Irish Ferries will be the only carrier operating a fast ferry to Ireland this autumn and winter, as rivals end fast ferry services on 14 September.

The ‘Dublin Swift’, which can cross from Holyhead to the heart of Dublin in one hour and 49 minutes, will continue to operate twice a day in each direction.

Irish Ferries’ other vessels, the cruise-ferry Ulysses and the Isle of Inishmore also continue to sail as normal, which means that travellers have a choice of two Irish Ferries routes with six return sailings to Ireland, every day, all year round.

The Swift, a twin-hulled catamaran with a draught (depth in water) of just 3.2 metres, can carry 700 passengers and 185 cars, with room for a Club Class lounge, two bars, a brasserie and café.