Taking a dog on the ferry to Ireland
How the ferry companies carry dogs on the Irish Sea, from their own pet travel pages.
Every rule below links to the official page we read it on. Checked 11 November 2026. Rules change, so check the operator's page before you travel.
Irish Ferries
Pets on Irish Sea sailings (options and booking)
Pets can stay in the vehicle, use a kennel on the car deck (Ulysses and Dublin Swift), use the Pet Den (Ulysses, James Joyce, Isle of Innisfree) or a pet friendly cabin (James Joyce only, max 2 pets). Pets must be added at booking, maximum 5 per booking. Foot passengers and motorcyclists need a kennel or the Pet Den. Check in at least 60 minutes before departure.
Source: irishferries.freshdesk.com, checked 11 November 2026.
Stena Line
Pets on Stena Line Irish Sea routes
All pets must be pre-booked. Pets can stay in the vehicle for free. Kennels are free on Belfast - Cairnryan. Pet friendly cabins take up to 2 pets. Belfast - Cairnryan has a Pet Lounge on Stena Superfast ships where pets stay in a secure carrier (max 91cm long, 62cm high, 56cm wide) and pre-booking is required. Bringing a pet from Britain into Ireland requires an advance notice form.
Source: stenaline.ie, stenaline.co.uk, stenaline.co.uk, checked 11 November 2026.