Ireland
Irish Ferries
Ireland's ferries to Britain and France
Est. 1973Dublin, Ireland
Photo: Reading Tom / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)- 6
- Routes
- 5
- Ports
- 8h 55m
- Avg crossing
- 8
- Vessels
- 1973
- Founded
Irish Ferries is Ireland's ferries to Britain and France, founded in 1973 and based in Dublin, Ireland. It operates 6 ferry routes serving 5 ports. Across its network, crossings average about 8h 55m.
Timetables
Which routes does Irish Ferries operate?
6 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin → Holyhead | 3h 15m | — | 2 | Ireland |
| Holyhead → Dublin | 3h 15m | — | 2 | United Kingdom |
| Pembroke Dock → Rosslare | 4h | — | 1 | United Kingdom |
| Rosslare → Pembroke Dock | 4h | — | 1 | Ireland |
| Cherbourg → Dublin | 19h 30m | — | 1 | France |
| Dublin → Cherbourg | 19h 30m | — | 1 | Ireland |
Dublin2 routes
Cherbourg1 route
Holyhead1 route
Pembroke Dock1 route
Rosslare1 route
Network
Where does Irish Ferries sail?
Irish Ferries sails to 5 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Cruise-ferry cabins
- Club Class lounges
- Vehicle decks
- Fast craft (Dublin Swift)
- Onboard dining
- Ireland's best-known ferry line, founded 1973
- Part of the listed Irish Continental Group (ICG)
- Dublin–Holyhead and Rosslare–Pembroke across the Irish Sea, plus Cherbourg
- Ulysses (2001) was the world's largest car ferry by capacity at launch
- Launched a Dover–Calais service in 2021
About
About Irish Ferries
Irish Ferries is Ireland's best-known ferry line, carrying passengers and freight across the Irish Sea and on to France. Founded in 1973 and part of the listed Irish Continental Group (ICG), it is based in Dublin.
Irish Sea, France and the Channel
Its core routes cross the Irish Sea from Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Pembroke, with longer cruise-ferry sailings from Ireland to Cherbourg in France. In June 2021 the company expanded beyond Irish waters for the first time, launching a Dover–Calais service across the English Channel.
Fleet and fares
The fleet includes the cruise-ferry Ulysses — on its 2001 debut the world's largest car ferry by capacity — the modern W.B. Yeats, and the Isle of Inishmore, Isle of Innisfree and Isle of Inisheer on the Channel, plus the fast craft Dublin Swift. Cabins and Club Class are offered on the longer routes; fares are in euro or sterling and vary by season and vehicle.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Irish Ferries founded?
Irish Ferries was founded in 1973, and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
Where does Irish Ferries sail?
Irish Ferries operates 6 ferry routes and serves 5 ports in Ireland, including Cherbourg, Dublin, Holyhead, Pembroke Dock, Rosslare.
Can I take a car on Irish Ferries ferries?
Yes — Irish Ferries operates vehicle-carrying ferries on some routes. Book vehicle space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific crossing for size limits.
What facilities are available on Irish Ferries ferries?
Irish Ferries ferries typically offer Cruise-ferry cabins, Club Class lounges, Vehicle decks, Fast craft (Dublin Swift), Onboard dining. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Irish Ferries ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Irish Ferries departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Irish Ferries.
How do I find Irish Ferries ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Irish Ferries route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Irish Ferries before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.
Contact & booking
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.