Ferry company
DFDS
The ferry company behind the direct sailing from northern France to Ireland - route, ships, check-in, pets and fares
- Direct Dunkirk-Rosslare route in around 24 hours, with cabin and meals included
- Founded 1866 in Copenhagen, today a ferry and logistics group carrying over 5 million passengers a year
- For travel via England, the Channel routes Calais-Dover and Dunkirk-Dover
About DFDS
Table of Contents
About DFDS
DFDS is a Danish ferry company based in Copenhagen, founded in 1866 as Det Forenede Dampskibs-Selskab through the merger of the three largest Danish steamship companies under the financier C. F. Tietgen. Today the publicly listed company is a ferry and logistics group that, by its own account, connects more than 20 countries, carries mainly freight trailers, and transports around 5.25 million passengers a year. The shipping division traded as DFDS Seaways from 2010 and has used the name DFDS again since 2015; earlier brands such as Norfolkline and LD Lines have been absorbed into it.
Ships on the Ireland route
DFDS serves the Dunkirk-Rosslare route with RoPax ferries carrying both freight and cars together. Because the crossing takes around 24 hours and runs overnight, a cabin is part of the booking; choices include standard, sea-view and pet-friendly cabins as well as the more comfortable Commodore cabins, with onboard meals included in the fare. Which ship sails on your travel day is shown at the booking step.
Routes to Ireland
The direct link Dunkirk - Rosslare is the shortest way from the Benelux countries and northern Europe to Ireland with no need to travel through Great Britain: the terminal at Loon-Plage is close to the Belgian border, and the arrival at Rosslare Europort sits right on the N25. How often the ferry sails each week, and what's changing from September 2026, is on the route page. For travel via England, DFDS also sails the Channel routes Calais - Dover and Dunkirk - Dover; from Dover you continue via Wales, for example with Holyhead - Dublin. All the mainland routes are compared on the page Ferries from France to Ireland.
Check-in, vehicles and pets
DFDS states the binding check-in deadline in the booking confirmation; you'll need travel documents for everyone travelling and the vehicle papers to check in. Cars, motorhomes, caravans and motorbikes are all carried. Pets travel in pet-friendly cabins, of which there is a limited number per sailing, so register your pet early. More in the guides Motorhome and Dogs and pets, and terminal details on the port page Rosslare.
Tickets
Prices are dynamic and depend on travel date, vehicle and cabin category; summer sailings with a cabin sell out early, so book in good time. Rebooking and cancellation rules depend on the fare chosen and are shown at the booking step. The booking screen shows the final total; see the prices page for an overview.
FAQ DFDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about DFDS and the direct ferry to Ireland
Which route does DFDS sail to Ireland?+
The direct link Dunkirk - Rosslare from northern France to the south-east of Ireland. For travel via England, DFDS also sails Calais - Dover and Dunkirk - Dover across the Channel.
How long does the crossing from Dunkirk to Rosslare take?+
Around 24 hours, as the ferry sails overnight. The number of sailings per week and dates for your travel date are on the route page and in the timetable.
When do I need to check in with DFDS?+
The binding check-in deadline is shown in your booking confirmation. Bring travel documents for everyone travelling and the vehicle papers.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, the route carries both cars and freight: cars, motorhomes, caravans and motorbikes are all carried. Details on campers in the guide Motorhome.
Does DFDS carry pets to Ireland?+
Yes, in pet-friendly cabins, of which there is a limited number per sailing, so book your pet in early. The entry rules for dogs and cats are in the guide Dogs and pets.
Where can I find the timetable and prices?+
Departures are listed in the timetable. Prices depend on travel date, vehicle and cabin; the prices page explains how to compare offers.