The Fishguard to Rosslare ferry is the direct crossing from South Wales to Ireland's south-east, run by Stena Line. It takes around 3 hours 30 minutes and is the natural route for anyone travelling from South Wales, the Midlands or the south of England.
Rosslare is the gateway to Ireland's "Sunny South East" — Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny — with Dublin under two hours away and Cork under three. This guide covers the crossing, the ship, the ports and how to book.
Fishguard to Rosslare at a glance
Stena Line
- ShipStena Nordica
- Crossing time~3h 30m
- SailingsUp to 2 daily
- Foot passengersYes
| Operator | Ship | Crossing time | Sailings | Foot passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stena Line | Stena Nordica | ~3h 30m | Up to 2 daily | Yes |
Stena Line is the only operator on the route, typically with two sailings a day — one in the early hours and one around midday.
The crossing and the ship
At around 3 hours 30 minutes across roughly 52 nautical miles, Fishguard to Rosslare is the shortest sea crossing between South Wales and Ireland.
It's served by the Stena Nordica, a recently refurbished cruise ferry. On departure from Fishguard you'll pass the dramatic Strumble Head lighthouse on the Pembrokeshire cliffs before the open crossing to County Wexford.
Onboard facilities
There's enough on board to pass a comfortable few hours:
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Lounges: air-conditioned seating, plus the upgradeable Stena Plus Lounge
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Food and drink: a café and restaurant with hot and cold options
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Duty Free: a shop on board, with bulk deals in the port Duty Free at Fishguard
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Wi-Fi: free and paid options in the main lounges
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Families: children's play areas, with under-4s travelling free
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Cabins: available on the overnight sailing
Fishguard and Rosslare ports
Fishguard Harbour is at Goodwick, just outside Fishguard in south-west Wales, reached by the M4 and A40. The ferry terminal sits right beside Fishguard Harbour railway station, with train connections timed around sailings from Cardiff, Swansea and beyond — making it easy as a foot passenger.
Rosslare Europort, in County Wexford, is well connected too: direct trains and roads reach Dublin in under two hours and Cork in under three, plus the beaches and heritage of the Sunny South East right on the doorstep.
Booking and travel tips
A few practical things to know:
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Check-in: arrive at least 60 minutes before departure
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Vehicles: book car space ahead in summer; no baggage charges with a car
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Overnight sailing: consider a cabin on the early-hours crossing to arrive rested
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Foot passengers: welcome, with the rail connection at Fishguard making it easy
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Pets: carried, with reserved options — keep dogs on a lead on board
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Fishguard to Rosslare ferry?
Around 3 hours 30 minutes — the shortest crossing between South Wales and Ireland.
Who runs the Fishguard to Rosslare ferry?
Stena Line, on the Stena Nordica, typically with two sailings a day.
Where does the Fishguard ferry leave from?
Fishguard Harbour at Goodwick, just outside Fishguard in south-west Wales, right beside the railway station.
How do I get to Dublin or Cork from Rosslare?
Rosslare Europort has good road and rail links — Dublin is under two hours away and Cork under three.
Can I take a train to the Fishguard ferry?
Yes — Fishguard Harbour station is right by the terminal, with trains timed around sailings from Cardiff, Swansea and beyond.