Travelling to Ireland on a ferry with dog

[matt21]

Hi all

We are travelling to Ireland in June with our 6mth old Cavapoo. He travels well, but seems like we cannot take him on board on Irish Ferries, he needs to stay in the car or go in a kennel which gets bad reviews. Has anyone had any experience of this, or know of any other ferry options? We are aware of all the jabs and pet passport that is needed, and that is all on plan.

Thanks!

Matt

[RichS]

Yes I travelled last year on the Isle of Innisfree on Rosslaire to Pembroke. It was all very easy, the dog stayed in her cage in the car, there was very little drama. I’m taking her back in July the reverse route.

[_CrazyIvan_]

Stena have pet friendly cabins you can book to keep the dog with you. But there aren't many so book well in advance.

[-Cappo-]

matt21 said:

or go in a kennel which gets bad reviews.

If they are anything like the "kennels" on the IoM ferry, avoid at all costs, including "don't go on that holiday if the kennel is your only option". On the IoM boat, the kennel is a rusty luggage trolley with a few cages on it, which is left on the car deck with zero creature comforts or apparent security. I'm glad I was able to see them before booking a holiday with the mutts.

I believe a lot of ferry operators are now allowing dogs onto certain parts of the boat, and as above, some with cabins too. That's possibly the case with the new IoM ferry too but I haven't checked.

[garythesign]

We moved to Ireland eight years ago with our two dogs.

No problem with leaving them in the car for the crossing.

It was the fast boat to Dublin Port so a shorter crossing.

I have bo regrets about moving

[matt21]

Thanks folks. I assume the temperature isn’t crazy on the car deck? Were you able to visit pet whilst travelling?

[Skyedriver]

Not Ireland but we use Calmac ferrys up here in Scotland
Dogs allowed in selected areas of the ship or on shorter crossings, the dogs stay in the car. You're not usually allowed back on the car deck unless it's a very small ferry in which case you stay with the car anyway.
One thing to consider, ship stairways are quite steep and dogs sometimes struggle.

[QBee]

Skyedriver said:

Not Ireland but we use Calmac ferrys up here in Scotland
Dogs allowed in selected areas of the ship or on shorter crossings, the dogs stay in the car. You're not usually allowed back on the car deck unless it's a very small ferry in which case you stay with the car anyway.
One thing to consider, ship stairways are quite steep and dogs sometimes struggle.

We took a ferry a few years ago from Mallaig to the southern part of Skye. About 40 minutes.
Sky, our spaniel, had no issues with the stairs, but Sam the border collie was pretty put off by stairs he could see through.
Once on the top deck in bright sunshine he loved all the fuss from the other travellers.

[RichS]

matt21 said:

Thanks folks. I assume the temperature isn’t crazy on the car deck? Were you able to visit pet whilst travelling?

No it’s fine, quite cool down there and you can leave a window open if you want. No you can’t visit sadly.

[matt21]

Thanks, will leave him in the car I think rather than risk the kennels

[garythesign]

Have a great trip

Whereabouts in Ireland are you going?