Family travel rarely involves one suitcase and a perfectly quiet journey. There are pushchairs, favourite toys, pet carriers, snacks and enough spare clothing for several unexpected situations. Irish Ferries makes this kind of travel more manageable by allowing families to bring their vehicle aboard and access a range of child- and pet-friendly facilities on selected ships.
Routes connect Dublin with Holyhead, Rosslare with Pembroke, Dublin with Cherbourg and Dover with Calais. The appropriate ship and onboard arrangements depend on the route and departure, so families should look beyond the sailing time when booking. Cabins, Pet Dens, play spaces and dining options can make one departure better suited to household needs than another.
The Car Removes Pressure from Family Packing
Travelling with a personal vehicle allows parents to bring pushchairs, travel cots, outdoor gear and larger bags without handling each item through an airport. The car also provides familiar child seats and immediate transport after arrival.
Vehicle dimensions must be entered accurately, including roof boxes and rear bicycle racks. Caravans, trailers, campervans and motorhomes require the correct booking category. Incorrect measurements can lead to additional charges or boarding complications if suitable deck space is unavailable.
Once the vehicle is parked onboard, passengers usually cannot return until arrival. Everything needed during the crossing must therefore be removed before leaving the car deck.
Keep the Onboard Bag Ready for Real Life
A family bag should cover the crossing as well as possible delays around check-in or disembarkation. Organising it separately from the main luggage prevents essential items from remaining locked inside the vehicle.
- Carry passports, booking documents and essential medication.
- Pack nappies, wipes and spare clothes for young children.
- Bring leads, bowls and waste bags for pets.
- Include chargers, headphones, books and quiet games.
- Add water and suitable snacks for specific dietary needs.
- Carry a warm layer for the outdoor decks.
- Keep pet documentation accessible for inspection.
Longer France sailings require additional overnight items such as toiletries and sleepwear. A compact soft bag is generally easier to move through corridors than a large suitcase.
Play Areas Give Young Passengers Their Own Adventure
Ulysses and James Joyce include Adventure Island play areas where younger children can enjoy a break from sitting still. These spaces can turn the crossing into something they anticipate rather than simply tolerate.
Ulysses also has cinema screens, offering another entertainment option on the Dublin–Holyhead route. James Joyce features a seasonal LEGO pop-up shop with products from ranges including Technic, Duplo, Disney, Botanicals and Star Wars.
Facilities vary between vessels, and parents remain responsible for supervising children. Checking which ship operates the chosen departure prevents disappointment when a specific attraction matters to the family.
Restaurants Make Mealtimes More Flexible
Boylan’s Brasserie appears across several Irish Ferries vessels and provides hot meals alongside casual choices. Café Lafayette offers drinks, pastries and lighter food, while selected ships include additional restaurants, bars and seasonal venues.
On W.B. Yeats, families travelling between Dublin and Cherbourg can choose between waiter service and self-service dining. This variety helps households match the meal to children’s energy levels and the timing of the sailing.
Families with allergies should confirm current menu and allergen information directly with onboard staff. Carrying a familiar snack is sensible, but a restaurant meal can also reduce the amount of food parents need to prepare before departure.
Pet Travel Should Be Planned before the Port
Pets must be included in the reservation before check-in. Available arrangements differ by route and vessel, with options potentially including kennels, pet-friendly cabins, a Pet Den or remaining in the vehicle where permitted under the applicable rules.
James Joyce has a Pet Den with access to an outside area and a limited number of pet-friendly cabins. Isle of Innisfree also provides a dedicated Pet Den, while Isle of Inisheer offers selected en-suite pet cabins on the France route.
Owners must review identification, vaccination and travel-document requirements for the destination. Rules between Ireland, Britain and France are not identical, and ferry reservations do not replace official animal-entry documentation.
Everyone Arrives with a Place in the Holiday
Irish Ferries understands that the family is not complete when essential equipment—or a much-loved pet—has been left behind. Vehicle travel provides the space to bring more of home, while play areas, dining, cabins and pet facilities make the voyage easier to manage.
Preparation remains the secret to a smooth crossing. Choose the appropriate vessel, reserve pet accommodation early, carry the correct documents and keep the onboard bag close. Once those details are handled, the family can step onto the outer deck and enjoy the moment the coast slips away.
The destination may be Ireland, Britain or France, but the best family holidays begin before arrival. With Irish Ferries, every passenger—including the one with four paws—can become part of the adventure.
