Holyhead Port Closure December 2024 to January 2025: Everything you Need to Know

Why is Holyhead Port closed?

Storm Darragh has had a lasting impact, forcing one of the main ferry connections between Britain and Ireland to shut.  

Holyhead Port, located in Anglesey in North Wales, has been forced to close after the storm caused serious damage to the Terminal 3 ferry berth, making it unusable for passengers.

Usually, around 2 million passengers use Holyhead Port each year. With the festive season fast approaching and many trying to make their journey home, alternative travel arrangements will need to be made.  

When will Holyhead Port reopen?

Although it had been hoped that Holyhead Port would reopen before Christmas, it has now been announced that the port will remain closed until Wednesday 15th January, reopening on Thursday 16th January. Safety is the port’s main priority, and they will only open once it is safe to do so.  

A Holyhead Port spokesman said, “We are now able to provide an update on the current closure of the Terminal 3 and Terminal 5 ferry berths at Holyhead Port.

“Regrettably, both terminals will need to remain closed until Wednesday 15 January 2025 at the earliest. Our current priority is to establish when Terminal 5 can be re-opened safely, to resume ferry services.”

“This follows two incidents affecting the Terminal 3 berth on Friday 6 December and Saturday 7 December, resulting in part of the structure collapsing and rendering it unusable."

“Whilst we are still assessing the full extent of the damage, we are taking the decision now to keep the ferry berths closed until 15 January at the earliest to provide certainty for passengers, freight customers and ferry operators and allow them to make alternative arrangements ahead of one of the busiest times of the year.”

“We understand the closure of the ferry terminals has had a significant impact on trade, passengers and port customers. We are sorry for the disruption this has caused. The safety of our colleagues and customers is our first priority and we will only permit ferry services to recommence once we are sure it is safe to do so.”

Who will the port closure affect?

The port’s closure will affect those travelling between the UK and Ireland between now and the 15th January. It will also affect port customers and have a big impact on trade.  

The route that is currently affected is the Holyhead to Dublin ferry route. This ferry route is operated by both Stena Line and Irish Ferries. Usually, ferries between Holyhead and Dublin sail approximately 6 times a day and around 42 times a week.  

Alternative ferry routes

Unfortunately, due to the closure of Holyhead port, those who were planning on travelling on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry route will need to make alternative arrangements.  

Alternative ferry routes include:

• Pembroke to Rosslare
• Fishguard to Rosslare
• Cairnryan to Larne
• Cairnryan to Belfast

Stena Line have also said that they are working with UK ports in the hope to add further sailings to and from Ireland.

Please keep an eye on our website for further updates.