Passport Query - Travel To Ireland

[Rhona]

We're travelling to County Cork in four weeks and I'm getting conflicting information about whether a nine month old baby needs a passport to travel by ferry (even from the ferry company itself - they say no, then they say yes...it's mad).

We JUST have time to get one if necessary, and he'll need one for later in the year anyway, but does anyone know from experience? It's 'suggested' that we bring our passports, and photo ID if no passport, but a nine month old doesn't have much in the way of photo ID...

Anyone got advice?

[Patchninja]

I found this link for info.
Ireland travel advice

[Rhona]

Thanks - I'm still not confident though. It says;

"Other than passports, some carriers may accept other types of photographic ID. For their acceptability, please consult your carrier before travelling."

Our carrier can't make up it's mind. And it's still the case that a baby doesn't have photo ID.

I do appreciate you trying to help, thank you - anyone else? Anyone travelled to Ireland by ferry with children who don't have ID?

People must do it all the time but can't find answer by googling. Too many variations - I've also found a number of websites saying passports ARE required!

[Hazel at the Hill]

I've no idea, Rhona, I'm afraid, but I'd be tempted to err on the side of caution and get the passport sorted out now. As you say, you'll need one later in the year anyway.

[vixfinn]

I've travelled Fishguard to Rosslare by ferry many times with the kids and none of us has passports. We were only asked for our booking forms and head counted as we drove onboard. I can't guarantee this is always the case but I think you'd have to look mighty suspicious for them to refuse you boarding. A lot of the Irish travellers who are back and forth travel without. If you're worried though take a passport photo of the wee one to the local police station or doctors with your own id and the birth certificate and ask them to sign, date and address that it's a true likeness. That in effect is photo i.d and cheaper than a passport.

[beefy]

Assuming your travelling from Holyhead to Dublin with either Irish Ferrys or Stena Line I can't think way you would need a passport. Have used this route for nearly 20 years and have NEVER been asked for any form of ID at the port.Your driving licence should be all the ID you require.
The British and Irish governments are supposedly co-operating with each other to allow cross border travel without ID .
Tip - when driving in Southern Ireland you MUST have a drivers licence AND your insurance docuements with you.