Stranded fans kept their spirits high

Calmer weather was making it possible for ferries to dock safely at the ports despite the rough crossings.

Flights to Ireland were also expected to get back to normal from airports in Cardiff, Manchester, Liverpool, or Bristol.

Stena Line's service from Holyhead to Dublin at 1515GMT Saturday was due to sail two hours late.

Irish Ferries' 1545GMT sailing on the same route departed 30 minutes late and it was confident the 0330GMT Sunday service would also go ahead as planned.

The Ulysses was able to sail from Holyhead

The company's disrupted services on the Pembroke, west Wales, to Rosslare route resumed with the 1745GMT sailing on Saturday.

P&O had to cancel its 0930GMT Saturday sailing from Mostyn, north Wales, to Dublin.

But its 0200GMT Sunday service would go ahead - although its ferries do not accommodate foot passengers.

Many Welsh rugby fans have already been soaking up the pre-match atmosphere in Dublin ahead of Sunday's 1400GMT kick-off at Lansdowne Road.

Passengers can call the ferry companies for information on the following numbers:

Irish Ferries - 08705 17 17 17

Stena Line - 08705 755 755

P&O Irish Sea - 0870 24 24 777