Via Great Britain to Ireland
The 'Landbridge' routes from Great Britain are the most popular choice for travellers from the UK, as well as those from Europe driving through the UK. They offer the highest frequency and shortest crossing times.
Holyhead - Dublin
The most significant ferry link to the Republic of Ireland is the route from Holyhead in North Wales to Dublin. Both Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate on this short sea crossing (approx. 115 km) with numerous daily departures. The journey takes around 3 to 3.5 hours depending on the ship (fast ferries in the summer season can take just over 2 hours). This route is the best choice for: Dublin, the entire east coast, the Midlands and as a central hub for trips across the island.
Holyhead - Dublin
2 Ferry CompaniesFishguard - Rosslare
Stena Line operates a service from Fishguard in South Wales to Rosslare in the south-east of Ireland, with a crossing time of around 3.5 hours. There are usually one or two departures daily. This route is ideal for: The south-east (Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny), the south (Cork) and the south-west (Kerry). It is a perfect choice for travellers driving from southern England or South Wales.
Fishguard - Rosslare
Pembroke - Rosslare
Irish Ferries operates from Pembroke in South Wales to Rosslare, with a crossing time of around 4 hours. The service typically runs twice daily. This route is suitable for: Reaching the south-east, Cork, Kerry and Dublin. It serves as an excellent alternative to the Fishguard route for those travelling via the Pembrokeshire region.
Pembroke - Rosslare
Via Great Britain to Northern Ireland
For travel to Northern Ireland, ferries from Scotland and Liverpool offer convenient access, often with very short crossing times.
Cairnryan - Belfast
Stena Line operates up to six daily services from Cairnryan in south-west Scotland to Belfast. The crossing takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. This short route is ideal for: Belfast, the Antrim coast (Giant’s Causeway) and Derry~Londonderry. It is also a strategic entry point for the Republic of Ireland (Dublin is approx. 2 hours away). Perfect for travellers coming from Scotland or Northern England.
Cairnryan - Belfast
Cairnryan - Larne
P&O Ferries operates the route from Cairnryan to Larne with several departures daily. The crossing takes around 2 hours, making it the fastest connection to Northern Ireland. This route is suitable for: The east coast of Northern Ireland, the Glens of Antrim and the Causeway Coastal Route.
Cairnryan - Larne
Liverpool - Belfast
Stena Line offers a direct connection from Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast with a crossing time of around 8 hours. This is typically an overnight service with cabins (approx. two departures per day). This route is perfect for: Travellers from central and southern England who prefer to sail directly to Northern Ireland without the long drive north to Scotland.
Liverpool - Belfast
From France directly to Ireland
These routes are popular with travellers from continental Europe or UK residents returning from holidays in France who wish to avoid driving back through Great Britain.
Cherbourg - Rosslare
Brittany Ferries operates this route up to five times a week, all year round. The crossing takes approximately 17-18 hours. (Note: Stena Line will discontinue its service on this route at the end of September 2025). This route is ideal for: The south-east, Dublin and the south of Ireland.
Cherbourg - Rosslare
2 Ferry Companies
Cherbourg - Dublin
Irish Ferries offers a direct connection from Cherbourg to Dublin several times a week, taking around 19 hours. This route is perfect for: Reaching the Irish capital and the northern half of the island directly from France.
Cherbourg - Dublin
Roscoff - Cork
Brittany Ferries sails from Roscoff to Cork up to twice a week with a crossing time of around 14 hours-the shortest direct link between France and Ireland. This route is the best choice for: The south-west coast (Kerry, West Cork) and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Roscoff - Cork
Dunkirk - Rosslare
DFDS operates a service from Dunkirk to Rosslare, taking around 24 hours. This overnight route is ideal for: Travellers from Northern Europe (Germany, Benelux) seeking a direct sea route to Ireland.
Dunkirk - Rosslare
From Spain directly to Ireland
For travellers looking to transport a vehicle between Spain and Ireland without driving through France and the UK, direct ferries are available.
Bilbao - Rosslare
Brittany Ferries operates a direct route from Bilbao to Rosslare twice a week. The journey is a two-night crossing, typically taking between 28 and 30 hours. This route is ideal for: Travellers from the Iberian Peninsula or southern France.
Bilbao - Rosslare
Santander - Rosslare
Brittany Ferries provides a connection from Santander to Rosslare. This service is seasonal (running mainly in winter, e.g. November to March) and typically operates once a week with a crossing time of around 28 hours. Note that return sailings are often not available on this specific route, requiring a return via Bilbao. This route is suitable for: Travellers in central Spain or Cantabria during the winter season.
[Santander - Rosslare]