Something undoubtedly romantic about sea travel is that it brings a person to a different world. It is all of this that makes ferry riding an experience in itself as opposed to a means to an end. Be it a weekend break, a family holiday, or a business trip, a journey between islands and continents turns an otherwise routine journey into something much more memorable.

The freedom that comes with ferry travel cannot be compared with the level of freedom that is offered by other modes of transport. You can drive your car, pack the boot with your luggage, bring your pets, and recline in spacious lounges as opposed to being crammed into an economy-class seat. To the millions of travellers annually, a ride on the ferry is not only convenient, but also the most desirable way to travel.

Discover the Excellence of Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries has been connecting Ireland with the UK and continental Europe for over 50 years, having launched the first direct Ireland–France ferry link in 1973. Since those early days, the company has grown into one of the region’s most respected and widely used ferry operators, operating a modern, award-winning fleet across some of the most important sea routes in Europe. A pivotal milestone came in 1992 with the acquisition of B&I Line, significantly expanding the fleet and operational reach, and enabling Irish Ferries to offer an ever-broader range of destinations and services.

Irish Ferries is firmly committed to passenger comfort, environmental responsibility, and continuous innovation. The fleet includes celebrated vessels such as the Ulysses, the Dublin Swift, and the award-winning W.B. Yeats, each designed to deliver a premium onboard experience. Onboard, travellers enjoy spacious lounges, a range of dining options, shops, cinemas, and pet-friendly services. Irish Ferries has earned industry recognition including the 2024 ITTN Award for Best Ferry Company, a testament to the quality and reliability that passengers have come to depend on.

Dublin to Holyhead Ferry

Key Features

• Up to 4 daily sailings connecting Ireland and Wales
• Choice of fast ferry (Dublin Swift, approx. 2 hrs 15 mins) or luxury cruise ferry (Ulysses, approx. 3 hrs 25 mins)
• Onboard cinemas, bars, restaurants, shopping, and Club Class lounge

The Dublin to Holyhead Ferry is one of the most popular and well-served crossings in Europe, offering a direct link between the heart of Ireland and the coast of Wales. With up to four sailings per day, travellers have exceptional flexibility, whether they are commuting, heading off on holiday, or transporting goods. Passengers can choose between the Dublin Swift — the only fast ferry on the Irish Sea — or the magnificent Ulysses, a vessel so packed with amenities that the three-and-a-half-hour crossing feels far too short.

The Dublin to Holyhead Ferry is perfectly positioned for travellers: Dublin Port connects seamlessly to Ireland’s motorway network, while Holyhead offers excellent onward rail connections throughout Britain. Families, solo travellers, and motorists alike will find this route comfortable, convenient, and genuinely enjoyable. Bringing the car means no luggage limits, and pets are welcome aboard too.

Book your Dublin to Holyhead sailing today and enjoy the freedom of the Irish Sea!

Rosslare to Pembroke Ferry

Key Features

• Regular sailings between Ireland’s south-east and South Wales
• Car, motorcycle, and campervan-friendly crossing
• Comfortable passenger lounges, dining, and pet-friendly facilities onboard

For travellers in the south of Ireland, the Rosslare to Pembroke Ferry is the natural gateway to Great Britain. Departing from Rosslare Europort in County Wexford and arriving in Pembroke in South Wales, this route is ideal for anyone looking to explore the landscapes of Wales and England without the hassle of flying. The crossing is well-suited to motorists, with ample vehicle deck space for cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, and even commercial vehicles.

Onboard the Rosslare to Pembroke Ferry, passengers can settle into spacious lounges, enjoy a meal or snack, and let the journey become part of the holiday. Pets are permitted on this route, making it a firm favourite with families and animal lovers. The relative proximity of Pembroke to popular destinations in Wales and England ensures that once you dock, adventure is immediately at hand.

Secure your spot on the Rosslare to Pembroke crossing and start your British adventure!

Dublin to Cherbourg Ferry

Key Features

• Overnight sailing connecting Ireland directly to France
• Spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms, TV, and private facilities
• Full onboard entertainment including restaurants, cinema, bars, and a shopping area

For those with a taste for adventure on a grander scale, the Dublin to Cherbourg Ferry opens up the entirety of continental Europe. Sailing overnight, passengers can retire to a comfortable cabin while the ship crosses the waters, waking up refreshed and ready to explore France and beyond. The route is operated by vessels such as the W.B. Yeats and the Oscar Wilde, both of which offer a superb range of onboard facilities.

The Dublin to Cherbourg Ferry is available from late winter through to late autumn, making it perfect for extended summer road trips through France, Spain, and beyond. Cabins range from two to four berths, each fitted with a private en-suite bathroom, and there are even pet-friendly cabin options available. With a cinema, restaurants, a Club Class lounge, and a late-night bar, this overnight crossing is an experience to savour.

Wake up in France — book your Dublin to Cherbourg overnight sailing now!

Dover to Calais Ferry

Key Features

• Up to 20 or more daily departures between England and France
• Short crossing time ideal for day trips and frequent travellers
• Vehicle-friendly with capacity for cars, coaches, and freight

The Dover to Calais Ferry is one of the busiest and most convenient international sea crossings in the world, and it forms a key part of the Irish Ferries network. Introduced in 2021, this route marked an exciting expansion for the company, operating entirely outside of Ireland for the first time. With a high frequency of daily sailings, it is the go-to option for travellers moving between the UK and France at any time of year.

The Dover to Calais Ferry is ideally suited to those embarking on European road trips, families heading to French campsites, or business travellers with freight to move. Passengers can enjoy onboard amenities during the crossing, and vehicles of all sizes — from motorbikes to large campervans — are catered for. The frequency of departures means there is almost always a sailing to suit your schedule, giving unbeatable flexibility.

Cross the Channel with ease — grab your Dover to Calais ticket today!

Holidays in Ireland

Key Features

• Handpicked hotels and cottages across Ireland included in holiday packages
• All prices include return cruise ferry travel
• Expert travel advice for planning the perfect Irish getaway

Beyond simply booking a crossing, Irish Ferries offers a curated range of Holidays in Ireland that combine return ferry travel with quality accommodation throughout the Emerald Isle. These packages take the stress out of planning by bundling the crossing and the stay into a single, great-value booking. From cosy rural cottages to stylish hotels in vibrant city centres, there is something to suit every travel style and budget.

The Holidays in Ireland packages are designed for travellers who want to make the most of their time in Ireland, whether that means driving the legendary Wild Atlantic Way along Ireland’s western seaboard, exploring the stunning Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland, or simply soaking up the culture of Dublin, Galway, or Cork. With expert knowledge of the country built up over five decades, Irish Ferries is uniquely placed to help travellers discover Ireland at its very best.

Discover Ireland your way — browse holiday packages and book your dream trip now!

Conclusion

Irish Ferries is one of the most trusted and comprehensive ferry companies in Europe with more than 50 years of maritime experience and a real passion to ensure passenger comfort, sustainability and innovation. Irish Ferries provides an unparalleled choice of routes to travellers of all types. The current fleet, award-winning ships, and abundant onboard facilities all make it that each sailing is more than a mere crossing – it is the start of the journey itself.

Irish Ferries can find a route, a ship, and a service that fits your needs perfectly whether you are a lone traveller planning a trip through Europe, a family wanting a stress-free and easy way to get to the Irish coast, or a frequent traveller that values flexibility and comfort above all things. It has never been a better time to consider sea travel, with competitive fares, an easy online booking procedure and a reputation developed over decades of reliable sailings. Go and visit Irish Ferries today and board the ferry towards your next great adventure.

Explore all routes, check sailing times, and book your ferry tickets with Irish Ferries today!