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Irish Ferries passenger and vehicle ferry
Ireland, Britain and France ferry network

Irish Ferries

Travel Dublin–Holyhead, Rosslare–Pembroke, Dublin–Cherbourg and Dover–Calais with Irish Ferries’ cruise ferries and Dublin Swift fast craft.

Ireland Irish Sea & Channel Britain & France
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Checked 5 October 2026

Irish Ferries: passport requirement now in force

Since 28 September 2026, Irish Ferries requires every passenger on Dublin–Holyhead and Rosslare–Pembroke, in either direction, to carry a valid passport or Irish passport card. This includes British and Irish citizens and children. Other photo ID is no longer accepted on these Irish Ferries services. Check other operators’ requirements separately.

Read the official operator update

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Irish Ferries passenger and vehicle ferry
International passenger and vehicle ferry network
About the operator

A four-route network linking Ireland, Britain and France

Irish Ferries is the passenger-ferry division of Irish Continental Group plc. Current company information states that it operates eight ferries on international routes between Ireland, Britain and France, carrying passengers, vehicles and freight.

The current passenger network has four route markets: Dublin–Holyhead and Rosslare–Pembroke across the Irish Sea, the overnight Dublin–Cherbourg connection to France, and the high-frequency Dover–Calais service across the English Channel.

The fleet mixes a fast craft with larger cruise ferries. Dublin Swift is the only fast craft on the Irish Sea; other ships add cabins, restaurants, Club Class, pet facilities and large vehicle decks according to route and vessel.

Check Irish Ferries Availability
Ireland, Britain and France

Irish Ferries routes

Irish Ferries currently operates four passenger route markets. The three cards group them by journey type while the route map shows the full network; use the live timetable for the exact ship and departure.

Up to 4 daily Irish Sea
Ireland Dublin
to
Wales Holyhead

Dublin–Holyhead is Irish Ferries’ core Irish Sea route. The current route page lists Ulysses, Dublin Swift and James Joyce; the cruise-ferry schedule is about 3½ hours, while Dublin Swift crosses in just over two hours.

  • Easy 30-minute latest check-in for standard motorists
  • Dublin Swift is the only fast craft on the Irish Sea
  • James Joyce is shown returning for the current summer programme
Compare Dublin–Holyhead sailings
2 crossings daily Irish Sea
Ireland Rosslare
to
Wales Pembroke

Rosslare–Pembroke is a direct southern Irish Sea route operated by Isle of Innisfree. Irish Ferries currently advertises two crossings daily and a port-to-port journey of just over four hours.

  • Easy 30-minute latest check-in for standard motorists
  • Current route ship: Isle of Innisfree
  • Club Class, pet facilities and vehicle carriage available
Compare Rosslare–Pembroke sailings
Two France markets Overnight + short Channel
Ireland / Britain Dublin / Dover
to
France Cherbourg / Calais

Irish Ferries serves France in two very different ways: overnight Dublin–Cherbourg with W.B. Yeats and Isle of Inisheer, and the short, frequent Dover–Calais vehicle route with Oscar Wilde and Isle of Inishmore.

  • Dublin–Cherbourg is an overnight cabin-focused crossing
  • Dover–Calais is a high-frequency vehicle-focused service
  • Check the exact vessel because facilities differ substantially
Compare France sailings
Illustrative network

Selected current routes at a glance

This schematic summarises the three representative current route groups described above. It is not a complete network map or timetable; the live operator booking result is definitive.

For planning with Irish Ferries, use the map to compare the representative route groups above, including Dublin–Holyhead, Rosslare–Pembroke, Dublin / Dover–Cherbourg / Calais. It is most useful for judging which departure or arrival point best fits the rest of the journey rather than as a substitute for the live timetable.

After choosing the most practical route, compare the live Irish Ferries sailing for departure time, calling pattern, passenger requirements and the facilities or accommodation shown for that service. The complete itinerary and arrival location can matter more than a small difference in the headline fare.

Use the current sailing result for the definitive ship, departure time and route-specific check-in deadline.

Irish Ferries route map
Illustrative Irish Ferries route map. Routes and operating patterns can change; check the live timetable for your date.
Ports and places

Gateways on the Irish Sea, Channel and France route

The network combines city access, motorway-linked ferry ports and an overnight continental gateway. Port access and check-in rules vary by route, so plan the terminal as carefully as the sailing.

Dublin ferry port in Ireland
Main Irish gateway

Dublin

Dublin is the departure point for Holyhead and Cherbourg. The port connects directly with Ireland’s motorway network and sits close to the city centre, but road works and terminal access instructions should be checked before travel.

Explore Ireland ferry destinations
Rosslare ferry port in Ireland
Southern Irish gateway

Rosslare

Rosslare is the Irish terminal for the Pembroke route and is well positioned for the south-east, south and south-west of Ireland through the N25 and N11 road corridors.

Browse Irish Sea ports
Calais ferry port in France
Short Channel gateway

Calais

Calais is the French terminal for the Dover route. Border control is processed after Irish Ferries check-in, so motorists should allow time for both stages rather than treating the check-in deadline as the end of formalities.

Plan a France ferry journey
Using Dublin Port in 2026?

Follow current Dublin Port traffic instructions on the day of travel. Temporary road arrangements can change access to the ferry terminals, so do not rely on an old saved route through the port estate.

Sit, upgrade or sleep

Cabins and passenger accommodation

Accommodation varies sharply by route and ship. The short Dover–Calais crossing is mainly about lounges and seating, while Dublin–Cherbourg is an overnight journey where cabin choice becomes a major part of the trip.

Four-berth inside cabin aboard Irish Ferries ship W.B. Yeats
Private en-suite cabins are especially useful on the overnight Ireland–France service.
Premium outside ferry cabin with sea view
Higher cabin categories and suites are available on selected Irish Ferries cruise ferries.

Standard lounges and public seating

Passenger lounges, cafés and public seating are available according to ship and route. For many short daytime journeys, this is the normal accommodation choice.

Best considered for Short crossings where a private room is unnecessary

Club Class

Selected ships offer an upgraded Club Class lounge with reserved space, complimentary refreshments and other benefits such as priority motorist boarding where available.

Best considered for Travellers wanting a quieter premium lounge experience

Irish Sea cabins

Cruise ferries such as Ulysses and Isle of Innisfree offer en-suite cabin categories for passengers who want privacy or rest even on a shorter crossing.

Best considered for Overnight, early-morning or rest-focused Irish Sea sailings

Ireland–France cabins and suites

W.B. Yeats provides a broad choice of en-suite cabins and higher-category suites for the overnight Dublin–Cherbourg service; Isle of Inisheer offers a simpler cabin product.

Best considered for Arriving in France rested after the overnight crossing

Pet-friendly accommodation

Pet options depend on vessel and route and can include a Pet Den, pet-friendly cabin, kennel or travel in the vehicle. Pets must be added before check-in.

Best considered for Travellers who need to pre-book an approved pet option

Accessible cabins and seating

Several cruise ferries provide adapted cabins, lifts, accessible toilets and dedicated seating. Irish Ferries asks passengers requiring special assistance to contact the company at least two working days before travel.

Best considered for Passengers requiring an adapted cabin or advance assistance
Accommodation booking tip

Compare the ship as well as the route. Cabin, Club Class and pet-accommodation availability can change when Irish Ferries changes the vessel assigned to a sailing.

Bring the car, bike or pet

Vehicles, pets and accessibility

Irish Ferries is strongly geared to vehicle travel, but the booked dimensions must be accurate. Pet arrangements must be pre-booked, and passengers needing special assistance should contact Irish Ferries in advance.

Motorhome boarding a ferry
Cars, motorhomes, vans and trailers must be booked in the correct size category, including roof and rear loads.
Cars boarding a passenger ferry
Motorcycles and bicycles are accepted on relevant routes, with route-specific check-in deadlines.
Passenger travelling with a dog on a ferry
Pet Dens, pet-friendly cabins, kennels and in-vehicle travel are available according to route and vessel.

Cars, motorhomes and private vans

Irish Ferries accepts a wide range of non-commercial vehicles. The booking flow separates vehicles by height and length so the correct deck space and fare can be reserved.

  • Measure the vehicle with roof boxes and rear loads fitted
  • Private vans are accepted within stated motorist size limits
  • Commercial goods vehicles must use the freight service

Motorcycles, bicycles and trailers

Motorcycles and bicycles are accepted on relevant routes, while caravans and trailers must be included accurately in the vehicle booking. Check-in deadlines differ by route and vehicle type.

  • France–Ireland motorcycles have an earlier deadline than standard cars
  • Foot and cycle passengers use the published passenger deadline for their route
  • Trailer and caravan dimensions affect space and fare

Travelling with pets

Pets must be pre-booked. Depending on route and ship, travel options include Pet Dens, pet-friendly cabins, onboard kennels or remaining in the vehicle.

  • Pet Den options are offered on several Irish Sea and Dover–Calais ships
  • Pet-friendly cabins are available on selected vessels including Isle of Inisheer
  • Owners remain responsible for all legal pet-entry documentation

Reduced mobility and assistance

Irish Ferries provides ship- and port-specific accessibility information. Passengers who require special assistance should contact the company at least two working days before travel.

  • Declare wheelchair use in the booking because safety limits apply
  • Adapted cabins and accessible toilets are available on selected cruise ferries
  • Ask for vehicle placement near a lift when this is required
Before you reach check-in

Check-in, documents, luggage and boarding

Irish Ferries publishes route-specific check-in deadlines. Be through the check-in point before the stated time; do not treat arrival at the port entrance as check-in.

Passengers checking in for a ferry
Keep your booking reference and required identity documents ready before joining the check-in lane.
Vehicles and passengers preparing to board a ferry
Check-in deadlines differ by route and passenger or vehicle type, so use the rule for the exact journey you booked.

Recommended travel sequence

  1. When booking
    Enter passenger, vehicle, wheelchair and pet details accurately

    Measure the complete vehicle, pre-book any pet, and declare wheelchair use so the sailing can be prepared correctly.

  2. GB–Ireland
    Standard vehicles: 30 minutes; foot/cycle: 40 minutes

    For Dublin–Holyhead and Rosslare–Pembroke, the current latest check-in is 30 minutes for standard private vehicles, 40 minutes for foot passengers and cyclists, and one hour for coaches. Passengers travelling with pets must also check in one hour before departure.

  3. Ireland–France
    Allow longer for the overnight France route

    The latest check-in is two hours for coaches, 90 minutes for motorcycles and one hour for other vehicles, foot passengers and cyclists. Passengers travelling with a guide dog or domestic animal must check in two hours before departure.

  4. Dover–Calais
    Standard vehicles: one hour

    For Great Britain–France, Irish Ferries currently requires two hours for coaches, one hour for motorcycles and standard vehicles, and 90 minutes for passengers travelling with pets. In Calais, border control takes place after check-in.

  5. At boarding
    Follow loading instructions and keep essentials with you

    Once parked, take passports, medicines, valuables and anything needed during the crossing because access to the vehicle deck is restricted at sea.

Choose the right route and ship

How to compare an Irish Ferries journey

Start with the route because Irish Ferries serves four very different journey types: a fast or cruise-ferry Irish Sea crossing, a southern Irish Sea crossing, an overnight Ireland–France voyage and a short high-frequency Channel service.

Then compare the ship. Ulysses and W.B. Yeats offer a broader cruise-ferry experience; Dublin Swift prioritises speed; Isle of Inisheer is a simpler France-route option; and the Dover–Calais vessels are configured around a short vehicle crossing.

Finally check the operational details that can change your trip: vehicle dimensions, cabin or Club Class availability, pet accommodation, accessibility needs and the route-specific check-in deadline.

Common planning questions

Irish Ferries FAQs

Which routes does Irish Ferries currently operate?

The current passenger network is Dublin–Holyhead, Rosslare–Pembroke, Dublin–Cherbourg and Dover–Calais.

How many ferries does Irish Ferries operate?

Irish Ferries currently states that it operates eight ferries on international routes between Ireland, Britain and France.

How long is Dublin to Holyhead?

Irish Ferries advertises cruise-ferry sailings at about three and a half hours and Dublin Swift at just over two hours. The current sailing result is the definitive journey time.

Which ships operate Dublin–Holyhead?

The current route page lists Ulysses, James Joyce and Dublin Swift. James Joyce is shown returning for the summer programme, so check the vessel on the selected date.

How long is Rosslare to Pembroke?

Irish Ferries describes the crossing as just over four hours, with two crossings daily and Isle of Innisfree currently assigned to the route.

Which ships sail Dublin–Cherbourg?

The current Dublin–Cherbourg route page lists W.B. Yeats and Isle of Inisheer. W.B. Yeats offers the broader premium cruise-ferry product, while Isle of Inisheer is a simpler economy service.

Which ships sail Dover–Calais?

Oscar Wilde and Isle of Inishmore are the current Dover–Calais ships. Irish Ferries describes the route programme as operating up to 20 sailings per day.

How early should I check in?

For Great Britain–Ireland, standard cars and other private vehicles must be through check-in 30 minutes before departure, foot passengers and cyclists 40 minutes, coaches one hour and passengers travelling with pets one hour. Ireland–France requires one hour for standard vehicles and foot/cycle passengers, 90 minutes for motorcycles, two hours for coaches and two hours for passengers with pets. Dover–Calais requires one hour for standard vehicles and motorcycles, two hours for coaches and 90 minutes for passengers with pets.

Can I take my dog or other pet?

Yes, but pets must be pre-booked. Depending on route and ship, options include Pet Dens, pet-friendly cabins, kennels and travel in the vehicle. Owners are responsible for all required pet-travel documentation.

What if I need wheelchair or special assistance?

Irish Ferries asks passengers requiring special assistance to contact the company at least two working days, described as 48 working hours, before travel. Wheelchair use should also be declared in the booking because safety limits apply.

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