Some holidays only really begin when you arrive. Ours started the moment we stepped on board the Stena Estrid in Holyhead — two adults, one excited eleven-year-old, and the feeling that the journey itself was going to be part of the adventure.
The Stena Estrid is a brilliant ship for travelling as a family. It’s modern, bright and spacious, with plenty of room to spread out, big windows for sea-watching, and enough going on to keep everyone happy.
The restaurant serves a variety of freshly prepared dishes and there are bars, coffee stations and premium lounge. A cinema room and soft play area will also keep the kids entertained.
The onboard cabins come in a variety of styles, from family bunks to delux suites with large double beds, minifridge and your own outside space.
Instead of feeling like “travel time”, the crossing felt relaxed and easy. It was a great way to start the trip.
Dublin: Two Nights at the Radisson Blu
We arrived in Dublin and checked into the Radisson, which turned out to be a perfect base for exploring the city on foot. After a smooth crossing, it was great to drop our bags and head straight out, knowing we had a comfortable, central hotel to come back to each night.
Dublin is ideal as a family trip: lively, walkable, and full of things that are genuinely interesting without feeling like “homework”. We wandered around Trinity College, walked along the Liffey, and soaked up the atmosphere in the city centre. The Guinness Storehouse was a big hit — even for the non-beer-drinker in our group, the interactive exhibits and the views from the top made it well worth it. We also made time for greener, quieter moments in St Stephen’s Green, which was a nice breather from the busier streets.
In the evenings, we kept things relaxed. One of the joys of staying at the Radisson was how easy it was to find somewhere good to eat without trekking across the city with tired legs. Dublin has loads of family-friendly options, from cosy pubs serving classic Irish food to more modern restaurants, and it was nice to be able to head back to the hotel quickly once the day had caught up with us.
Two nights felt just right: enough time to see the highlights, keep the pace comfortable for all three of us, and still leave feeling like we’d really experienced the city.
Belfast: Two Nights at the Radisson Blu
From Dublin, we travelled on to Belfast and checked into the Radisson Blu. Once again, a great choice for location and comfort, especially with a child in tow.
The clear highlight here was Titanic Belfast. It’s one of those rare attractions that works for both adults and kids: immersive, interesting, and genuinely impressive. Our eleven-year-old was completely absorbed by exhibits and the scale of the story, and we all came away feeling we’d learned something without ever being bored.
We also spent time wandering around the Cathedral Quarter, spotting street art, browsing little shops, and choosing somewhere relaxed to eat in the evenings. Belfast felt friendly and easy to get around, and again, the Radisson’s central location meant we never had to push anyone too far once energy levels started to dip.
Two nights gave us enough time to enjoy the city without rushing — and without turning it into a marathon of sightseeing.
Carlingford: One Quiet Night by the Lough
After two lively cities, Carlingford was a lovely change of pace. This small coastal town, with its narrow medieval streets and castle ruins, feels like it’s made for slowing down.
We spent the afternoon exploring, climbing up for views over the lough, and just enjoying being somewhere quieter and more scenic. Dinner was all about local seafood and a relaxed atmosphere, and it was the perfect place to recharge before the journey home.
The way home in a Superior Suite on the Stena Estrid
For the return crossing from Dublin to Holyhead, we treated ourselves to a superior suite on the Stena Estrid and it turned out to be a fantastic decision.
The extra space and comfort made a huge difference, especially after a busy week of exploring. We could all stretch out, enjoy the sea views in peace, and relax properly instead of just counting down the miles. It felt calm, comfortable, and just a little bit special — a real “end of holiday” moment rather than just a journey home.
We loved arriving back in Wales feeling rested rather than exhausted.
The Verdict
This trip — Holyhead to Dublin, on to Belfast, a peaceful night in Carlingford, struck a brilliant balance for a family of three. The Radisson hotels gave us reliable, comfortable bases in both cities, and the Stena Estrid made the crossings part of the experience rather than just transport, especially with the superior suite on the return.
It was a holiday that worked for all of us: interesting enough for the adults, fun and engaging for children but relaxed enough that nobody came home needing another break.