Ferry from Cherbourg to Dublin

When planning your Cherbourg - Dublin ferry trip, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific passenger categories. Typically, infants and toddlers up to 3 years old, as well as children under 16, are entitled to lower ferry ticket prices.

Irish Ferries operates the Cherbourg - Dublin route with conventional cruise ferries, such as the W. B. Yeats and Isle of Inisheer. These vessels are designed for long-haul travel and feature modern amenities and services, such as:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and seating on outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Restaurants, cafés and bars serving a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals (including child-friendly, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options)
• Family-friendly entertainment, including onboard cinemas, children’s play areas, magic shows, live music, and games
• Duty-free shops and kiosks selling snacks, gifts and travel essentials
• Wi-Fi hotspot with free and premium options available to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The ferries serving the route from Cherbourg to Dublin are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, as well as adapted cabins and amenities.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

On the Cherbourg - Dublin ferry, you typically have the option of booking a reserved seat in the lounge or a cabin, for a more relaxed travel experience.

What types of cabins are on the ferry?

The ferries traveling from Cherbourg to Dublin have a range of cabins:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and family suites with a king-size bed, sofa, mini bar, coffee & tea maker, breakfast, club lounge access, and a sea view or balcony
• Adapted cabins for travelers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins have air conditioning, a TV, and an ensuite bathroom.

Cabin prices start at around €150.

Can I book business-class seats?

While Irish Ferries does not offer traditional business-class seating, you can book a reserved seat in a dedicated, air-conditioned lounge. These lounges feature luggage storage lockers, dimmed lighting in the evening, toilet and shower facilities, as well as a limited number of complimentary blankets and pillows.

Prices for reserved seats start at around €107.

Note: these seats are not suitable for infants or cots.

Luggage

With Irish Ferries, you can bring as much luggage as you can carry at no additional cost. You are allowed to carry 1 small piece of hand luggage with you, while the rest must be checked in through the luggage handling facility. Each checked-in item must not exceed 22 kg.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet on the Cherbourg - Dublin ferry, provided you include it in your booking. Pet ticket prices usually range from about €30 to €60.

During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle if there is a risk of biting.

Where can pets stay during the crossing?

The pet accommodation options on the Cherbourg - Dublin route differ from vessel to vessel:

• On the W.B. Yeats, you can book a place for your pet in the onboard kennels. During the trip, you can visit the kennels at allocated times and take your pet on a short walk on the outer decks.
• For journeys with the Isle of Inisheer, you can book a pet-friendly cabin. These cabins have access to an outside deck area, where you can walk your pet.

What documents are required?

You must bring your pet’s EU Pet Passport (or GB Animal Health Certificate), including microchip identification and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip). Keep in mind that for dogs, you will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before your arrival in Ireland.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from France to Dublin:

• The port of Cherbourg can get busy, so it’s best to arrive at least 1 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure. If you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s recommended to be there 2 hr in advance.
• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness tablets before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• When planning your trip, keep in mind that there is a 1-hr time difference between France and Ireland.
• If you are travelling to Dublin with a vehicle, remember that you will be driving on the left-hand side of the road once you arrive in Ireland! Don’t forget to book your return ticket on the Dublin - Cherbourg ferry in advance, as car deck spaces are limited.
• From the French port of Cherbourg, you can also travel to Rosslare in Ireland and Alderney in the Channel Islands. For more information on schedules, companies and ticket prices, have a look at the Cherbourg ferries.

Where to take the ferry from Cherbourg to Dublin

Ferries to Dublin normally depart from the port of Cherbourg (Gare Maritime Transmanche), which is on the northern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula. The ferry terminal is just 2 km from Cherbourg town centre.

The terminal is a modern facility with plenty of amenities, including a tourist information office, a fast-food outlet, baby-changing facilities, and free Wi-Fi. If you have some extra time, the Cité de la Mer maritime museum is right next door. There is free short-term parking in front of the terminal, though long-term options are limited.

How to get to the port of Cherbourg

• By car: from Paris, take the A13 and then the N13 directly to Cherbourg, then follow the signs to the port.
• By bus: you can hop on line 8 at the central train station (Cherbourg-Gare) and reach the Cinema-Hotel Atlantique stop near the terminal in about 10 min.
• By train: Cherbourg railway station is the terminus for direct services from Paris-Saint-Lazare (via Caen). The port is a 10-min drive or 25-min walk from from the station.
• By taxi: there are taxi stands directly outside the train station, with a trip from the town centre to the port typically taking less than 10 min.

Where does the ferry arrive in Dublin?

Ferries from Cherbourg usually dock at Terminal 1 at Dublin Port. The port is located at the mouth of the River Liffey, approximately 6 km east of the city centre of Dublin.

At the port, you’ll find a café, toilets, and car rental desks nearby. The terminal has easy access to the Dublin Port Tunnel, which connects you to the M50 motorway and Dublin Airport in about 15-20 min.