James Joyce, Irish Ferries’ biggest passenger ship on Holyhead to Dublin: over 2,000 passengers, pet lounge and pet cabins, sailing times and onboard tips.
James Joyce is the second Irish Ferries ship on the Holyhead to Dublin route, alongside Ulysses. Irish Ferries calls her its largest passenger cruise ferry, with room for over 2,000 people, and she is the only Irish Ferries ship with pet-friendly cabins, so book her if you want a private cabin with your dog. The crossing takes about 3 hours 30 minutes.
She first sailed for Irish Ferries on charter from 2023, left in January 2025, and came back in May 2025 after Irish Ferries bought her. She was built in 2007 in the same Finnish shipyard group as Ulysses.
James Joyce at a glance
| Operator | Irish Ferries |
| Route | Holyhead – Dublin (Terminal 1 in Dublin) |
| Built | 2007, Finland |
| Size | About 36,250 gross tonnes |
| Passengers | Over 2,000 |
| Vehicles | About 2,380 lane metres for cars, coaches and freight |
| Cabins | Yes, including pet-friendly and accessible cabins |
| Top speed | 27.5 knots |
| Crossing time | About 3 hours 30 minutes |
When does James Joyce sail?
Irish Ferries leaves Holyhead at 01:30, 07:30, 13:15 and 19:30, and Dublin at 01:15, 07:30, 13:45 and 19:45. James Joyce and Ulysses alternate on these sailings, so check your booking for the ship name. Departures sometimes move earlier or later for operational reasons, so check Irish Ferries’ sailing updates on the day. Full times for both operators are on the ferry timetable.
On board
- Food and drink: a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant and a bar.
- Club Class: a paid quiet lounge with reserved seats and complimentary refreshments.
- Pets: a free Pet Den lounge with an outdoor walkway, where you sit with your dog, plus six pet-friendly cabins. Both must be booked in advance.
- Families: a children’s play area and a gaming area.
- Shopping: a large onboard shop, plus a separate club for freight drivers.
James Joyce vs Ulysses
| James Joyce | Ulysses | |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers | Over 2,000 | Up to 1,938 |
| Size | About 36,250 GT | 50,938 GT |
| Pet Den lounge | Yes | Yes |
| Pet-friendly cabins | Yes (6) | No |
| Best for | Dog owners, families | Car and freight space, night cabins |
| Crossing | About 3h30 | About 3h30 |
Before you sail
Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. Every passenger now needs a valid passport or Irish passport card: see passport rules for the Holyhead to Dublin ferry. For parking and drop-off, read our Holyhead terminal guide and Dublin Port terminal guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is James Joyce faster than Ulysses?
She has a higher top speed, but both ships run to the same timetable, so the crossing is about 3 hours 30 minutes either way.
Can I take my dog into a cabin on James Joyce?
Yes, if you book one of the six pet-friendly cabins (up to two pets per cabin). They sell out, so book early. See our guide to pets on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry.
Was James Joyce called something else?
Yes. Before joining Irish Ferries she sailed under other names, and for a short spell Irish Ferries also used the name Oscar Wilde for her before switching to James Joyce.