For many of our guests on the Downton Abbey & Highclere Castle tour, the adventure doesn’t begin at the castle gates; it starts the moment the coach rolls onto the ramp of the Irish Ferries Ulysses at Dublin Port. In 2026, the Ulysses remains one of the largest and most reliable cruise ferries on the Irish Sea, acting as a floating bridge between the early morning pick-ups in Ireland and the historic English countryside. 

While a 3-hour and 25-minute crossing might seem like a mere logistical necessity, seasoned travellers know that how you spend this time dictates your energy for the rest of the day. Instead of a “wait to arrive,” the Ulysses offers a “premium start”—a chance to have a full Irish breakfast, catch a new release in the cinema, or find a quiet corner to watch the sunrise over the Irish Sea. 

Elevating the Journey: The Martello Club Class Lounge 

If you are looking for a sanctuary away from the main passenger decks, the Martello Club Class Lounge on Deck 11 is the definitive upgrade for 2026. Located at the very front of the ship, it offers panoramic views that make you feel like you are on the bridge of the vessel. 

• Complimentary Comforts: The lounge provides a selection of complimentary soft drinks, tea, coffee, and light snacks (such as pastries and fruit). It is the ideal spot to review your Oxford walking map in peace. 

• Priority Benefits: Club Class passengers often benefit from priority boarding and disembarkation, which is seamlessly managed by our coach driver, and a 10% discount on selected lines in the onboard shop. 

• The Atmosphere: Unlike the bustling main decks, the Martello Lounge is a designated quiet zone with comfortable leather seating and dedicated workstations, perfect if you need to send those last-minute emails before reaching Wales. 

Dining at Sea: Boylan’s Brasserie and Café Lafayette 

One of the highlights of the 08:05 departure is the opportunity for a proper sit-down meal. In 2026, the culinary offerings on the Ulysses have been refined to focus on Irish produce. 

• Boylan’s Brasserie: This is the heart of the ship’s dining. The Full Irish Breakfast (€16.50) is the most popular choice, featuring local sausages, bacon, and black pudding. For those travelling later in the day, the Prime Grass-fed Irish Beef Burger or the Thai Red Curry offer substantial, high-quality alternatives. 

• Café Lafayette: For a lighter bite, this café serves “artisan handcrafted sandwiches” and gourmet wraps. It is also the home of the Sweet Crêpe Station, which is a firm favourite for families and those with a sweet tooth. 

• Leopold Blooms Bar: Named after the protagonist of Joyce’s Ulysses, this traditional Irish pub provides a comfortable environment to relax with a pint or a glass of wine as the coast of Anglesey comes into view. 

Connectivity and Entertainment: WiFi and Cinema 

A common question for 2026 travellers is: “Can I stay connected mid-sea?” The answer on the Ulysses is a practical “Yes, but with caveats.” 

• WiFi Access: Irish Ferries offers Free Basic WiFi in designated public areas, suitable for checking emails or social media. For more intensive tasks, Premium WiFi packages are available for a small fee, which offer better speeds and support for streaming. However, remember that the signal relies on satellite tech—it is best for browsing rather than high-def video calls. 

• The Volta Picture Theatre: If you’d rather disconnect, the ship features a two-screen cinema showing recent Hollywood releases. It is a fantastic way to make the three hours fly by, especially if the Irish Sea is looking a little “lively” outside. 

Duty Free and Shopping in 2026 

Since the return of Duty Free, the shopping experience on the Ulysses has become a major draw. The Aelia Duty Free shop on board offers significantly lower prices than “downtown” Irish or UK retailers on fragrances, skincare, and alcohol. 

In 2026, the Click & Collect service is the savviest way to shop. You can order your favourite brands up to 12 hours before your departure and have them ready for collection when you walk on board, ensuring you don’t miss out on limited-stock deals. 

Why the Coach and Ferry Route Wins 

You might wonder why we chose the ferry over a 50-minute flight. The answer lies in the “Highclere State of Mind.” When you fly, you deal with liquid restrictions, luggage scales, and the sterile environment of an airport terminal. When you take the coach and ferry, your holiday begins at 3:00 AM at your local pick-up point. 

Your luggage stays on the coach. You walk onto the Ulysses with nothing but your handbag or camera. You have 3.5 hours to eat, stretch your legs, and socialise. By the time the coach rolls off at Holyhead at 11:25, you are refreshed and ready for the scenic drive through North Wales toward Northampton. It is travel as it used to be—civilised, spacious, and part of the experience itself. 

Start your heritage journey in style. Discover the full details of our Highclere Castle & Downton Abbey Tour and see how we make the journey as memorable as the destination.