Good news for travellers planning to sail between Ireland and France. A brand new ferry route will launch in June 2026, offering direct crossings between Ringaskiddy to France (Boulogne-sur-Mer). The new service will be operated by Hibernia Line and bookings are already open.
The first sailings are expected to start in early June. The route adds another direct connection between Ireland and mainland Europe, giving passengers and freight operators an alternative to travelling through the UK.
Facts about the Ringaskiddy to France ferry
The new ferry route between Ringaskiddy and Boulogne-sur-Mer will offer six sailings per week, with departures from Monday to Saturday. The crossing will be operated by Hibernia Line and takes approximately 21 hours. Return fares start from around €500 for a car and two passengers. The service will accommodate cars, campervans, freight traffic, cyclists and foot passengers, while pet friendly cabins will also be available on board. Everything at a glance:
- 6 sailings per week
- Departures from Monday to Saturday
- Operated by Hibernia Line
- Crossing time of approximately 21 hours
- Return fares from around €500 for a car and two passengers
- Suitable for cars, campervans, freight, cyclists and foot passengers
- Pet friendly cabins available on board
The route will be operated by the vessels St Patrick and Akka.
Route map
Direct access to northern France
One of the biggest advantages of the new route is the arrival location in northern France. Boulogne-sur-Mer is much closer to Belgium, the Netherlands and northern Germany compared to several existing Ireland-France ferry routes.
For travellers from Belgium or the Netherlands, this could become a very convenient way to reach Ireland without driving through England first. Since Brexit, many travellers and freight companies have been looking for alternatives to the UK landbridge, and this new connection offers exactly that.
Boulogne-sur-Mer is also within relatively easy driving distance of cities like Lille and Bruges. For example, see how quickly you can reach Lille on the map below.
Alternative ferry routes between Ireland and France
Looking for other direct ferry routes between Ireland and France? These crossings are also available:
- Dublin to Cherbourg
- Rosslare to Dunkirk
- Cork to Roscoff
- Rosslare to Cherbourg
View all ferry routes from Ireland to France here in one complete overview.
