Ferries to Ireland from France
Five direct crossings from France to Ireland
France is the continent’s gateway to Ireland by sea: five direct routes, all overnight or longer, all carrying cars. They matter to two groups, Irish families coming home from a French holiday, and drivers from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany who would rather not cross Britain. The map shows where each one lands; the detail is below.
Map: ferries to Ireland from France
About these crossings to Ireland
The routes differ more than the map suggests: some are quicker, some cheaper, and the landing port decides your first day in Ireland. The five are:
- Cherbourg to Dublin
- Roscoff to Cork
- Cherbourg to Rosslare
- Rosslare to Dunkirk
- Boulogne to Cork, new since June 2026
Pick by where you need to be in Ireland. Every one takes cars, and most sail overnight. The shortest is Roscoff to Cork at around 14 hours across the Channel and the Celtic Sea; the newest is Boulogne to Cork with Hibernia Line. There is also a direct ferry from Spain, but nothing from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany or Denmark, which is why the French ports carry so much continental traffic.
Good to know: on Rosslare to Dunkirk DFDS includes all meals in the fare, from €440 one way for a car and up to four people with a cabin. See the all-inclusive DFDS fare.
Ferries to Dublin from France
One direct option: Cherbourg to Dublin with Irish Ferries, about 19 hours, up to five sailings a week. When it is full, Cherbourg to Rosslare is the fallback, with a two-hour drive to Dublin at the far end.
- Cherbourg to Dublin: the direct route to the capital, Irish Ferries, about 19 hours, up to 5 a week.
- Roscoff to Cork: the shortest crossing from France, about 14 hours, for the south of Ireland.
- Cherbourg to Rosslare: the south-east of Ireland, with Rosslare two hours from Dublin.
- Rosslare to Dunkirk: DFDS, the route for Belgium and the Netherlands, meals included.
- Boulogne to Cork (Ringaskiddy): the newest route, sailing since June 2026.
Boulogne to Cork: the newest ferry to Ireland
Since 12 June 2026 Hibernia Line sails between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour, all year, six times a week in each direction (Monday to Saturday) with the St Patrick and the Akka. The crossing takes 21 to 23 hours: departures at 22:00 from Boulogne and 21:00 from Cork, one night on board and arrival the following evening.
What makes it interesting is where it starts. Boulogne is just south of Calais, so for anyone from Belgium, the Netherlands, western Germany or northern France it is far closer than Cherbourg or Roscoff: no drive west through Normandy and Brittany, and no crossing of Britain. We would compare it with Dunkirk to Rosslare; Dunkirk is even nearer for Belgium, but Boulogne lands you straight in the south of Ireland.
- Vehicles: cars, motorhomes, caravans and motorcycles. Foot passengers are not yet bookable.
- Best for: northern France, Benelux and western Germany to Cork, Kerry and the south.
- More: our news story on the new Cork to Boulogne ferry.
Getting around Ireland
With your own car off the ferry you are free, and in most cases it is cheaper than hiring one in Ireland. Without a car, Irish Rail links the main cities, the Leap Card gives a discount on trains and buses, and Dublin has the Luas tram.
What is the cheapest ferry to Ireland from France?
Roscoff to Cork with Brittany Ferries. One way for one person without a car starts at around €72 with a reclining seat, or about €150 with a cabin. It is also the shortest crossing, about 475 km and 14 hours, which makes it the sensible default from France unless Dublin or the east coast is the destination.
Prices and availability
Enter your route and dates below for live fares and sailing times on all five crossings between France and Ireland.
Before you go
- Download in advance: these are long night crossings; Wi-Fi is slow or paid and roaming at sea is expensive.
- Children on a night ferry: our tips for travelling with kids on the ferry.
- Drive on the left after you roll off in Ireland; the first roundabout is the hard one.
- Seasickness: the Celtic Sea can be lively; where to sit and what helps.
Luggage and pets
Luggage is not restricted within reason. Pets travel for a fee in kennels or pet cabins depending on the ship, and need a pet passport and the right vaccinations for Ireland. Country rules and company policies are in a separate guide.
Useful for travellers to Ireland
Tips for ferry travellers
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,