Ferry to Ireland
Discover the best crossings
Travel to Ireland by ferry
You can reach Ireland by ferry from Scotland, Wales, England, France, and Spain.
For an overview of all crossings, you can check our handy ferry map!
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Map with all ferry routes to Ireland
Our most popular crossings to Ireland are:
If you are traveling from mainland Europe to Ireland, most people will opt for a crossing from France. There is also a ferry from Spain to Ireland (Bilbao-Rosslare) but this usually serves as a return trip for the Irish' who go on holiday to the Iberian Peninsula.
Check availability and compare prices
An easy way to find a good price is by filling in the fields below:
Travel tip: Book early
The prices for the ferries rise sharply as the boats fill up. Especially during peak season, the ferries and parking decks fill up quickly. Therefore, book far in advance and avoid high costs.
Also on this page
Ferry from the UK to Ireland
There are many ferries between the UK and Ireland. If you're looking at England you can take the ferries departing from Liverpool to Dublin in Ireland, the other option is the ferries that leave from Wales to Ireland, for example, the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin.
UK ⇔ Ireland
Ferry from Wales to Ireland
If you want to travel to Ireland from Wales you will quickly end up with the ferries departing from Holyhead, Pembroke, or Fishguard to either Rosslare or Dublin. On the route from Holyhead to Dublin, there are multiple operators, and the ferry sails around 10 times per day. Both Irish Ferries and Stena Line sail on this route.
Wales ⇔ Ireland
Ferry from Scotland to Ireland
The ferries departing from Scotland arrive in Northern Ireland. From Cairnryan, there are ferries leaving for Larne and Belfast.
Scotland ⇔ Ireland
Ferry from France to Ireland
It is also possible to travel from the European mainland directly to Ireland. From France, ferries regularly leave from the ports of Cherbourg and Roscoff to Cork, Rosslare, and Dublin.
These ferries are popular with the Irish going on vacation to France or to Ireland.
France ⇔ Ireland
Ferry from Spain to Ireland
Also from Spain, there is a ferry departing to Ireland. There is a ferry crossing from Bilbao to Rosslare. These crossings take you in around 26 hours from Spain to Ireland and vice versa. An ideal and convenient start to your vacation.
Spain ⇔ Ireland
Traveling and Staying in Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
The ferry companies that you see most often when you book a ferry to Ireland are DFDS, P&O, Irish Ferries, and Brittany Ferries.
The cheapest ferry to Ireland we found is the Holyhead-Dublin crossing with Stena Line. You pay £32 / €36 as a foot passenger.
It is smart to book far in advance and compare multiple crossings. The shorter the crossing, the cheaper it usually is. Skip the ferries with a cabin and travel on unpopular times and days.
Depending on which ferry you book and in which season prices can vary a lot. If you're looking for the cheapest options then you'll have to look into the shorter crossings between the UK and Ireland. From either Holyhead, Fishguard, Liverpool and Cairnryan ferries are leaving for Ireland. From around €45,- you can book a ferry from the UK to Ireland.
Yes, it is usually possible to take the dog on board the boat to The United Kingdom. On the longer crossings, kennels can often be booked or the dog is allowed in the cabin. On short crossings, the four-legged friend can remain in the car. There are some formalities. For example, the dog must have an animal passport, a microchip, timely rabies vaccination, and treatment against tapeworm.
If this is not followed, there is a risk that the dog, cat, or ferret will have to be quarantined for four weeks. More info regarding bringing pets on ferries.
