You’ve got your heart set on a ferry to Ireland, but one quick online search and your head’s spinning: loads of routes, operators, and ports scattered across several countries.
Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have just one go-to resource that pulls all that scattered info into a single, easy-to-use guide? Well, consider this your lucky charm, as whether you’re plotting a crossing from England, Wales, Scotland, France or Spain, you’ll find every international ferry route to and from Éire right here.
In true Travel Tortoise fashion, I’ve gathered all the essential information – route rundowns, insider tips for snagging the best fares, port-to-port maps, and everything else you need to kick off an unforgettable ferry holiday. So pour yourself a pint of Guinness, get comfortable, and let’s craic on… Sláinte!
FERRIES TO IRELAND - THE BASICS
What countries can I take a ferry to Ireland from?
Ireland and Northern Ireland are connected to five European nations via 13 different ferry routes – I told you there was a lot to unpack here! These ferry crossings link Ireland to various ports in France, Wales, Scotland, England, and Spain. Full details of these ports below.
The Irish ferry ports
Ireland’s international ferry network is served by five ports located on the east and south coasts of the island for quicker access to the continent. Here’s an overview of these ferry ports from north to south:
Northern Irish ports
- Larne: Located on the northeast coast, Larne is a gateway to Scotland, with short crossings to Cairnryan via P&O Ferries. This route is obviously a great choice for anyone planning to explore both Northern Ireland and Scotland.
- Belfast: The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast offers ferry connections to Scotland (Cairnryan) and England (Liverpool).
Republic of Ireland ports
- Dublin: Dublin is the busiest ferry port in Ireland, with multiple daily crossings to north Wales (Holyhead) and a longer route to France. The port is known for its quick access to the city center and fast boarding.
- Rosslare: Situated on Ireland’s southeastern most tip, Rosslare has the highest number of international ferry crossings, with five in total (two each to Wales and France and one to Spain). It’s an ideal hub for slower European getaways.
- Cork: Cork offers just one route, which connects Ireland to Brittany, France. The port is considerably smaller than Dublin or Rosslare.
FERRY ROUTES TO IRELAND MAP
I’ve created a map of all ferry routes to and from Ireland. Because there are so many to make sense of, I find that seeing these on a map makes it easier to plan trips. Seeing all the potential routes can also suggest options that you may not have previously considered. And besides, who doesn’t love a good map?
WHICH FERRY COMPANY OPERATES EACH ROUTE?
In total there are five different ferry crossings between France and Ireland, encompassing ports in Normandy, Brittany, and Hauts de France:
Dublin to Cherbourg (Normandy) with Irish Ferries
Rosslare to Cherbourg with Brittany Ferries
Rosslare to Cherbourg with Stena Line
Due to its location right opposite Ireland on the other side of the Irish Sea, Wales is particularly well served by ferry. There are four different crossings:
Dublin to Holyhead with Irish Ferries
Dublin to Holyhead with Stena Line
There are no ferry routes linking the Irish Republic with Scotland, but there are two crossings between Northern Ireland and Scotland:
There is just one ferry route from Ireland to Spain that operates year round, and that is the Rosslare to Bilbao ferry operated by Brittany Ferries. The journey takes around 32 hours and involves 2 nights on-board. In winter they also offer Rosslare to Santander service.
Rather surprisingly, there are no direct ferry routes between Ireland and England. Until 2023 P&O operated a Dublin to Liverpool route but that has long since been discontinued. There are services that operate between Ireland and the Isle of Mann, and from there you could change ferries and connect to England.
If that sounds like too much hassle, then just take a direct ferry from Northern Ireland to England instead, on the Belfast to Liverpool route with Stena Line
HOW TO BOOK CHEAP FERRY TICKETS TO IRELAND
Once you’ve decided which ferry route to take, it’s time to book your tickets. To secure the best fares to and from Ireland, here’s what you need to know:
- Book direct with the ferry companies: I reckon it’s always better to book your tickets directly with the ferry company that operates the route. Booking direct with P&O Ferries, Stena Line, DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, or Brittany Ferries ensures you not only get competitive prices but also access to superior customer service in case you need to make any changes or adjustments to your travel plans.
- Use a ferry aggregator for comparison: While booking directly is usually best for service, checking ferry comparison websites like Direct Ferries can help you quickly compare prices across multiple ferry operators. They sometimes feature exclusive deals and promotions, which could also help you secure a better fare.
- Plan ahead for the best prices: Similar to booking flights, booking your ferry tickets early can save you money. Ferry companies release cheaper fares and cabins early, so the sooner you can finalize your travel plans, the better your chances of snagging a cheap ferry ticket.
- Check for special deals: Keep an eye out for promotions like early-bird discounts, Black Friday deals or family offers, which can further reduce your travel costs. Sign up for newsletters from the ferry companies or aggregators to get updates on upcoming sales and special offers.
FERRY ROUTES TO IRELAND: OUTRO
Taking a ferry to Ireland isn’t just the best choice for slow travelers who prefer the scenic route, but also anyone who’d rather avoid using a certain low-cost Irish airline! Fortunately, Ireland is truly blessed with a comprehensive international ferry network, which makes it one of the best-connected destinations by sea in Europe.
I hope my guide has given you a better idea of your options, but if you think I’ve missed anything, or if you have any questions about any aspect of ferries to and from Ireland, then please leave a comment below, as I’m always learning too.
I’ve written guides on some of the places that you can reach from Ireland, so if you’re heading to Cherbourg then check out my guide on Normandy in northern France, and if you’re going to Bilbao in Spain, read my post on ferries to Spain, or my guides to nearby Santander and San Sebastian.
Bon voyage and enjoy the craic!
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