Cherbourg - Dublin
In 20 hours from France directly to the capital of Ireland
From
€78
Route comparison
Ferries to Ireland
Compare the sea crossing, road journey and vehicle rules to choose the right route to Ireland
- Direct routes from France and Dunkirk without driving through Great Britain
- Short sea crossings via Wales with two separate ferry bookings
- Compare routes to Dublin, Rosslare, Cork and Belfast by your destination
Popular routes
Our most frequently booked routes to Ireland.
Prices per person, one way
Ireland route map
All ferry routes at a glance
Interactive map of ferry routes for travelling to Ireland. Select a route for details.
- Brittany Ferries
- Irish Ferries
- DFDS
- Stena Line
- P&O Ferries
- Eurotunnel
Brittany Ferries15 hours 59 minutes
Preise prüfen →Irish Ferries19 hours 15 minutes
Preise prüfen →Brittany Ferries12 hours
Preise prüfen →DFDS23 hours
Preise prüfen →Irish Ferries3 hours 15 minutes
Preise prüfen →Stena Line3 hours 15 minutes
Preise prüfen →Stena Line3 hours 30 minutes
Preise prüfen →Irish Ferries4 hours 1 minute
Preise prüfen →P&O Ferries2 hours
Preise prüfen →Stena Line2 hours 15 minutes
Preise prüfen →Stena Line8 hours
Preise prüfen →P&O Ferries11 hours
Preise prüfen →Stena Line5 hours 30 minutes
Preise prüfen →DFDS2 hours
Preise prüfen →Eurotunnel35 minutes
Preise prüfen →DFDS1 hour 40 minutes
Preise prüfen →P&O Ferries1 hour 30 minutes
Preise prüfen →Irish Ferries1 hour 30 minutes
Preise prüfen →Ferries to Ireland
Direct from mainland Europe or via Great Britain?
Time at sea is only one part of choosing a route. Also compare the drive to the departure port, the number of check-ins, border formalities, vehicle costs and your final destination in Ireland. Direct routes from mainland Europe combine the journey into one long crossing. The landbridge through Great Britain splits it into two ferry journeys with a substantial drive on British roads in between.
Direct routes to Ireland
Ferries sail from Cherbourg to Rosslare and Dublin. Cherbourg - Rosslare is particularly convenient for Wexford, Waterford and the south-east, while Cherbourg - Dublin takes you straight to the capital region. The seasonal Roscoff - Cork route suits journeys to Cork, Kerry and the south-west.
Dunkirk - Rosslare can be a convenient mainland departure for travellers from the Benelux countries and northern Europe. DFDS carries passengers with vehicles only on this route; a cabin and meals are included in the booking package. The frequency changes during 2026, so check the route page and timetable for the dependable current position.
There are also seasonal sailings from northern Spain to Rosslare. Bilbao - Rosslare has its own route page; Santander is particularly relevant if your journey already starts on the Iberian Peninsula. Check the operating period for your travel date on either route.
Two ferries via Great Britain
Holyhead - Dublin is the main corridor for Dublin. For Rosslare, you can choose between Fishguard - Rosslare and Pembroke - Rosslare. For Belfast and Northern Ireland, options include Cairnryan - Belfast, Cairnryan - Larne and Liverpool - Belfast.
The first crossing is via the English Channel or the North Sea. Common combinations use Calais - Dover or Calais - Folkestone, followed by a route from Wales. Alternatively, an overnight ferry from Hoek van Holland or Rotterdam reduces the amount of driving through southern England.
Do not plan the two bookings as if they were a guaranteed connection. If the first ferry is delayed or road traffic is slow, the second operator will not normally wait. A generous buffer or an overnight stop before the Irish Sea makes the journey more reliable. The guide to ferries via England and Wales brings the details together.
How to compare the routes
- Destination in Ireland: Dublin favours Cherbourg - Dublin or Holyhead - Dublin. Rosslare is convenient for the south-east, while arriving in Cork suits Cork and Kerry.
- Vehicle: For a motorhome, measure the length and height including a bike rack, roof box and trailer. Booking the wrong category can affect the fare and whether the vehicle is accepted.
- Dog: Before booking, check whether your specific sailing offers a pet-friendly cabin, kennel or another arrangement. Entry requirements are covered in the guide to taking a dog to Ireland.
- Total cost: Use the price guide to compare the same dates and vehicle configuration. For the landbridge, include both ferries, fuel, tolls and any stopover.
- Departure: Use the timetable for planning, then confirm the final departure with the operator and in your booking confirmation on the day of travel.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about ferries to Ireland
Clear answers to the most important questions about ferries to Ireland.
Which ferry routes go to Ireland?+
There are two main ways to reach Ireland. Direct sailings from mainland Europe include Cherbourg - Rosslare, Cherbourg - Dublin and Roscoff - Cork from France, plus Dunkirk - Rosslare from northern France and Bilbao - Rosslare across the Bay of Biscay. Routes via Great Britain include Holyhead - Dublin, Fishguard - Rosslare and Pembroke - Rosslare from Wales.
How long is the ferry crossing to Ireland?+
The time at sea varies considerably by route and vessel. The individual crossings via Great Britain are short, but you need two bookings and a drive across the country. Direct sailings from mainland Europe involve an overnight stay on board. Current departure and journey times are listed in the timetable and on the route pages.
How much does the ferry to Ireland cost?+
There is no single cheapest option. For the same travel date, compare the full journey: ferries, vehicle category, cabin, fuel, possible tolls and any overnight stay. The price guide explains useful comparison scenarios; only the booking window shows the final price.