Ferry to Ireland from France
Four direct crossings to Ireland from France
You've found the right page if you're looking for a ferry from France directly to Ireland. On this page, you can find information about the various routes from France to Ireland by ferry.
Use our handy ferry map to conveniently determine which crossing makes the most sense for your trip.
Compare & book: France to Ireland
Comparing the different ferry crossings can help you save both time and money, as some boats sail much faster and others are cheaper.
Additionally, can a combination of two different routes save you a significant amount of money? Absolutely, exploring multiple options might reveal a more cost-effective travel plan.
Ferry Map: ferry routes to Ireland from France
Use the interactive map to find the right crossing and ferry company. You can zoom in and out and view the routes in the ports.
Crossings to Ireland from France
Ferry Guide to Ireland from France
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.
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.
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The cheapest crossing is the ferry from Roscoff to Cork. It is a crossing of Brittany Ferries. This is also the shortest crossing. A one way ticket for 1 person without a car is around €72, this is without a cabin, but with a sleeping seat. With a cabin the price doubles to approx €150,-.
The shortest crossing is between Cork and Roscoff. This ferry sails a distance of approximately 475 kilometers
This crossing takes you in about 14 hours to Ireland and vice versa. It is a comfortable way of travelling from the European mainland to Ireland.
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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,