Ferry Ireland
Cherbourg - Dublin
The direct ferry from France to Ireland - a relaxed crossing over the Celtic Sea, no detour via Britain
- Up to 6 departures a week - a comfortable overnight crossing leaving in the afternoon
- Direct route in around 19 hours with Irish Ferries from Cherbourg
- Car, motorhome or on foot - pets travel in a kennel or pet-friendly cabin
Cherbourg - Dublin
The direct ferry from mainland Europe to Ireland
The Cherbourg - Dublin route links the Normandy port on the Cotentin Peninsula directly with the Irish capital, with no detour via Britain. At around 19 to 20 hours, it is the classic direct connection between France and Ireland - ideal if you want your holiday to start comfortably on board.
The route is operated by Irish Ferries with the modern cruise ferry W.B. Yeats, one of the most comfortable ships on the North Atlantic. On board you will find self-service and à la carte restaurants, bars and lounges, a cinema, free Wi-Fi and 440 en-suite cabins, including luxury suites with a private balcony. The crossing runs overnight, so you travel in comfort and save on a hotel stay at the same time. Whether you are travelling by car, motorhome or on foot, Cherbourg - Dublin is the most relaxed way to reach Ireland from mainland Europe.
- Crossing time
- approx. 19-20 hrs
- Operator
- Irish Ferries
- Frequency
- approx. 6x per week
- From
- €91
Next departures
Route guide
Cherbourg - Dublin ferry at a glance
Everything about the Cherbourg - Dublin route with Irish Ferries: getting to the Gare Maritime, check-in times, facilities on board the W.B. Yeats, vehicle and pet rules, and onward travel from Dublin's ferry terminal.
Getting to the terminal in Cherbourg
The ferry departs from the Gare Maritime in 50100 Cherbourg, at the northern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy. The French motorway network makes the port an easy drive from Paris, and it is also a manageable journey from Belgium and the Netherlands, or further afield in mainland Europe.
Travelling without a car, regular trains connect Cherbourg station with Paris-Saint-Lazare via Caen, and run in the opposite direction back to the port. Check-in is handled at the terminal building right at the Gare Maritime.
Check-in and departure
Irish Ferries applies fixed check-in deadlines: with a car or as a foot passenger, you need to be checked in at least 60 minutes before departure; with a motorcycle, 90 minutes before. Travelling with a pet, check-in is 2 hours before departure so the pet's paperwork can be verified. Departures from Cherbourg are generally in the late afternoon, between 16:30 and 19:30.
Bring a valid travel document: Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so a passport or national ID card is required, and an identity check is possible.
On board
The route is served by the W.B. Yeats, Irish Ferries' modern flagship, and the more simply equipped Isle of Inisheer. The W.B. Yeats has 440 en-suite cabins, up to luxury suites with a private balcony, plus the Boylans Brasserie and an à la carte restaurant, a café and bars, a cinema, the Club Class lounge, duty-free shops and a children's play area. Free Wi-Fi is available on board.
Since this is an overnight crossing, it makes sense to book a cabin - and you save on a night's hotel stay at the same time. Payment on board is in euros; France and Ireland are both in the eurozone, so there's no need to worry about currency.
Vehicle, bike and pet
Cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorcycles, vans and vehicles with trailers are all welcome; the larger the vehicle, the higher the fare, so enter height and length correctly when booking. Vehicles with incorrect details can be repriced or turned away at the port. If you're travelling by motorhome, see the motorhome guide for details. Foot passengers can also bring a bicycle.
Pets must be registered when booking, with a maximum of five animals per booking. On the W.B. Yeats they spend the crossing in a pre-booked kennel, which you can visit at set times and take out briefly on deck; the Isle of Inisheer has pet-friendly cabins with access to an outside deck. For entry into Ireland you need an EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination - full rules are in the pets guide.
Arrival in Dublin and onward travel
Dublin's ferry terminal is on Alexandra Road, only around 3 km from the city centre. The Dublin Port Tunnel gives direct access to the M50 and M1 motorways heading north and south. Without a car, the express bus or route 53 takes you to Talbot Street in the city centre.
Tickets and fares
On the Ireland - mainland Europe route, Irish Ferries offers two fare types: the cheaper Economy ticket, which is non-refundable and carries a change fee, and the flexible Flexi fare, which you can change without a fee and which is refunded as travel credit if cancelled up to 8 days before departure. The Flexi+ fare is not available on this route.
For the overnight crossing, you book a cabin as an add-on for an extra charge. The booking window shows current prices for your travel date; the price overview gives a general sense of costs.
FAQ Cherbourg - Dublin
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Cherbourg - Dublin ferry route
Which ferry company sails from Cherbourg to Dublin, and which ships are used?+
The Cherbourg - Dublin route is operated exclusively by Irish Ferries. The ships used are the W.B. Yeats, the line's modern flagship with cabins, restaurants, a Club Class lounge and a cinema, and the Isle of Inisheer, which has simpler facilities.
How long is the ferry crossing from Cherbourg to Dublin?+
The crossing takes between 18.5 and 20 hours, depending on the ship and season. On average, plan on around 19 hours. Ferries depart in the afternoon and arrive the following morning, so you travel comfortably overnight.
How often does the Cherbourg - Dublin ferry run?+
There are up to 6 departures a week; in peak season the route runs almost daily, while winter sailings are less frequent. Departures from Cherbourg are generally between 16:30 and 19:30. The timetable varies by season, so check the current timetable before booking.
How much does the Cherbourg to Dublin ferry cost?+
Prices depend heavily on the season, vehicle type and cabin choice, and are calculated dynamically. Foot passengers travel considerably cheaper than those bringing a car, and peak season (June to September) costs noticeably more than the shoulder season and winter. The booking window shows the current entry price for your travel date; the price overview gives a general sense of costs. Booking early pays off.
Can I bring my car or motorhome on the ferry?+
Yes, you can bring cars, motorhomes, motorcycles, vans and vehicles with trailers. Make sure you enter the correct vehicle height and length when booking, since the fare is based on these, and vehicles with incorrect details can be repriced or turned away at the port. With a vehicle, check-in closes 60 minutes before departure; with a motorcycle, 90 minutes. Tips for travelling by motorhome are in the motorhome guide.
Can I bring my dog or cat?+
Yes, pets can travel with you, but they must be registered when booking (maximum 5 animals per booking). On the W.B. Yeats they spend the crossing in a pre-booked kennel, which you can visit at set times and take out briefly on deck; the Isle of Inisheer has pet-friendly cabins with access to an outside deck. For entry into Ireland you need an EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination, and check-in with a pet is 2 hours before departure. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted. Full details are in the pets guide.
How do I get to the ferry terminals in Cherbourg and Dublin?+
The Cherbourg ferry terminal (Gare Maritime, 50100 Cherbourg) sits at the northern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy and is well connected to the French road network, with reasonable access from Belgium, the Netherlands and further afield. Regular trains run from Cherbourg station via Caen to Paris-Saint-Lazare.
The Dublin ferry terminal is on Alexandra Road, only about 3 km from the city centre. The Dublin Port Tunnel gives quick access to the M50 and M1 motorways, and buses run directly from the terminal into the city centre.