This time we are heading for England and Ireland, the green islands ; -) Our journey begins in Calais (France), from where we ferry to Dover (England). The cruise time is about 1,5 hours, so very quickly. The advantage of choosing a ferry is the fact that we can take your car or motorhome. All the details about the cruise can be found on the carrier’s website – https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/calaisdover/calaisdover/. On the way you can enjoy beautiful views of the White Cliffs of Dover, which are one of the most recognizable symbols of England.

Once we get to Dover, we get in the car and start exploring the local attractions. The Dover Castle, located on the cliffs of the English Channel, is one of the largest and oldest castles in England, often called the “Key to England”. You can visit the impressive main tower, medieval fortifications and a network of mysterious tunnels. Once you have taken a tour of the chateau, walk along the White Cliffs and enjoy the spectacular views of the French coast. Take a 30-minute drive from Dover, the charming town of Canterbury, which is famous for its Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO-listed site.

The second day starts with a tour of the cathedral and Canterbury, and then we head towards Holyhead (the main ferry port connecting Great Britain with Ireland) in Wales. On the way, it is worth stopping, of course, in Oxford, a city which is famous all over the world for its oldest university in English-speaking countries. After reaching Holyhead, it is worth looking for accommodation near the port, from which the next morning we will sail to Ireland, and more specifically to Dublin. The journey time is about 3 hours, and our carrier is of course Irish Ferries. On board the ferry you can relax or enjoy numerous attractions.

Once we are in Dublin, we start exploring the city from the Cathedral of St. Patryk, the symbol of Irish culture. Then take a walk around the Temple Bar, an artistic area full of pubs and cafes. The next point on the map of Dublin is Trinity College and the famous Kells Book Library.

While in Ireland, you should spend the next day on a trip to the Wicklow Mountains National Park, a car away about an hour away. It is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, with lakes, valleys and ruins of the monastery in Glendalough. On the way back, you should stop in the seaside town of Howth, where you can taste fresh seafood and stroll along the coast.

The next day is the ferry back to Dover. Along the way, we can stop in Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare’s hometown and visit Leeds Castle called “the most beautiful castle in the world”.

And after such a fruitful journey we can return by ferry to Calais.

Practical tips

Booking a ferry is worth doing in advance, especially in the high season. Let us remember that the UK has a pound sterling and Ireland has a euro. If you are traveling by motorhome many ports and towns offer campsites, e.g. in Holyhead or near Dublin.

The trip is aimed at people who enjoy exploring a variety of places – from historic castles in England, through the lively Dublin, to the picturesque Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. This is a great opportunity to combine peaceful sightseeing with the pleasure of traveling by ferry. 🚐🌊