Irish Ferries Epsilon Holyhead to Dublin with a motorcycle
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- I sail from Holyhead / Caergybi to Dublin / Baile Átha Cliath aboard the mv Epsilon, a ferry that Irish Ferries bills as its Economy Class Service.
This video takes you through boarding at Holyhead, a quick tour of the ship, and disembarking at Dublin.
The ship as very busy due to the fact that the previous ferry was cancelled, which made filming on board very challenging.
I paid £55 for my single ticket, and you can find out more at irishferries.com.
I'm glad you decided to VLOG this. Was very informative.
Chemical Emma talk Richard Williams
Love it thanks for taking us with you👍🙌
Love this traveling vlog/trip report or what ever it is called. When you played "Anchors Away" while walking down to the car deck, it really made my day. Hope you will keep making vlogs that you want to make, and not feel that you have to keep to a certain genre. :-)
Glad you’re doing a blog of the trip. Can’t believe the walk through the lorries that was needed to get to your motorcycle. They could learn a thing or two from CalMac.
You reminded me why we go out of our way to travel when it’s very very quiet. Although I appreciate it was fairly cheap, I would have hated being on such a busy ferry with very little available resting space. Thanks for sharing 😁
Great vlog! I think all ferry journeys are really interesting.
That ferry is gigantic,
Good luck on the returning one.
Bernie in palm springs.
Yep, same every time I go on the Isle of Wight ferry, people don't bother reading the manual to see how easy it is to turn off the motion sensors on the alarm. Beginning to think it is why the deck crew have ear defenders!
Lovely video, and totally agree about ferry services for our lovely dogs
Fab video interesting to see what’s on board the ferry and loved seeing it from “helmet cam” too 😊
Double thumbs up from me. Must be something about the movement of a ferry. I recently traveled across to Isle of Cumbrae in the Clyde and at least one car alarm went off. Flat calm as well. Hmm
That’s a long ride on that bike ! I’m not talking my dog on the ferry!
Interested to see the ride now you are there
Regards Dace, Jo and Louie 👍😀🐾
This is very useful - I'm thinking of buying a bike in the UK and coming home to to Dublin via Holyhead, so my focus was on boarding. I would recommend upgrading to the VIP suite, as it allows late cancellation.
Oh my goodness little Dougal will be pleased he got left behind . He really would have sulked in one of those cages !!!! What a crazy idea and also if you had a big dog it would never fit in one !!! I hope you trip gets better for you that ferry ride was enough to bring on a migraine !!!! I am glad you did the Vlog I follow your twitter but am not signed up so could not vote and I was pleased so many said yes :D Teddy
Those alarms would drive me nuts. Enjoyed it, something different.
Holyhead my home town! You should use Stena line for your return trip, very friendly staff and a much bigger ferry, each car deck has it’s own staircase so not too much foot traffic trying to get back to your bike. Have a great trip!
Glad to see you back. Great video!!
We had the same issue heading to Orkney... constant car alarms despite several tannoy announcements telling people to ensure their alarms were off.
Pleased to hear you wouldn't put Dougal in one of those crates. Thank you for the very cute pictures of him. He seemed to be getting quite spoilt when you left him.
Oh yes, despite the sulky face he loves getting spoiled by his grandma!
We Love Tuning in Thanks Andrew.
Clean, tidy, reasonable price for short journey. Shame it full because of previous cancellation.
mv Epsilon, not the best of the fleet, but very exciting in rough seas! Although my partner spent our trip with her eyes shut gripping the table! Avoid Stena ferries! once ended up on a really old wreck , sent down to the bottom of the ship and had to wait for the whole ship to empty before we were let out!!! Have a great time in Dublin Mr Ditton👍
Oh my goodness! There's no way I would put my little dog in those crates. That trip would have been too stressful for me I'm afraid. Thanks for the vlog to let us share the experience. Fore armed is fore warned as they say. Looking forward to your trip home now. 👍
Hi Andrew, Yes indeed this was an in-depth break down of this particular ferry crossing, I say well done!!
Somewhat perplexed why the entire video was devoted to the ferry ride, with a very brief previously recorded segment of Dougal!?
Your music selection were as always spot on, as usual!
The white scarf is a fetching look! I know you'll have no problem keeping it up, 😜
That was great Andrew
Dougal was king of the road on the bike. Love him I agree about this ferry service, it ain’t the best.
Yikes. I broke out in a full sweat and had an anxiety attack just watching. You are made of better stuff than I my friend.
That was way too long a ride my friend. I rode my bike that distance once and I was done when I dragged myself off the seat. I would have reserved a day room and got a nap in on the ship. Took the Irish Ferries Ulysses (Club Class) from Dublin to Holyhead and the Virgin Rail (First Class) back to London in 2012 and it was a really nice journey. The upgrade to Club Class is modest for the benefits of not being overwhelmed by the masses.
Sadly, there is no Club Class on the Epsilon, and it's impossible to book as a foot passenger and take the train. I guess they had made special arrangements for the cancelled foot passengers on this trip.
I had to write a blog post about taking dogs on ferries for work and until then I had assumed they were all like CalMac - I was really shocked how much they differ!
Absolutely Karen, it will be interesting to try Stena Line and see how they differ (I believe I can take Dougal up into the accommodation as long as he stays in his box)
First comment! Finally another video. Keep it up and you will always have my support.
That's why I always try to travel out of the high season!
Good video mr Ditton... next time your in Brid,whitby or scarborough give me a shout before and ill get kettle on for a brew mate.
Thanks Andrew, not sure I can face this ferry!
Not sure I'd want to repeat the experience myself! I think it would have been OK if less busy.
Thanks for sharing this Andrew, we are glad you decided to VLOG the trip. Good comment on not taking Dougall on the trip, not the best accommodations. Seems strange that all those car alarms would be going off, motion activated?
Yes, normally the vibration and movement sets them off.
We did it last year. Dublin to Holyhead by ferry and train to Liverpool. Amazing experience with some trouble because we lost for only 5 min the ship of 8;00 ( we arrived at the port 7;55 and the boarding has ended) and took 14;30 ferry.
Oh no! Such a shame they don't join up the connections like they used to :-/
Love these type of vlogs, Andrew. We'd really like to visit Ireland, but there is no way I'd leave my dog in the car for that length of time under those conditions, or in one of the kennels either. Perhaps a bit short sighted of Irish Ferries. So sadly we won't be holidaying there at this time.
Did you know when going to the Isle of Wight, Wight Link do not allow dogs on board, but Red Funnel do and have a large area with a cafe especially for pet owners!
That's good to know. I shall try Stena next time and see how their policies compare.
YOU Quit Too Easily I Am Sure There Is More Than One Way To Get To Ireland
I sail twice per week using mainly Stena. I have used Epsilon once and once only. Its a sister ship of Stena Lagan, Mersey, Horizon etc. Compared with Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey this vessel is poor. The cabins are basic and bunks outdated. Passenger facilities very poor and imagine this raft sails to Cherbourg!! You are a brave man to use this cattleship! Well done indeed!!
In my experience Epsilon is the best ship. Unless there is a prior cancellation put on board, (which we have fortunately never encountered) the boat takes mainly lorries and few cars, no foot passengers and no coaches. After the meal many of the lorry go to a cabin and there are plenty of seats at the front with a full view of the approaching Ireland/Wales. (All other ships only give you this view only if you pay to go into the Club lounge). Fewer cars generally means easier off too.
Perhaps not the most enjoyable journey you've had but great for people watching. I'm guessing that the alarms got on your nerves a little bit ;-)
Who came here for Dougal :) (We love you too, Andrew!)
I know my place :)
Ferry entertaining 😂 The dog kennels were appalling, I avoided the ferries around the Scottish Isles due to my worries about taking my dog and where he'd have to go, I'm glad I avoided the ferries now. Have a great onward trip.
Hi John, there is no need to avoid CalMac ferries to the Western Isles... they ALL have dog-friendly lounge areas in the passenger accommodation, you just can't take your dog into food areas. I have plenty of CalMac videos on my Channel page :)
Hi Andrew, Not sure you have had this question before. Dougal: Hates vacuumes? Gas lawn mowers? Moving bicycles? Cats? Just had my 12 yr old ACD not want to walk in front of a box floor fan even for a treat. We've got some insite but, does Dougal have quirks, passions, things he's great at? A Cambridge Analytica "Dougal" dossier perhaps? ha!
Ha ha! Dougal isn't really fazed by anything, and he is way too aloof to lower himself to chasing anything like cats or rabbits. He isn't a fan of train travel and he hates water, so he won't take himself off for a swim.
Loved the video. Nice steady camera work. What did you use?Music was well chosen too.
Looks a very budget ferry, I've been on a similar one with caravan, luckily I was early and they got me swung round first.
Others had to reverse between parked lorries...stressy!
Glad you didn't take Dougal.
Hi Andy, the filming was done with a Canon G7X and a Sony FDR-X3000. And yes, me too I'm glad I didn't take Dougal!
Well that was an experience lol ;))
Hello there great vlog ....just wanted to say wight link Do allow dogs, I've taken Archie my welsh terrier loads of times. The Isle of Wight is fabulous you must visit Andrew 😁😁
Thanks Jan, I need to get back there soon!
you should try the isle of man steam packet company there vessel are smaller but I reckon irish ferries could learn a thing or 2 from them
LIKE Shrink The Island ?
Andrew, you didn't need to say anything. Facial expressions told the whole story. But, hope the trip is a success in any event. Ireland, who would have thought, it's like a whole different country, ha!... Well, .....sigh and shrug. It is, isn't it. But overall, you got to ride your MC! Dang right you did! Maybe you need to rename this MC posting as, "Short Way Across"?
Wondering how to fit an Irish Wolfhound into the backpack or the kennels on board? In the car is not a great option for 4+hrs, how are the ferry operators coping with dogs and 20/24hrs ferry crossings from Ireland to France? I understand post brexit there will be direct ferries to Europort and Spain from Ireland.
I enjoyed that, thanks. Why don’t they have a big sign where the cars queue explaining where the most popular cars have the alarm deactivation button! For instance my golf has it behind the drivers seat on the lower pillar.
Excellent point! You can't blame folks if the button is lost in a menu somewhere...
Andrew, love your vlogs. Question, could you post a link to where you bought that silk scarf you were wearing at the beginning of the video? I have a silk scarf that I bought from Aerostich a few years ago, but I’m constantly looking out for better anti-chaffing gear.
Cheers Steve! I bought a job lot of 10 x seconds on eBay about 5 years ago for a great price, so they were unbranded. The first scarf lasted all this time but of course they end up getting dirty, so I pulled a new one out for this trip.
Thanks for the reply. The search continues . . .
Nice video Andrew! Do you use a GoPro for motorbike footage? Cheers Oliver
Hi Oliver, no, it is a Sony FDR X3000. I gave up with GoPro due to the incessant crashing, but I keep my old Hero3 for kitesurfing. I love the image stabilisation of the Sony, it's what I shot the bits like going up the stairs and looking around the cabin with. No gimbal!
LOL I couldn't stop laughing seeing Doogle(sp) dressed for bike ride.
I have the Epsilon tomorrow to Holyhead. I normally use the Swift. Not looking forward to it now 😒
Well.... forewarned is forearmed or something like that! Hope you have a good crossing anyway.
Stena Line allow you take your dog with you so long as you got a carry box for them up to the passenger areas on their Irish Sea routes since we found this out we only go Stena when we have the dog with us. Same with the chunnell thats our preferred route to Europe as we can sit in the car with her.
Cheers James! Yes, after I shot this, I travelled with my dog with Stena Line to Belfast and he came upstairs in his box.
Good to see what the Epsilon looks like inside. If you ever do a trip to Ireland again go with Stena line. Miles better than Irish ferries.
The Irish Ferries boat Ulysses that also does Holyhead to Dublin is a big step up from this and is the world!s largest ferry.
@@murpho999 I like Ulysses 2nd only to the W.B. Yeats...I believe W.B Yeats shifts from the French Route to Holyhead during the winter.
Hi Andrew, why did u travel from Dover to holyhead? As you'd only been in Scotland 2 weeks previously. Do you live Down there? Love you vlogs.
His Nan lives there, and she takes care of him while I'm away.
Fifty quid? Blimey that's much cheaper than the Isle of Wight ferries for a much longer journey! Enjoyed the vlog - would not have enjoyed the cramped conditions and chaos at the end.
Yep, had to pop across to IoW last Friday. Day trip for car + me, £104.00
What day did you travel on the Epsilon? Because last mouth the main ferry the MV Ulysees was out of action following a breakdown. So all there was , was the Epsilon and the Dublin Swift maintaining the route to Dublin. But she is due to be replaced by a new ferry the W B Yates which is under construction. Yes you are right these RO Pax ferries are only built for Economy class use.
It was 26th July Ian. Interesting info, thanks!
W.B yeats primarily serves the French route because of her large cabin capacity, shifts to holyhead in winter
Can I ask u mate I’m going Dublin soon but I’ve got just pedal bike will that be ok to go
I'd imagine so, but best check direct with Irish Ferries to be sure. Have a great trip!
Jack Russell ?
I went on this boat comming back from the uk and it was horrible. The ferry seating area is so small and it was so boring on it.😫😫😑😑
5 th of November 2023 this ferry was retired
Think we'll go Brittainy Ferries then. Lol. Useful consumer research.
That really is the long way around! :)
Er Wrong Country
Bridlington is in east riding not north
OMG - that car ferry journey was a real eye opener...not for me!!
The the epsilon isnt roro unfortunatley the ullysess is
Welcome to Dublin / fáilte go Baile Átha Cliath
Andrew Ditton Opus 1 'Symphonic Variations on Car Alarms- Random of Course'.
Ha ha! Not sure how well that would be received though :)
Rather you than I - have poor sea legs, would rather fly and hire a car or bike in your case 😂
How far to terminal 3 😂😂😂
It's a long, LONG way!! :)
They should fine people who do not deactivate their car alarms.
Post-Brexit, this trip might have an extra couple of hours of customs and passport control issues to contend with. Ugh!
Ugh indeed :(
wow that is not a relaxing crossing. J&P
Never looked like an appealing ship to be honest only ever went on Stena on this route used to take the HSS as a young kid loved that ship I’ve taken the adventurer and estrid across must try Irish ferries as an Irish person my mate told me that none of the crew are Irish i wonder is that really true?
Hmm, I can't remember Ryan. I have a sneaking suspicion that they might have 'flagged out' their fleet like many other operators :(
@@andrewjditton ah ok thanks Andrew great video btw!!!
Ulysses and w.b yeats are great ships
The Epsilon is Shite. Hardly any thing to do onboard
haha you went Irish Ferries.....they are a fookin joke. Stena have no quick boat anymore but the boats are much nicer, staff are much nicer, everything is much nicer. They have refitted the Swift, you it is ok now. But it was really horrible before.....now it is ok. Enjoy Dublin (I assume you are gone already).
I came back on the Dublin Swift so stay tuned! :)