Discover the wonders of Ireland by ferry

Ireland is famous for many things, from literature and Guinness to the warm, welcoming nature of its people and their undying passion for a good party. The extensive range of ferry services linking mainland Britain to Ireland means there has never been a better time for travellers to experience these familiar characteristics, as well as some lesser-known aspects of this charming and beautiful country.

Ferry routes across the Irish Sea provide access to a number of different regions, each of which has its own unique appeal and personality.

Dublin

Ireland's capital and arguably its most famous tourist destination, Dublin is often the first place travellers think of when they are planning a trip to the Emerald Isle. It is home to all of the attractions and amenities one would expect when visiting a big city - museums, galleries, shopping districts, restaurants, bars and much more in between.

Culture vultures might be interested in learning more about Ireland's literary heritage at the Dublin Writers Museum, which houses exhibits on George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, WB Yeats and Samuel Beckett, among others. The James Joyce Museum is also worth a visit for literature lovers, while those with a passion for art can check out some of the exhibitions on offer at the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane or the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Another famous Irish tradition is celebrated at the Guinness Storehouse, which is reportedly Ireland's top international visitor attraction. Located at the heart of the St James' Gate brewery, the centre offers an introduction to the history of the much-loved drink, an insight into how it is brewed and masterclasses showing visitors how to pull their own pint of the 'black stuff'.

Ireland's capital is home to a range of attractions that make it ideal for families, such as Dublin Zoo, the Imaginosity children's museum and the National Botanic Gardens. Visitors can also see the sights during a cruise along the Liffey or take tours to locations such as the Glendalough valley and Malahide Castle outside the city.

People setting off from northern England can reach the destination by taking ferries from Liverpool to Dublin with Norfolkline or P&O Irish Sea. Both companies offer at least one daily crossing on the route and provide a range of amenities that ensure the journey is a fun and memorable part of the holiday.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries operate ferries from Holyhead to Dublin, with the latter transporting passengers on Ulysses, the largest car ferry in the world, and the Dublin Swift fast ferry. Stena Line also offers ferries from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire, which is located just a short drive away from the capital.

Cork

Cork is Ireland's southernmost county and also its largest, covering an area of nearly 7,500 square kilometres. Intrepid travellers therefore have plenty of territory to explore and countless experiences to seek out. The city of Cork was named one of the best destinations to visit in 2010 by travel guide publisher Lonely Planet and is a good place to start any tour of the region. Highlights include the 18-acre Fitzgerald Park, which is home to the Cork Museum, and the scenic Clover Hill.

Located about five miles outside Cork is Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold that was built nearly 600 years ago. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone, a tradition that, according to legend, endows the kisser with the gift of the gab.

Holidaymakers planning to get out and explore the great outdoors during their break will be spoilt for choice in Cork. Keen walkers can take a ramble around the spectacular Beara peninsula, which is surrounded by natural features such as the bays of Kenmare and Bantry and the Caha and Slieve mountain ranges.

Other unmissable activities on offer in the region include cycling along its rugged coastal routes, whale and dolphin watching, horse riding and enjoying a round of golf against some stunning backdrops.

A direct ferry service to Cork is provided by Fastnet Line, a new operator that sails to the city from Swansea in Wales. The company uses a ferry offering children's facilities, a cinema and a range of bars and restaurants.

Other travel options for people heading to southern Ireland include Stena Line's ferries from Fishguard to Rosslare, while Irish Ferries operates twice-daily ferries from Pembroke to Rosslare.

Northern Ireland

Belfast is certainly a good place to start for visitors who are looking to enjoy some urban experiences and atmosphere during their time in Northern Ireland. The capital is home to numerous landmarks and attractions to look out for, including the Harland and Wolff shipyards where the Titanic was built. People interested in learning more about the story of the ill-fated ocean liner can take a tour to visit a number of key sites associated with the construction and launch of the ship.

Also worth seeing is Belfast City, with its turn-of-the-century architectural aspects and scenic grounds, while the Cathedral Quarter is home to a number of restaurants, cafes and bars and regularly host arts and culture events.

Travellers who begin their tour of Northern Ireland in Belfast will not have to go far to visit one of the region's most famous and instantly recognisable landmarks. The Giant's Causeway is located in County Antrim on the north-east coast, a couple of miles north of the town of Bushmills. The area comprises some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that were formed by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago.

After seeing this spectacular natural sight, adventurous travellers can follow a coastal path that extends 11 miles to Carrick-a-Rede island, which is reached by an exhilarating walk across a rope bridge.

Northern Ireland offers an abundance of attractions and experiences that mean a thorough exploration of the region is well worth the time. Other highlights on offer to holidaymakers include Castle Coole in County Fermanagh, the vibrant city of Derry and Rathlin Island. The latter is famous for its population of seabirds, which includes puffins, guillemots and razorbills.

Stena Line is one of the leading providers of sea crossings to Northern Ireland, offering regular ferries from Stranraer to Belfast using the Stena Voyager, Caledonia and Navigator vessels. The ships provide quick, convenient crossings and a range of onboard facilities. Norfolkline operates ferries from Liverpool to Belfast, while the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company sails to the city from Douglas.

Another option is to take ferries from Fleetwood to Larne with Stena Line; this route is ideal for people who want to start their holiday with a tour of the north coast. P&O Irish Sea offers ferries from Cairnryan to Larne and also sails to the destination from Troon between March and October.

Posted by Mark Robinson