Where to Take the Ferry to Ireland? Departure Ports

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1 Departure Ports for Ferries to Ireland

1.1 1. Ferries from France: Convenient and Direct

1.2 2. Ferries from the UK: More Frequent, Shorter Crossings

1.3 3. Ferries from Spain: A Rarer but Strategic Option

2 Comparison Table: Ferry Routes to Ireland

3 Which Option to Choose Based on Your Departure Point?

3.1 Several Operators, Several Possibilities

Dreaming of exploring the dramatic cliffs of Connemara, the cozy pubs of Galway, or the wild roads of Donegal? Before you set foot on Irish soil, you’ll need to decide where to board your ferry! Taking the ferry is both practical and adventurous, but the question often comes up: where do ferries to Ireland depart from? France, the UK, Spain… Here’s a port-by-port guide to help you chart the right course!

Departure Ports for Ferries to Ireland

1. Ferries from France: Convenient and Direct

Great news for travelers from France: there are direct ferry routes between France and Ireland, so you can skip the UK entirely. This is the ideal option if you’re traveling with your vehicle and want to avoid post-Brexit formalities.

Cherbourg – Dublin or Rosslare

Operators: Irish Ferries / Stena Line
Duration: about 18 to 20 hours
Frequency: several departures per week
Highlight: overnight crossings with comfortable cabins available

Roscoff – Cork

Operator: Brittany Ferries
Duration: around 14 hours
Frequency: 2 to 3 times per week (mainly in high season)
Advantage: Cork is a great entry point for exploring southern Ireland

Le Havre or Dunkirk

No direct routes to Ireland at the moment, but you can travel via the UK.

💡 Tip: France–Ireland routes are ideal for campervans, cars, converted vans, or families with lots of luggage.

2. Ferries from the UK: More Frequent, Shorter Crossings

Historically, the UK–Ireland ferry connections are the most numerous and the fastest. This is the best option if you’re traveling from England, Wales, or Scotland.

Holyhead (Wales) – Dublin

Operators: Irish Ferries / Stena Line
Duration: about 3h15
Frequency: up to 8 crossings per day!
Highlight: perfect for quick round trips

Liverpool – Dublin

Operator: P&O Ferries
Duration: about 8 hours (often overnight)
Frequency: daily crossings
Atmosphere: mixed passenger/freight ferry, less touristy

Cairnryan (Scotland) – Belfast (Northern Ireland)

Operator: Stena Line
Duration: about 2h15
Frequency: very regular
Advantage: perfect for reaching Northern Ireland, with Giant’s Causeway in sight!

Fishguard (Wales) – Rosslare

Operator: Stena Line
Duration: 3h30 to 4h
Highlight: direct access to southeast Ireland

🧳 Due to Brexit: passport required if you travel via the UK, even if your final destination is the Republic of Ireland.

3. Ferries from Spain: A Rarer but Strategic Option

This is the least known route, but ferries from Spain do exist for travelers coming from southern Europe, or snowbirds returning from Portugal.

Bilbao – Rosslare

Operator: Brittany Ferries
Duration: about 28 hours (overnight crossing)
Frequency: 2 to 3 times per week
Highlight: ideal for long Europe–Ireland road trips

💡 This route is especially popular with campervan travelers and expats returning home!

Comparison Table: Ferry Routes to Ireland

Departure	Arrival in Ireland	Approx. Duration	Operator(s)	Vehicles Allowed
Cherbourg	Dublin / Rosslare	18–20h	Irish Ferries, Stena	Yes
Roscoff	Cork	14h	Brittany Ferries	Yes
Holyhead	Dublin	3h15	Irish Ferries, Stena	Yes
Liverpool	Dublin	8h	P&O Ferries	Yes
Cairnryan	Belfast	2h15	Stena Line	Yes
Fishguard	Rosslare	3h30–4h	Stena Line	Yes
Bilbao	Rosslare	28h	Brittany Ferries	Yes

Which Option to Choose Based on Your Departure Point?

Several Operators, Several Possibilities

From France: Cherbourg or Roscoff if you’re leaving from the west; long but direct crossings.
From the UK: Holyhead–Dublin for speed, Cairnryan–Belfast for visiting Northern Ireland.
From southern Europe: Bilbao–Rosslare for a direct route from Spain or Portugal.