Holyhead

Holyhead

Wales

Explore the dramatic clifftop ruins of Caernarfon Castle and wander charming Welsh coastal villages steeped in medieval history.

Currency British Pound (GBP)
Language English, Welsh
Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit May–Aug
Typical Duration 14-24 nights
Price Range $834–$94,500 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to Wales and the Irish Sea, offering access to historic castles, Celtic heritage, and scenic coastal landscapes while serving as a convenient port for Northern European and British Isles cruises.

Cruises that visit Holyhead

Build Your Day in Holyhead

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
RSPB South Stack So much to do, walks, great place to see seals, dolpins and birds! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Sea Shanty Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 4k
Anglesey Sea Zoo and Marine Resource Centre Plenty for kids to do - crazy golf/ remote control boats and cafe on site. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
National Trust - Plas Newydd House and Gardens Fantastic day out the Rex Whistler mural is a must see. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k Closes soon · 8 PM
GreenWood Family Park There was loads to do and 90% free once you've paid your entrance fee! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Boathouse Dine-in·No delivery Welsh · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Standing Stones I always visit standing stones, beautiful place, great pint and food. Pub · ★ 4.1 · 2k
The Tavern on The Bay Airy, modern pub with long bay views Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k
South Stack Lighthouse Definitely worth the trip if you’re in Holyhead or anywhere nearby! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Thu
The White Eagle Revamped pub with classy pub grub Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closes soon · 8 PM
Lidl Great variety of shops, excellent service!!! Supermarket · ★ 4.4 · 2k Open · Closes 9 PM
Seacroft, Trearddur Bay Airy rooms, plus a bar & restaurant Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k
Breakwater Country Park Open spaces, coastal walks and historical adventure all rolled up in one Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Trearddur Bay People paddle boarding, jet ski's and swimming. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Catch 22 Anglesey Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closes soon · 8:30 PM
Foel Farm Park | Parc Fferm Foel bottle feeding lambs, tractor rides etc. food and drink fair price. Farm · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Parc Arfordirol Penrhos Coastal Park Onsite services Park · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Ocean’s Edge Restaurant Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Porth Dafarch Beach · ★ 4.8 · 1k
The Lobster Pot Restaurant Seafood restaurant in a coastal cottage Seafood · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Holyhead Maritime Museum Definitely recommended if you tour in UK Wales Holyhead. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Holyhead Great start for your adventure thru England Ferry terminal · ★ 4.2 · 1k
The Harbourfront Bistro Beachside spot with Modern British menu Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 12:30 PM Thu
The Boathouse Hotel Harbourside getaway with a restaurant Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k
The Inn at the Bay Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Pub · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path The only thing to do in Holyheads. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k
B&M Home Store with Garden Centre Clean store, spacious aisles, easy parking. Discount store · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Langdons Restaurant And Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Holyhead Breakwater Lighthouse Great day fishing.fantastic views.well worth a visit.cant wait to go back. Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Church Bay Inn Great beer, great service, fabulous views quirky seating areas. Pub · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Cuffed-in Coffee The Hive Dine-in·Takeout Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Reubens Cafe and Coffee Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Tŷ Mawr Hut Circles Fascinating history, stunning scenery, spiritual and peaceful Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Holyhead Marina Cafe & Bar Dine-in·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Holly Molly Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Tesco Extra Great store plenty of choice and loads of parking Convenience store · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
The Holland Inn Traditional pub, friendly staff and locals, very cheap beer prices Pub · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Ucheldre Centre Opportunities to see live music and cultural events. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Trefignath Chambered Tomb Interesting place to spend 10-15 minutes. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Mete's Smash Burger Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Summit to Sea Great shop,very helpful staff, fantastic service and prices Outdoor clothing and equipment shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 1 PM Thu
Chanthi's Thai to Go Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Thai · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Victoria Inn Proper "pub", great atmosphere and sensibly priced food. Pub · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM Fri
Porth Swtan Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Albert Vaults Good atmosphere, sports always on the TV and a great karaoke night too. Pub · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Traeth Borth Wen Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Caffi Môn Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
The Driftwood Bar & Restaurant Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Branch Great beer .Good band Pub · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Lola's Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Paddlers Return Dine-in·No delivery Bistro · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Porth Trwyn Beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Skerries Not much choice in beers but reasonably priced. Pub · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Anglesey Adventures Very professional guides, loads of fun and a great site. Adventure sports center · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Feast Brothers Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 8:30 PM
Porth Castell Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Holyhead Mountain Clearly marked with incredible views 360 views. Mountain peak · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Chester Inn Always great atmosphere and good crack any every day of the week. Pub · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Cambria Inn Best pub in town best John Smith's very friendly n good atmosphere 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Pub · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Caffi'r Parc Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Old Shipping Office, Yr Hen Swyddfa Llongau They are child friendly and have a great selection of beers and food Pub · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Holyhead Breakwater A fantastic place to visit with some stunning scenery and plenty to explore. Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Cuffed-in Coffee The Kiosk Curbside pickup Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Realm of Nerds Amazing items, Variety, such friendly staff, Great service. Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Holyhead Promenade Great place to walk esp down on the rocks. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Enchanted Hares In-store pickup Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Kalico Prefect little shop full of stunning little treasures. Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Port Shop Great little shop/cafe with excellent value hot pastries. Store · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Penrhos Beach Historical landmark · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Holyhead Retail Park Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open 24 hours

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Holyhead

About Holyhead

Holyhead, nestled on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, serves as a vibrant port of call for Northern European cruises. With eight major cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Silversea calling here regularly, this Welsh port offers excellent connectivity to some of Europe's most compelling destinations. The 130 upcoming cruises from Holyhead predominantly feature 14-night itineraries that venture to iconic ports like Bergen, London, Dover, and Belfast, making it an ideal embarkation point for extended voyages during the peak season from April through August.

When your ship docks in Holyhead, you'll discover a charming Welsh port town with genuine character and maritime heritage. The town itself provides a pleasant introduction to Welsh culture, while the port's convenient location offers easy access to the broader attractions of Anglesey and North Wales for those seeking to explore before or after their cruise.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Holyhead's Maritime Heritage

Discover the fascinating history of this historic port town at the Holyhead Maritime Museum, housed in a restored Victorian building. Learn about the port's role in Irish Sea trade and view artifacts from shipwrecks and local seafaring traditions. The museum offers intimate insights into centuries of maritime culture that shaped this Welsh coastal community.

2

Taste Fresh Welsh Seafood

Indulge in locally-caught fish and seafood at waterfront restaurants and traditional Welsh pubs throughout Holyhead. Sample fresh crab, lobster, and mussels prepared with local ingredients, paired with Welsh ales and ciders. The town's proximity to the Irish Sea ensures the freshest catches arrive daily at its finest dining establishments.

3

Walk to South Stack Lighthouse

Hike to the iconic South Stack Lighthouse perched dramatically on rocky cliffs just outside town, offering breathtaking coastal views of the Irish Sea and Anglesey. The scenic walk rewards you with stunning photography opportunities and a chance to spot seabirds and local wildlife. This 19th-century lighthouse remains one of Wales' most photographed landmarks.

4

Browse Holyhead Market & Local Shops

Wander through Holyhead's vibrant town center and traditional market stalls selling Welsh crafts, woolens, and artisan goods. Discover independent boutiques featuring locally-made jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs that capture authentic Welsh culture. The bustling market atmosphere provides an authentic taste of everyday life in this working Welsh port town.

5

Visit Ancient Anglesey Monuments

Explore nearby prehistoric sites including Barclodiad y Gawres, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial chamber with stunning coastal views. Anglesey's rich archaeological heritage showcases standing stones and ancient settlements accessible within a short journey from the port. These remarkable monuments offer a tangible connection to Wales' ancient Celtic past.

Cruise Lines at Holyhead

Cruises Departing From Holyhead

Cruises Visiting Holyhead

Ship Schedule at Holyhead

Holyhead Location

Other Cruise Ports in Wales

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holyhead known for?

Holyhead is a ferry port in Wales with historical significance and nearby ruins.

Where is Holyhead located?

Holyhead is in Wales, United Kingdom, near the Irish Sea at approximately 53.309°N, -4.633°W.

What can visitors explore around Holyhead?

Historical ruins, coastal landscapes, and nearby hiking areas.

What is the port type of Holyhead?

Official port serving ferries to Ireland.