Early ferry to Wales

[Abhannmor]

If I'm driving from Cork to Rosslare port to catch the day sailing- 9am ish - would it make sense to drive down the day before and stay overnight closer to the port?
My son would prefer to leave early like 5am and just get it over with. Ages since I was down there and all I remember is narrow roads and picturesque villages en route. Please tell me I'm over thinking this and and its no big deal!

The Cork Waterford road is fairly good and the road to Rosslare from Waterford has been improved, but may still have road works on. But it's a way better road than it used to be.

The new bridge cuts out New Ross which is usually a bottle neck.

At that hour in the morning you could do Cork city to Waterford City bypass in just under 2 hours and around an hour from Waterford to Rosslare. Be careful not to break the speed limit as the guards are regularly out catching motorists rushing to the ferry.

Personally I'd stay the night before, the Maldron Hotel on the outskirts of Wexford is a very convenient location for the ferry, about 20 mins drive to the ferry if you get a good price. I stayed there earlier this year for a nearby wedding and it was fine. I think it has a new name now.

Thanks for your replies @turkeyboots and @honeyrider . Will tell him about the Gardaí.