Ferries to Ireland from France
Four Direct Crossings from France to Ireland
If you're seeking a ferry route from France directly to Ireland, you've come to the right place. Here, you'll find detailed information about the various ferry crossings available between France and Ireland.
Let's start with our convenient ferry map to quickly identify the crossing that best suits your travel plans.
Map: ferries to Ireland from France
About these crossings to Ireland
Comparing the different ferry routes can help you save both time and money. Some ferries are quicker, while others offer more affordable fares.
Could combining two different routes help you save even more? Absolutely! Exploring multiple options may uncover a more economical travel solution.
Ferries to Ireland from France
The ferries from France to Ireland are popular during the peak/summer season. Many Irish tourists return via this route from a well-deserved vacation, and it is also an exciting option for Europeans looking to visit Ireland and travel by ferry.
Although there is a direct ferry to Ireland from Spain, there aren't direct routes from the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, and Italy. Therefore, taking the ferry from France to Ireland can be an attractive way to travel.
The ferries from France to Ireland are as follows:
- Cherbourg – Dublin
- Roscoff – Cork
- Cherbourg – Rosslare
- Rosslare – Dunkirk
You can choose a ferry on one of these routes depending on where you need or want to be in Ireland. All ferries allow you to take your car, and most crossings are overnight.
The shortest crossing is from Roscoff to Cork, taking around 14 hours over the Channel and the Irish Sea. Rosslare to Dunkirk is one of the newest crossings.
Taking the ferry from the European mainland to Ireland is a comfortable way to start your vacation, especially if you want to bring your car along.
Ferries to Dublin from France
If you're heading to the Irish capital, Dublin, by ferry, you have only one direct option: the crossing from Cherbourg to Dublin. This route is operated by Irish Ferries and takes about 19 hours. Irish Ferries sail up to 5 times per week on this route.
When this route is fully booked, Rosslare is a good alternative option. Sailing from Cherbourg to Rosslare leaves you with only a 2-hour drive to Dublin.
- Cherbourg – Dublin: A direct route to Ireland’s capital, operated by Irish Ferries. This crossing takes approximately 19 hours and runs up to 5 times per week.
- Roscoff – Cork: The shortest crossing from France to Ireland, taking about 14 hours. Ideal for those heading to southern Ireland:
- Cherbourg – Rosslare: Another popular option, this route offers convenient access to southeast Ireland, with Rosslare only a 2-hour drive from Dublin.
- Rosslare – Dunkirk: One of the newest routes, connecting southeastern Ireland to northern France.
Travelling Through Ireland
One of the best ways to travel in Ireland is by train or by bringing your car on the ferry. Ireland's extensive rail network offers reliable intercity links between major urban centres, operated by Irish Rail. You can get a neat discount on train fares by purchasing a Leap Card.
Bringing your car on the ferry is another great option; in most cases, this is much cheaper than renting a car in Ireland.
In Dublin, you can also travel using the Luas, a modern tram service. Additionally, you can travel by bike or by public and private buses throughout the country. The Leap Card is also valid for Irish buses, making it a versatile option for your travel needs.
What is the Cheapest Ferry to Ireland from France?
The cheapest ferry crossing from France to Ireland is the Roscoff to Cork route, operated by Brittany Ferries.
- One-way ticket (1 person, without a car): Starts at around €72, including a sleeping seat but no cabin.
- With a cabin: Prices double to approximately €150.
This is also the shortest crossing, covering a distance of about 475 kilometres and taking around 14 hours. It provides a comfortable and cost-effective way to travel from the European mainland to Ireland.
Prices and availability for this crossing
By filling in the booking module below you can find pricing, alternatives and availability of the various crossings over the Channel and the Irish Sea.
Additional Information
When travelling on crossings between France and the UK, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Download entertainment in advance: On longer night crossings, it’s a good idea to download series or movies beforehand, as Wi-Fi on board can be expensive, and roaming in international waters is costly.
- Travelling with young kids on a night ferry? We’ve got some helpful tips for travelling with kids here.
- Remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road after disembarking. It can be a bit confusing for the first 10 minutes, but you'll adjust quickly.
- Worried about getting seasick? In this article, you’ll find some tips to help prevent it.
Luggage & Pets
On most ferries, there are no restrictions on the amount of luggage you can reasonably bring. Pets are allowed, but additional fees apply, and they must stay in designated kennels on board. For some destinations, pets need to meet specific requirements, such as certain vaccinations and a pet passport. You can find country-specific regulations and company policies in this post.
Hello. Hope you're well. We're planning our summer trip 2025. We wish to go from Ireland to France with our car and bring our dog with us. Is there a ferry that could accommodate it, please? If so, we'd be grateful if you could please share details. Thanks. Jackie.
Hi Jackie,
Thanks for your question! The good news is that on almost every ferry from Ireland to France, you can bring your dog. It’s wise to book well in advance as you’ll likely need a pet-friendly cabin. There are several routes you can consider, such as Rosslare-Dunkirk (DFDS), Rosslare-Cherbourg (Stena Line), Cork-Roscoff (Brittany Ferries), or Dublin-Cherbourg with Irish Ferries. As mentioned, all these routes welcome dogs. We’ve just updated our guide on travelling with dogs on ferries last week. You can also consult that guide here.
Best regards,