Alistair,
I understand your pain...Dublin is about 7.5 hours driving and ferry from Whitchurch, via Holyhead. Via Rosslare it is a bit over 9 hours.
But BA and Aer Lingus fly Southampton to Dublin. 17 flights a week, 1.30 flight time, as little as £54.00.
Difficult to justify the drive.

Peter,
66, 2016 Porsche Boxster S
No longer driving Tarka, the 2014 Plus 8...