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Looking to reach Ireland without crowded airports or long drives to northern France? Good news: Brittany Ferries offers a ferry crossing from Bilbao in northern Spain to Rosslare on Ireland’s southeast coast. This is an excellent option for travelers living in southern France (Occitanie, PACA, Nouvelle-Aquitaine…) or Spain!
Here’s everything you need to know to set sail from Bilbao and head to the Emerald Isle in total comfort.
Bilbao isn’t just famous for its Guggenheim Museum—it’s also a major seaport, ideally located for anyone living in southwestern Europe. From Toulouse, Perpignan, Montpellier, Bordeaux, or even Barcelona, getting to Bilbao takes just a few hours by car or train.
It’s a great alternative to the French ports of Roscoff or Cherbourg, which are often far away if you live in the south.
The sea route between Bilbao and Rosslare is operated by Brittany Ferries, renowned for its quality service and modern ships. Onboard, you can enjoy:
The crossing takes about 28 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, enjoy the sea, and arrive stress-free.
Rosslare is located in County Wexford on Ireland’s southeast coast. It’s a strategic entry point for exploring the south of the island:
| Irish City | Driving Time from Rosslare |
|---|---|
| Dublin | 2 h 30 |
| Cork | 3 h |
| Waterford | 1 h 30 |
| Galway | 4 h 15 |
| Killarney | 4 h 30 |
This makes it easy to plan a road trip across Ireland, avoiding unnecessary detours and without having to go via London or Paris.
Choosing the Bilbao–Rosslare ferry also means saving money:
And if you’re traveling with your dog, camper van, or even a trailer, the ferry is often the only truly suitable option.
This crossing is ideal if you:
You can book your ticket directly on the Brittany Ferries website or get a 10% discount by booking via the Guide Irlande.com partner link.
