Ferry from France to Ireland

When planning your trip with the France to Ireland ferry, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available to specific passenger categories. While these discounts differ from one company to another, you can generally expect infants and toddlers up to 3 years old to travel for free, while children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket rates.

The France to Ireland ferry routes are served by conventional cruise ferries, such as the Commodore Clipper, Pont-Aven, and W. B. Yeats. These vessels are designed for long-distance travel and feature many modern amenities, including:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and seating on outer decks to enjoy the sea views
• 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, TV lounges, children’s play areas, video game areas, live music and entertainers
• 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 Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries vessels serving the France - Ireland ferry routes are generally accessible, with ramps and lifts between decks, accessible seating and amenities in common areas, and cabins with adapted amenities for passengers with disabilities.

Both operators offer boarding and disembarkation assistance upon request at least 48 hr before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so we recommend contacting the ferry company at the time of booking for further details and information.

Cabins and accommodation

Can you sleep on the Irish ferry to France?

Yes, the ferries from France to Ireland usually travel overnight, so you can sleep onboard and arrive fresh the next day. The most comfortable option is to book a private cabin, especially if you are travelling with children or pets. Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries also offer budget-friendly reserved seats in a dedicated lounge on most ferries.

What cabins can I book?

On the France to Ireland ferry crossings, you can typically choose from a range of cabin types. The availability depends on the route, operator and vessel:

Brittany Ferries

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and suites with a double bed, extra amenities and a sea view
• Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins feature a desk, toiletries, and an ensuite bathroom.

Prices for private cabins start at around €160.

Irish Ferries

• 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 €250.

Can I book business-class seats?

Although Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries do not offer business-class seats on France - Ireland ferries, you can book a reserved seat. Generally, these reclining seats are in quieter lounges with dimmed lighting in the evening, and have access to toilet and shower facilities.

Alternatively, for a first-class travel experience, both operators offer deluxe cabins and suites, which have more space, double beds and additional amenities.

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.

When travelling with Brittany Ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, regardless of size or weight, at no extra cost. You can store your luggage in the baggage room, which remains closed until 20-30 min before arrival. For more details, contact the reception desk when you board the ferry.

Travelling with pets

Pets are generally allowed on France to France ferries, provided you include them in your booking. During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in a suitable carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead. The ferries have designated walking areas, however, pets are not allowed in standard cabins, lounges or dining areas.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, as well as tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

The pet accommodation options depend on the operator, route and vessel:

• Brittany Ferries: your pet can either stay in a pet-friendly cabin, in the onboard kennels or in your vehicle. Keep in mind that only the Santoña and Pont-Aven have kennels, while the Armorique only allows pets in vehicles.
• Irish Ferries: on the W.B. Yeats, your pet can stay in the onboard kennels, and on the Isle of Inisheer, you can book a pet-friendly cabin.

Important: if you decide to leave your pet in your vehicle, try to leave a window slightly open for ventilation.

What pet documents do I need?

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 dogs also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before arriving in Ireland.

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

• The French ports get crowded, so it’s best to arrive at least 2 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure, especially if you are bringing a vehicle with you.
• 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 with a vehicle, remember that you will be driving on the left-hand side of the road once you arrive in Ireland!
• When planning your trip, make sure you book your return tickets on the France - Ireland ferry in advance, as cabins and car deck spaces are limited.
• From the ports of Cherbourg and Roscoff, you can also travel to the Channel Islands and England! For more information on routes, companies and ticket prices, have a look at our pages on Cherbourg ferries and Roscoff ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from France to Ireland

Ferries to Ireland normally set sail from Cherbourg in Normandy and Roscoff in Brittany:

• In Cherbourg, ferries leave from the Gare Maritime Transmanche, the main ferry terminal in the Quai de Normandie area, around 2 km from the town centre and 15 km from Cherbourg-Maupertus Airport. The terminal has toilets, tourist information, Wi-Fi and refreshments during ferry arrivals and departures.
• In Roscoff, departures are from the Brittany Ferries terminal at Port du Bloscon, around 1.5 km from the town centre and 55 km from Brest Bretagne Airport. Here, you’ll find an information desk, a departure lounge, toilets and free Wi-Fi, with Le Transmanche café beside the terminal.

At either port, follow the check-in instructions on your booking and allow extra time if you’re travelling with a vehicle or during busy holiday periods.

How to get to the ports in France?

Getting to Cherbourg port

• On foot: it takes 20-30 min to reach the port on foot from the town centre.
• By car: follow the N13 towards Cherbourg, then the D901 and signs for the ferry terminal.
• By bus: Cap Cotentin line 8 connects Cherbourg-Gare railway station with the Terminal Ferry stop in around 15 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 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.

Getting to Roscoff port

• By car: you can reach Roscoff via the N58 from Morlaix or the D69 from Brest and by following signs for Port de Bloscon or Gare Maritime.
• By bus: BreizhGo line 929 connects Morlaix, Saint-Pol-de-Léon and Roscoff, with the Morlaix-Roscoff journey taking about 35 min. The bus does not enter the ferry terminal, so allow time to walk from the nearest stop in Roscoff.
• By train: there is no railway station in Roscoff, but the nearest one is in Morlaix (24 km south), with direct TGV services from Paris and Rennes. From Morlaix station, you can continue by bus or taxi straight to Roscoff.
• By taxi: a taxi ride from Morlaix takes around 25-30 min, while the drive from Brest Airport takes around 45 min to 1 hr.

Where does the ferry arrive in Ireland?

Ferries from France arrive at Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort or Ringaskiddy Ferry Port, depending on your route.

• Dublin: ferries usually dock at Terminal 1 at Dublin Port, which is about 6 km east of the city centre of Dublin. The terminal has easy access to the Dublin Port Tunnel, which connects you to the M50 motorway and Dublin Airport. At the port, you’ll find a café, toilets, and car rental desks nearby.
• Rosslare: the main ferry terminal in Rosslare Harbour is about 8 km from Rosslare, in County Wexford, in southeastern Ireland. At the port, you will find basic traveller amenities, with accommodation and shops in the village of Rosslare.
• Cork: Cork Ferry Port (also known as Ringaskiddy Ferry Port) is on the western side of Cork Harbour, around 16 km from the centre of Cork and 15 km from Cork Airport. At the terminal, you will find basic traveller amenities, with more options available in Ringaskiddy, Carrigaline, Cork and the airport.