Ferry from Ireland to France

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

Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries operate the Ireland - France ferry routes with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Commodore Clipper, Pont-Aven, and W. B. Yeats, which are designed for long-distance travel. These vessels feature many modern amenities for a comfortable and relaxed journey, such as:

• 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 vessels operating the Ireland - France 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 Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries 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 Ireland - France ferry crossings are usually overnight, so you can sleep on the ferry and arrive fresh. The ferries have a wide range of private cabins for greater privacy and comfort during the trip.

Alternatively, on most ferries you can stretch out on a reserved seat in a dedicated air-conditioned lounge, with access to dedicated toilets and showers, and luggage lockers.

What cabins can I book?

The ferries from Ireland to France offer a range of cabin types. The availability depends on the route, operator and vessel:

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.

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.

Can I book business-class seats?

Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries do not offer business-class seats on Ireland - France ferries, however, 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.

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.

Pet travel

You can bring your pet on the Ireland - France ferry, provided you include it 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 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 dogs also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before your return to Ireland.

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

• The Irish ports can get busy, so plan your arrival at least 1.5-2 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure to allow time for check-in and boarding, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle.
• 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 Ireland and France.
• If you are travelling to France with a vehicle, remember that you will be driving on the right-hand side of the road once you arrive in France!
• Don’t forget to book your return ticket on the France - Ireland ferry in advance, as cabins and car deck spaces are limited.
• From the Irish ports, you can also sail to many destinations in the UK and Spain. For more details, check out the Ireland - England and Ireland - Spain ferries.

Where to take the ferry from Ireland to France

Ferries to France depart from Dublin Port, Ringaskiddy near Cork and Rosslare Europort, depending on your route.

• Dublin Port is Ireland’s main ferry terminal, and is about 3 km east of Dublin city centre and around 10 km from Dublin Airport. Irish Ferries departs from Terminal 1 at Dublin Port, on Terminal Road South.
• The Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal, also known as Cork Ferry Port, is on the western side of Cork Harbour, in the town of Ringaskiddy. The terminal is about 16 km from Cork city centre and around 15 km from Cork Airport.
• Rosslare Europort, the main ferry terminal in Rosslare Harbour, is about 8 km from the village of Rosslare. The port is in County Wexford, on the southeastern coast of Ireland, roughly 20 km from Wexford, 75 km from Waterford, and 170 km from Dublin.

How to get to the ports in Ireland?

Getting to Dublin port

• By car: you can easily reach the port via the M50 motorway and the Dublin Port Tunnel by following signs for Dublin Port and your ferry terminal.
• By bus: several local buses serve the port area or nearby stops, including lines from the city centre, such as routes 53 and 151. From there, it’s a short taxi ride or walk to the terminal.
• From Dublin Airport: the port is about a 20-min drive from the airport. You can drive there directly or go via the city centre and then transfer to a local bus or taxi.
• By taxi: taxis are widely available throughout Dublin and are very convenient if you have luggage.

Getting to Cork port

• By car: from central Cork, follow the N27 south, join the eastbound N40, then take exit 9 for the N28 towards Ringaskiddy and follow signs for the ferry terminal.
• By bus: buses 223 and 225 take around 40-50 min to reach Ringaskiddy, where the stop is about a 10-min walk from the port.
• By train: the nearest railway station is Cork Kent, which is a 30-min drive or 1-hr bus ride from the port.
• By taxi: the taxi ride to the port takes around 30 min from the centre of Cork and 20-25 min from the airport.

Getting to Rosslare port

• By car: Rosslare Europort is at the end of the N25, with the drive taking about 20 min from Wexford Town, about 1 hr 20 min from Waterford and 2 hr 15 min from Dublin.
• By train: the Rosslare Europort railway station is about a 10-min walk from the ferry terminal.
• By bus: the bus terminal is just outside the port, with the TFI Local Link route 387 connecting Rosslare Europort with Wexford several times a day.
• By taxi: taxis are available to and from the port, usually outside the terminal building.
• From the airport: Dublin Airport is roughly 180 km away, with the drive taking around 2.5 hr. Public transport options normally involve a bus or rail connection via Wexford.

Where does the ferry arrive in France?

Ferries from Dublin and Rosslare arrive at Cherbourg, in Normandy, while ferries from Cork arrive at Roscoff, in Brittany.

• In Cherbourg, ferries usually dock at the Gare Maritime Transmanche, also known as the Terminal Car-Ferry, within the commercial ferry port. The port is around 2.5 km from the town centre and the local railway station, where trains connect with Caen and Paris Saint-Lazare. At the ferry terminal, you will find an information desk, a restaurant, toilets, showers, Wi-Fi and taxis.
• In Roscoff, ferries arrive at Port de Bloscon (Gare Maritime de Roscoff), about 1.5 km from the centre of Roscoff and 55 km from Brest Bretagne Airport (BES). The ferry terminal has a café/bar, an information desk, toilets, showers and free Wi-Fi, with facilities available during terminal opening hours.