All ferries between Holyhead and Dublin have been cancelled until at least January 15, 2025, following damage caused by Storm Darragh.
Irish Ferries and Stena Line are in the process of contacting affected customers and outlining options, with the former noting that customers who booked through agents will need to contact them.
The BBC reported that the Welsh government had indicated on Monday (December 16) that it was hopeful the Port of Holyhead would reopen on December 20, but the UK government has issued travel advice confirming those hopes have been dashed.
In an update, the government said: “The Port of Holyhead in Wales will be closed until at least January 15, 2025, due to damage inflicted by Storm Darragh. All ferry services between Dublin and Holyhead are currently cancelled. Check with your travel operator for further information and alternative routes.”
Stena Line and Irish Ferries each operate four sailings each way between Holyhead and Dublin every day, with an average of two million passengers using Holyhead each year.
Terminals 3 and 5 at the port suffered damage in Storm Darragh earlier this month, as some parts of the UK recorded gusts of up to 96mph.
Irish Ferries said: “We regret to advise that due to the ongoing closure of Holyhead Port, Irish Ferries has cancelled all sailings on the Holyhead/Dublin route, up to and including January 15, 2025.
“We are currently contacting customers booked to travel on the route in date order to outline options available to them, including sailing on the Rosslare-Pembroke route, where we have added more space.
“We are also working with UK ports with a view to adding further sailings to/from Ireland.”
The operator added that customers would receive a text or an email and they could then make contact by phone or email.
“Customers who have booked with a third party need to contact them directly regarding their booking. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and thank customers for their patience as we work through this disruption,” the operator said.
Stena Line said: “We are currently in the process of contacting all affected passengers. We understand the disruption this causes and are working hard to offer alternative travel options.
“For passengers who were booked to travel on Holyhead – Dublin from December 20 onwards, you can transfer your booking free of charge and with no fare difference payable to alternative routes including: Birkenhead (Liverpool) to Dublin (motorist bookings only on this route), Fishguard to Dublin, Fishguard to Rosslare, Cairnryan to Belfast and Liverpool to Belfast.”
The company added that customers could amend their bookings or cancel for free with a full refund.
“Our team is working hard to assist everyone as quickly as possible,” it said. “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding.”
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