If you are travelling with your pet, please ensure that they are safely secured with a dog car harness or in a cage. Although everyone loves the sight of a dog poking its head out the window, this is against Rule 57 of the Highway Code.

Does my Irish car insurance cover me in the UK?

For those who wish to drive their Irish registered vehicles in the UK, proof of insurance cover is required. Please ensure that you have a valid Irish motor insurance disc as proof of insurance. This should contain the name of the insurer, the insurance policy number and the period of insurance cover.

Do I need travel insurance from Ireland to UK?

It’s always better to be on the safe side. We highly recommend that you get comprehensive travel insurance before driving from Ireland to UK. This will protect you in the unfortunate event of a medical emergency and cover all your overseas medical costs if necessary.

Can I travel with my dog from Ireland to the UK?

Pet owners will be pleased to know that you don’t have to leave your fluffy companions behind when driving to UK from Ireland. Bring them along for the ride. Pets are allowed on various crossings including the Dublin to Holyhead ferry and the Rosslare to Fishguard ferry with Stena Line and Irish Ferries. However, please make sure that they meet following requirements:

•    They are micro chipped and have a valid pet passport.
•    All pets must be pre-booked in advance of travel.
•    Dogs must be wearing a collar and be on a non-retractable lead when being transferred to to the pet lounge, a kennel or a pet-friendly cabin.

The kennels are accessible throughout the journey on certain routes so you can check on your pet whenever you choose. If you decide to stay in the pet lounge, please keep your dog on a lead and supervised at all times. Smaller animals like cats and rabbits must remain in a secure carrier case while in the lounge.