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Ferry from Ireland to France: complete guide for 2026
Reach mainland Europe by ferry!You can reach mainland Europe from Ireland by taking a ferry to northern France. Year-round direct crossings are available from Cork, Dublin and Rosslare to the French ports of Roscoff and Cherbourg. Traveling by ferry from Ireland to France enables you to bring your car, avoid airport queues and enjoy a relaxing journey across the Celtic Sea.
On Ferryhopper, you can compare all ferry routes from Ireland to France, check real-time timetables and ticket prices, discover the latest offers, and book your ferry tickets online with no hidden fees.
Here's everything you need to know about planning your ferry trip from Ireland to France in 2026.
The Rosslare lighthouse, off the southeast coast of Ireland
Ferry routes from Ireland to France
There are 3 direct ferry routes connecting Ireland with France, departing from Cork, Dublin and Rosslare. Ferries arrive at the French ports of Roscoff and Cherbourg, offering convenient access to Brittany, Normandy and the rest of mainland Europe.
Ferries from Cork to Roscoff
The Cork - Roscoff ferry route is operated by Brittany Ferries, with up to 2 weekly crossings. The journey usually takes around 15.5 to 17 hours, depending on the itinerary, while ferry tickets start at around €73.
This route is a popular choice for travelers heading to Brittany, as Roscoff is just a short drive from destinations such as Brest, Saint-Malo and the Pink Granite Coast. It's also ideal if you're planning a road trip through western France or onwards to Spain and Portugal.
Ferries from Dublin to Cherbourg
The Dublin - Cherbourg ferry route is operated by Irish Ferries, with up to 6-7 weekly departures throughout the year. The crossing usually takes 18 to 20 hours and ferry tickets start at around €103.
Arriving in Cherbourg gives you easy access to Normandy and the wider French motorway network, making this route a great option for travelers bringing their own vehicle and exploring mainland Europe at their own pace.
Ferries from Rosslare to Cherbourg
From Rosslare you can travel by ferry to Cherbourg all year round with Brittany Ferries. There are usually up to 3 weekly crossings that take around 17 to 18 hours. Ferry tickets start at around €80.
As Ireland's closest ferry port to continental Europe, Rosslare is a convenient departure point for travelers coming from the south and east of Ireland. Once in Cherbourg, you can continue your journey to destinations across France or travel onwards to neighbouring countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Small boats docked near the town of Roscoff
Tickets, offers & discounts for Ireland - France ferries 2026
Ireland - France ferry ticket prices
Ferry ticket prices from Ireland to France usually start at around €73 to €103, depending on the route and whether you’re travelling with a vehicle. Here are some indicative starting prices:
- Cork - Roscoff: from €73 (Brittany Ferries, direct)
- Dublin - Cherbourg: from €80 (Brittany Ferries, direct)
- Rosslare Cherbourg: from €103 (Irish Ferries, direct)
All 3 routes are convenient options if you choose to travel with a vehicle as upon arrival you'll be able to easily continue your journey through France and onwards to other European destinations.
Keep in mind that these prices are indicative for standard bookings. If you're travelling as a family or group and sharing a vehicle or cabin, the overall cost per person can be lower as the vehicle and accommodation costs are split between passengers.
Your final ferry ticket price will depend on the selected route, ferry company, travel dates, accommodation type, and whether you're travelling as a foot passenger or with a vehicle.
Useful info: for your return trip, don’t forget to take a look at our dedicated guide on ferries from France to Ireland!
Offers and discounts
When travelling by ferry from Ireland to France, you can take advantage of discounts offered by ferry companies throughout the year. Any available offers are automatically applied when booking on Ferryhopper, so you'll always see the best available price.
Discount policies vary depending on the ferry operator, but children often benefit from reduced fares, while infants and toddlers usually travel free of charge. Additional discounts may also be available for selected passenger categories or during promotional periods.
If you're planning your trip well in advance, it's worth keeping an eye out for seasonal promotions and early-booking offers. Ferry companies occasionally release limited-time deals, especially for spring and summer crossing, helping you secure lower fares for your Ireland to France ferry trip.
You can find all the latest offers and compare available tickets prices on Ferryhopper before booking.
The wild coast of Cherbourg
On-board services & amenities
Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries offer a wide range of services on their conventional ferries from Ireland to France. Depending on your route and ferry operator, you can usually find:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Lounges with comfy seating
- Shops for last-minute purchases
- Children's play areas and entertainment
- Private cabins for overnight trips
- Wi-Fi to stay connected during the journey
Accessibility
Both Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries offer services and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including accessible cabins, lifts and assistance during boarding and disembarkation.
If you require assistance, it's recommended to inform the ferry company when booking your tickets so that the appropriate arrangements can be made.
Cabins & accommodation
As all ferry routes from Ireland to France are overnight or long-distance crossings, booking a cabin is highly recommended for a more comfortable journey. Depending on the ferry company and vessel, you can choose from a range of cabin types, including:
- Standard interior cabins
- Exterior cabins with a sea view
- Deluxe cabins and family suites with extra amenities
- Adapted cabins for travelers with disabilities
- Pet-friendly cabins
All cabins have air conditioning, a wardrobe and an ensuite bathroom, with prices typically starting at around €170.
Alternatively, a standard seat is included in your ticket.
Luggage
When travelling with Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries, you may bring as many pieces of luggage as you can fit into your vehicle.
Both Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries allow passengers to bring as much luggage as they can comfortably carry on board, without the strict baggage restrictions typically associated with air travel.
If you're travelling with a vehicle, you can also pack everything you need for your trip directly in your car.
Keep in mind that access to the vehicle deck is not permitted during the crossing, so it's a good idea to pack a small overnight bag with your essential belongings before boarding.
Pet travel
Pets are welcome on all ferry routes from Ireland to France, although the available facilities depend on the operator and vessel.
On the Cork - Roscoff and Rosslare - Cherbourg routes with Brittany Ferries, pets can travel in on-board kennels or pet-friendly cabins on selected ships. Dedicated outdoor areas are also available on many vessels.
On the Dublin - Cherbourg route with Irish Ferries, pet facilities vary by ship. On W.B. Yeats, pets stay in pre-booked kennels that owners can visit at designated times during the crossing. On Isle of Inisheer, pets can stay with their owners in designated pet-friendly cabins, subject to availability.
Remember that all pets travelling between Ireland and France must meet the relevant entry requirements, including microchipping, valid travel documentation and rabies vaccination. Dogs returning to Ireland must also receive tapeworm treatment within the required timeframe before arrival.
The city of Dublin facing the Irish Sea
FAQs about Ireland - France ferries
Can you get a ferry from Ireland to France?
Yes, you can travel directly from Ireland to France by ferry all year round. There are 3 ferry routes connecting Cork and Rosslare with Cherbourg and Roscoff, operated by Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries.
What documents do I need to travel from Ireland to France?
As Ireland and France are both members of the European Union, Irish and EU citizens travelling between the two countries generally need a valid passport or national identity card, depending on their nationality.
British citizens must travel with a valid passport. As France is part of the Schengen Area, UK nationals can visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
Travelers from other countries outside the EU should check the latest passport and visa requirements before travelling. If you're travelling with a pet, you'll also need to ensure it meets the relevant EU pet travel requirements.
How much is the cheapest ferry from Ireland to France?
The cheapest ferry from Ireland to France is usually the Cork - Roscoff route, with ferry tickets starting at around €73 for a foot passenger.
Ticket prices vary depending on the route, ferry company, travel dates, accommodation type and whether you're traveling with a vehicle.
You can find the lowest available fares and compare all Ireland to France ferry routes on Ferryhopper.
How long is the ferry from Ireland to France?
The ferry journey from Ireland to France takes between 15.5 and 20 hours, depending on the route and ferry company.
- Cork - Roscoff: Around 15.5-17 hours
- Rosslare - Cherbourg: Around 17-18 hours
- Dublin - Cherbourg: Around 18-20 hours
What is the fastest ferry from Ireland to France?
The Cork - Roscoff ferry is the fastest route from Ireland to France, with a crossing time of around 15 hr 30 min.
Can I travel on the ferry from Ireland to France with a car?
Yes, all ferry routes from Ireland to France allow passengers to travel with a car, motorcycle, camper van, or bicycle. Traveling with your own vehicle is one of the most convenient ways to explore France and continue your journey across mainland Europe.
Make sure to bring along your driving licence, as well as vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Which ferry companies operate from Ireland to France?
There are 2 ferry companies operating direct ferry routes from Ireland to France:
- Brittany Ferries, operating the Cork - Roscoff and Rosslare - Cherbourg routes
- Irish Ferries, which services the Dublin - Cherbourg route
When is the best time to book Ireland - France ferry tickets?
For the best choice of departure times and fares, it’s generally recommended to book your Ireland - France ferry tickets on Ferryhopper well in advance. This way, you can compare routes and operators, find the best prices, and secure your spot before arriving at the port.
A ferry approaching the sandy coastline of northern France
Book your Ireland to France ferry tickets for 2026
Ready to set off on your next European adventure? Whether you're heading to the beaches of Brittany or exploring the historic towns of Normandy, ferries from Ireland to France offer a convenient way to reach mainland Europe.
On Ferryhopper, you can compare ferry companies, check timetables and prices, and book your Ireland - France ferry tickets quickly and securely. Use our Map of ferries to plan your 2026 trip and discover the best connections across Europe!