Who hasn’t dreamed of climbing the Eiffel Tower, driving down to Spain along the French Atlantic coastline, or taking a well-deserved sunny break on the Côte d’Azur? France offers stunning coastal landscapes, towns steeped in history, and a gateway to the rest of Europe by car.
And the best way to experience the French “hexagon,” as it’s known, is to explore it on four wheels! The good news is that you can travel in the comfort of your own car across the small stretch of sea that separates the southern coasts of Cork and Wexford from France.
In this article, we’ll outline the major ferry routes from Ireland to France to help you prepare for your trip to Continental Europe through this merveilleux country.
Overview of the article:
- Ferry from Ireland to France: A Mandatory Stopover in Cherbourg, Normandy
- Ferry Companies Operating Routes from Ireland to France
- Where to Go After Disembarking from the Ferry in France
- Ferry fares from Ireland to France
- Why Take the Ferry from Ireland to France?
- Travel Tips
- Book Your Ferry from Ireland to France Easily with Ferryscanner
Ferry from Ireland to France: A Mandatory Stopover in Cherbourg, Normandy
All aboard! You’re on your way to the Côte d’Azur with your family or friends… But wait! You’ll first land in Cherbourg, a port city in Normandy, where two major ferry companies operate routes from Ireland.
Although it used to be possible to reach Brest or Roscoff in the past, French Brittany no longer has an active ferry route to Ireland, its Celtic cousin. However, if your final destination is further south, it’s a great excuse to make a quick stop at Mont-Saint-Michel, near Cherbourg, before continuing your journey.
Ferry Companies Operating Routes from Ireland to France
From Ireland, you have the option of taking a ferry from Rosslare or Dublin. Two main ferry companies operate these routes:
Stena Line
Based in Sweden, Stena Line offers a variety of itineraries throughout Europe and is known for its reliability and interiors that combine comfort and entertainment.
Suggested routes:
Timetable and journey time information:
- Ferries often depart in the evening (between 6 pm and 9:30 pm) and arrive the following afternoon (between 2:30 pm and 4 pm).
- Journey time: approximately 18 hours.
- Frequency: Three times a week all year round on both routes.
- Useful info: France is in the same time zone as Spain and Germany and is one hour ahead of Ireland (e.g. when it’s 12pm in Dublin, it’s 1pm in Paris).
Irish Ferries
The well-known Irish Ferries fleet is based in Ireland and serves numerous destinations around the English Channel and the Irish Sea.
Suggested routes:
- Dublin – Cherbourg
- Cherbourg – Dublin
Timetable and journey time information:
- Ferries often depart in the afternoon (between 4 pm and 8 pm) and arrive the following afternoon (between 12:30 pm and 2 pm).
- Journey time: approximately 18 hours.
- Frequency: Between three and five times a week on both routes, with more departures in summer.
- Useful info: France is in the same time zone as Spain and Germany and is one hour ahead of Ireland (e.g. when it’s 12pm in Dublin, it’s 1pm in Paris).
This information may vary depending on the day of travel and the time of year. You will receive specific timetable details at the time of booking.
Where to go after disembarking from the ferry in France
Cherbourg offers many driving routes to northern Europe, Paris, Brittany, and the south of France. The easiest way to continue your journey is to take the motorway directly accessible from Cherbourg and head to your favorite destinations. However, here are a few interesting places you might want to visit before continuing your trip:
Mont-Saint-Michel
About a two-hour drive south from Cherbourg, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most visited places and was named one of the Seven Wonders of the World by Condé Nast Traveler. This tidal island, only accessible on foot when the tide is low, is home to a medieval abbey. If you climb to the top through its maze-like streets, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the bay and a glimpse into monastic life from centuries ago.
Saint-Malo
A 2.5-hour drive south from Cherbourg will bring you to the fortified Breton city of Saint-Malo. Once a bustling departure point for sailors and fishermen heading into the English Channel, today it is home to some of the finest Breton restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious crêpes and galettes before taking a stroll along the seafront, lined with grand mansions.
Omaha Beach
Just an hour’s drive from Cherbourg lies Omaha Beach, one of the key landing sites of the Allied forces on 6th June 1944. This solemn and well-preserved site is a place of reflection, where you can walk along the shore and remember this pivotal moment in European and world history.
Le Havre
Less than three hours north of Cherbourg, you’ll find Le Havre, France’s second-largest port after Marseille. The city is steeped in maritime history, rich traditions, and poetry. Many of its landmarks were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2005.
Ferry fares from Ireland to France
Prices can vary from one shipping line to another, and also depend on the options you choose for your crossing. The final fare depends on the following factors in particular:
- Traveling with a vehicle
- Passenger age
- You have chosen a cabin or a reserved seat
- Traveling with a pet
- You have chosen a round trip
In low season (November to March), you can find prices starting at €150 for one passenger and one vehicle. In mid-season (April-June and September-October), tickets are available from around €250. In high season (July-August), crossings start at an average of €500 for one person and one vehicle.
Helpful hint: note that the price is not the same for all passengers, since passengers on the same booking often share a car! For example, a Dublin-Cherbourg crossing might cost €350 for 1 person and their car, but €469 for 2 adults, 2 children and their car.
Book your ferry now on Ferryscanner to get the best prices! Check your favorite route on the website or the app and get ready to sail!
Why Take the Ferry from Ireland to France?
From Ireland, the only options for travelling to continental Europe are by plane or ferry. If you want to bring your car, then the ferry is the way to go! Of course, you could jump on a 3-hour boat to Liverpool, Fishgard or Holyhead, and drive down the UK to take the Eurotunnel, but isn’t it much more fun to hop on a long-distance ferry and sail across the sea instead? Here are some reasons why the ferry is a great choice:
- Extend your holiday – Taking a boat with family or friends can be an exciting experience! The journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
- Convenience – Ferry tickets are often cheaper for groups travelling with a car, especially when booked in advance.
- Breathtaking views – You’ll enjoy the stunning ocean scenery as you sail across the sea.
- Flexibility – Ferry companies offer a variety of schedules throughout the week.
- A greener journey – For destinations inaccessible by land, ferries are the only alternative to flying and produce fewer carbon emissions.
Travel Tips
Booking a ferry from Ireland to France is fun and convenient! However, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth journey:
- Book in advance – Especially during the summer season, to secure the best seats on the popular Ireland–France routes.
- Arrive early – Get to the port at least an hour before departure to avoid stress.
- Bring necessary travel documents – Including passports or identity cards and ferry tickets.
- Follow safety instructions – Listen to the crew’s guidance, keep personal belongings secure, and ensure your vehicle is properly parked in the ferry garage.
Book Your Ferry from Ireland to France Easily with Ferryscanner
Your itinerary is planned, your accommodation is booked, and you’ve got a list of France’s most beautiful spots to visit! With Ferryscanner, you can book your ferry tickets easily and even combine multiple ferry companies in a single booking. Bon voyage, as the French say!