# Travel >> Transportation >> Travel & Transportation

How to Travel to Ireland From the United Kingdom

You can get to Ireland from the main area of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland and Wales) by air or sea, with options that can get you to both Ireland and Northern Ireland. London has, by far, the most flights to Ireland of anywhere in the United Kingdom, with at least five carriers servicing the route at any one time. There are also ferries to Ireland that depart from England, Wales and Scotland. You can also get there by car from Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom).

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Instructions

From England and Scotland to Ireland by Air
- 1
  Reserve or plan transportation to London or Manchester, as these are the two main departure gateways for flights from England to Ireland. From Scotland, prepare for a departure from Edinburgh or Glasgow.
- 2
  Visit any of the online travel sites which provide airline tickets (see Resources). These sites will provide you with all the available flights to and from your chosen destination, the rates and schedules. Locate the flight you prefer and write down the flight number, time and rate.
- 3
  Visit the corporate site for the airline you have chosen to fly. Compare the rates you find here with the rates you found on the travel site. Visit a budget airline agent online (see Resources) and compare the rates you find here. Select the lowest rates on your preferred airline and book your ticket.
- 4
  Arrive to the airport about three hours prior to your departure time. This is the standard security requirement for all international flights throughout the United Kingdom.
From the United Kingdom to Ireland by Sea or Land
- 5
  Reserve transportation to Holyhead or Pembroke, Wales, or Liverpool, England, via car, bus, train or air. These are the two ferry departure points in England and Wales for all boats to Dublin and County Wexford, Ireland and Belfast, Northern Ireland. If you are leaving from Scotland, plan for a departure from Stranraer or Cairnryan ports.
- 6
  Visit one of the U.K. -- Ireland ferry ticket brokers online to compare rates and times so that you may find the most suitable option for your journey (see Resources).
- 7
  Reserve your ferry ticket on the official website for the line and the ship you have chosen. You will save on fees and extra costs this way.
- 8
  Arrive to the ferry port about 90 minutes prior to your departure time. This allows for luggage, ticketing, boarding and seating procedures to take place before leaving.
- 9
  If you wish to drive into Ireland from Northern Ireland, follow the M1/A1 south from Belfast, which will lead you directly to Dublin. From Londonderry, the N15 south will bring you to the western portion of Ireland, while the A5/N2 southeast combination will lead to the city of Dublin.