Timetable
Ferries from France to Ireland
Compare all direct ferries from France to Ireland, routes, prices & timetables
- 3 direct routes from Cherbourg and Roscoff, no detour via Great Britain
- Crossings from 12 hours, comfortable overnight sailings with cabin & restaurant
- Brittany Ferries & Irish Ferries to Dublin, Rosslare and Cork
France-Ireland route map
Direct ferries from France to Ireland
All direct ferries from French ports to Ireland at a glance. Click a route for details.
- Brittany Ferries
- Irish Ferries
Ferries from France to Ireland
Ferries from France to Ireland
Direct ferries from France to Ireland
Three routes connect French ports directly with Ireland. The crossings depart from Normandy and Brittany and sail without a stopover to Rosslare, Dublin or Cork. All services run overnight, ideal for sleeping through the crossing.
Cherbourg - Rosslare
For current sailing frequency and journey time, see Cherbourg - Rosslare and the timetable. Rosslare is a practical arrival port for the southeast, Waterford and onward travel towards Cork.
Cherbourg - Dublin
The second route from Cherbourg sails direct to Dublin in around 19 hours and is operated several times a week by Irish Ferries. This route is ideal for Dublin and its surrounds, the east coast up to Belfast, the north-west with Donegal and Sligo, the Midlands, and as a starting point for touring the whole of Ireland. Perfect if you want to reach the Irish capital without detouring via Great Britain.
Roscoff - Cork
For the current seasonal operating period, frequency and crossing time, see Roscoff - Cork and the timetable. Arriving in Cork is convenient for the city, Kerry and the southwest.
Which route from France is right for you?
The best route depends mainly on where you set off from in France and where you're headed in Ireland:
- Heading to Dublin or Northern Ireland? → Cherbourg-Dublin is the most direct choice. You arrive straight into the capital and can travel on in any direction from there.
- Heading to the south-east (Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny)? → Cherbourg-Rosslare gets you closest. Dublin is also only 2 hours away.
- Heading to the south-west (Cork, Kerry, Ring of Kerry, Dingle)? → Roscoff-Cork saves you the longest stretch of driving on the Irish side. Perfect for the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Travelling from Brittany or western France? → Roscoff is closer than Cherbourg. The shorter drive to port can make the difference.
- Travelling from Paris, northern France, or the motorway network? → Cherbourg is easily reached via the A13 and offers a choice of two destinations.
Getting to the French ferry ports
Cherbourg
Cherbourg sits at the northern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy. From Paris it's around 3.5 hours via the A13 and N13. If you're travelling in from elsewhere in Europe, Cherbourg is well connected via the French motorway network and cross-Channel routes. The ferry port is central and clearly signposted.
Roscoff
Roscoff lies in Brittany, on the north coast of Finistère. From Paris it's around 5.5 hours via the A11 and N12. It's a little further out for travellers coming from elsewhere in Europe, but that makes it a good option to combine with a stop in Brittany or Normandy along the way.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ - Ferries from France to Ireland
The key questions about direct ferries from France, answered simply.
Which direct ferries run from France to Ireland?+
Three direct ferries connect France with Ireland without a detour via Great Britain: Cherbourg - Rosslare and Cherbourg - Dublin from Normandy, plus Roscoff - Cork from Brittany. All three sail overnight, operated by Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries.
Which French route suits my destination in Ireland?+
If you're heading to Dublin or Northern Ireland, Cherbourg - Dublin is the most direct choice. For the south-east, including Wexford and Waterford, Cherbourg - Rosslare gets you closest, while for the south-west with Cork and Kerry, Roscoff - Cork saves you the longest stretch of driving on the Irish side.
How much does the ferry from France to Ireland cost?+
Direct ferries from France cost more than the short crossings via Wales, but they save you the long drive through England and include a cabin and meals for the overnight sailing. What each route costs and how to save is on the prices page.