Who hasn’t dreamed of discovering the scorched lands of Connemara, walking the dark lochs of Kerry or visiting the ruined castles of another era? Ireland offers incredible coastal landscapes, towns steeped in history and a gentle sense of returning to nature.
To get to know the Emerald Isle better, there’s nothing like exploring 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 Breton and Norman coasts from Ireland.
In this article, we reveal the major France to Ireland ferry routes to help you prepare for your adventure to this enchanting country.
Article overview:
- Ferry France to Ireland: stopover in Cherbourg, Normandy
- Possible shipping companies for a ferry France to Ireland
- How to reach Ireland from France by ferry
- Ferry fares France to Ireland
- Why go to Ireland by boat?
- Travel tips
- Book your France-Ireland ferry tickets easily with Ferryscanner
Ferry France to Ireland: stopover in Cherbourg, Normandy
All aboard! You’re all set to set off with family and friends for the Emerald Isle. First stop? The beautiful Normandy port city of Cherbourg. There, you’ll have a choice of two shipping companies to take you to Ireland.
Although departures have been possible from Brest or Roscoff in the past, Brittany no longer has an active line to its Celtic cousin. But if you’re coming from further south, it’s a good excuse to make a quick stop at Mont-Saint-Michel before heading for Cherbourg!
Possible shipping companies for a ferry France to Ireland
Ireland is mainly reached via the ports of Rosslare and Dublin (the capital), arriving from France. Two shipping companies offer a wide choice of departures on different days and at different times from Cherbourg.
Stena Line
Based in Sweden, Stena Line has routes all over Europe and is known for its reliability and interiors that combine comfort and entertainment.
Suggested itineraries :
Timetable and journey time information
- Ferries often depart in the evening (between 6pm and 9:30pm) and arrive in the early afternoon (between 12:30pm and 2pm).
- Journey time: approx. 18 hours
- Frequency: 3 times a week all year round on both routes
- Useful info: Ireland is in the same time zone as the UK and Portugal, and is an hour behind France (e.g.: when it’s 12:00 in Paris, it’s 11:00 in Dublin).
Irish Ferries
The well-known Irish Ferries fleet is based in Ireland and serves numerous destinations around the English Channel and Irish Sea.
Suggested itineraries :
- Cherbourg-Dublin
- Dublin-Cherbourg
Timetable and journey time information
- Ferries often depart in the afternoon (between 4pm and 8pm) and arrive in the late morning (between 11:30am and 1pm).
- Journey time: approx. 18 hours
- Frequency: between 3 and 5 times a week, on both routes, with more departures in summer.
- Useful info: Ireland is in the same time zone as the UK and Portugal, and is one hour behind France. (e.g. 12:00 in Paris, 11:00 in Dublin).
*This information may vary according to the days of the crossing and the time of year. You will be informed of the timetable for each trip at the time of booking.
How to reach Ireland from France by ferry
As mentioned, there are two main routes through Ireland. Although you can cross the country from west to east and from south to north in just a few hours by car, it’s important to choose your destination port carefully to make the most of your vacation according to your interests.
From Cherbourg to Rosslare
With a crossing that may be slightly shorter, you’ll reach the southern part of the country directly by docking at Rosslare. Rosslare is equidistant between Dublin and Cork, but if it’s the old ports of the south and the rugged cliffs of Kerry that appeal to you, you’ll enjoy following the coast from Waterford to Cork before reaching Killarney and the famous Ring of Kerry. In this case, we recommend taking a ferry France to Ireland to Rosslare.
From Cherbourg to Dublin
When you wake up on deck in the morning, you’ll catch a glimpse of Ireland’s east coast as the boat sails along. A breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime sight! Arriving in Dublin, you’ll plunge straight into the urban heart of the Irish capital, where you may be planning to stay for a few days. From here, you can also easily reach the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast, accessible from the freeway, or head north to discover the Giant’s Causeway and Donegal ! If you like this itinerary, your France-Ireland ferry should dock in Dublin.
Ferry fares from France to Ireland
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 Cherbourg-Dublin crossing might cost €350 for 1 person and their car, but €469 for 2 adults, 2 children and their car.
Why go to Ireland by boat?
The beauty of the Emerald Isle makes it worthwhile to discover the secluded coves, secret corners of the west coast and enchanting ruins known only to the locals. And for that, nothing beats having your own car! But that’s not the only reason to travel to Ireland by ferry:
- Extend your vacation: taking a boat with family or friends can be an exciting experience to share! An exceptional moment that makes the journey an integral part of the trip.
- Convenience: ferry tickets are often cheaper for a group of people with a car, especially if booked in advance.
- Breathtaking views: during the crossing, you can enjoy a marine spectacle that only the ocean can offer.
- Flexibility: shipping lines offer a variety of schedules throughout the week.
- A greener journey: for a destination inaccessible by land, the ferry is the only alternative to the plane, and emits less carbon dioxide than its flying counterpart.
Travel tips
Booking a ferry from France to Ireland is fun and convenient! However, we recommend that you follow a few tips to ensure that your trip goes smoothly.
- Try to book your tickets well in advance to guarantee the best seats on the France-Ireland ferries, which are very popular during the summer.
- Arrive at the port at least one hour before your departure time to ensure stress-free boarding.
- Bring all necessary travel documents, including identity cards, passports and tickets. Please note that you will not need to present your passport to enter Northern Ireland if you are entering by land from the Republic of Ireland.
- During the crossing, always follow the crew’s instructions and pay attention to safety instructions. Remember to keep your personal belongings in sight at all times, and if you’re traveling with vehicles, make sure they’re secured in the ferry’s vehicle deck.
Book your France-Ireland ferry tickets easily with Ferryscanner
Your itinerary is ready, and you’ve already made a list of Ireland’s most beautiful castles to visit? Now all you have to do is buy the boat tickets to take you, your loved ones, and your car to the Emerald Isle!
With Ferryscanner, book your ferry tickets easily, with the possibility of sailing with several shipping companies in a single booking! Bon voyage, and as we say in Ireland… Sláinte!