My husband and I are planning our second trip to Ireland- our favorite place in the world! We have places from our first trip that we really want to repeat, and new places we want to see that we missed the first time. I would like to add a couple of days in Northern Wales, but am not sure if this is feasible. Have any of you traveled between Ireland and Wales by ferry? Is this a good way to visit both countries or is it better to fly on Ryanair? Could we fly into Shannon, spend several days in the north, take the ferry to Wales and stay a couple of days, then return to Ireland and loop south before returning to Shannon, or is that just too unreasonable? Would you recommend instead that we go to Wales first, or give up on Wales and concentrate on Ireland? Sorry this is so long and confusing. Thanks to everyone for your help.

You haven't mentioned how many day the trip is in total. That makes a huge difference whether adding another country makes sense.

Also, many rental agencies do not allow their cars to cross between Ireland and the UK.

North Wales is wonderful for sure. But since you love Ireland so much I'd probably stay there and do Wales another time when you are visiting England and/or Scotland.

But there again, a lot depends on how long you have.

We plan to include about 14-16 days for this trip. Sorry I forgot to include this in my original post.

I've be doing research for our trip to Wales, Ireland and Scotland this coming summer so will comment on ferry schedules/prices.

From Dun Laoghaire ( just south of Dublin) to Holyhead will cost about 200 euros round trip. Both Stena and Irish ferries have specials on now but still expect to pay over 200 euros round trip. There will be about 15/20 euros in special fees. I've not run into any problem in taking a car across, but we will be renting our car in England and returning it there. Cost seems to be the biggest deterrent.

There is a lot to see in Ireland, I think I'd opt to spend my time there unless you really have a compelling reason to visit Wales.

If you decide to do both, limit Ireland to a specific area and don't try to see the entire country. As for Wales, I'd stick to the north... Snowdonia,Llyn Peninsula and the coastline from Bangor to Colwyn.

Wales is CERTAINLY worth a visit though two days won't even scratch the surface. I spent 10-11 days there in 2004 and loved it. Personally, I'd try to schedule a separate trip. Here is my travelogue from Wales:

http://www.geocities.com/obeirne_wales_2004/

Bill