Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries is one of the main ferry companies operating routes between the UK and France, running up to 15 daily crossings each way for passengers. You can benefit from regular special offers, as well as additional savings if you join its ‘Sea Savings’ Loyalty Club.

Skip to: Routes | Timetables | Onboard Facilities

Irish Ferries Routes to France

Irish Ferries operate sailings on one route between the UK and France (Dover-Calais) and a further route between Ireland and France (Dublin-Cherbourg). You can choose from 3 different fares when booking your ferry tickets with Irish Ferries:

• Economy: Option to travel before or after your booked sailing time (subject to availability when you arrive at the port). No refunds given and amendments will incur a £20 fee plus any difference in fare.
• Flexi: Flexible travel within +/- 4 hours of the booked sailing time. Refundable (as travel credit) if cancelled at least 48 hours before departure (or more than 8 days if travelling from Ireland). No amendment fees for changes up to 48 hours before departure.
• Flexi+: Fully flexible with the option to travel within +/-12 hours of your booked departure time. Club Class included with ticket and the same amendment and cancellation benefits as the Flexi fare. Please note that the Flexi+ fare is not available on routes between Ireland and France.

Irish Ferries Timetables and Schedule

Irish Ferries operate a similar schedule to competitors, with up to 15 sailings each way daily between Dover and Calais. Fewer sailings are available on the route between Dublin and Cherbourg, with around 4 per week during peak season.

Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure if you’re travelling with a vehicle and any passengers taking pets to France should check-in 120 minutes before departure.

On sailings departing from both Dover and Calais the schedule usually starts before 3am and ends just before midnight.

The Irish Ferries Fleet and Onboard Facilities

Irish Ferries operates W.B. Yeats on the Dublin-Cherbourg route and has a fleet of 3 ships operating on the crossing between Dover and Calais. These are the Isle of Inishmore, Isle of Innisfree and Isle of Inisheer.

W.B. Yeats

First introduced in 2019, W.B. Yeats is a luxury cruise ferry with capacity for up to 1,800 passengers. You can choose from 3 different dining options (including Café Lafayette, Boylan’s Brasserie and Lady Gregory restaurant), or relax in one of the 4 lounges for passengers. Onboard entertainment offers something for the whole family, whether you fancy catching a movie in the cinema or taking a stroll outside on the Promenade Deck. There’s a dedicated Kids Room and when it’s time for a rest you can relax in a private cabin or luxury suite.

Isle of Inisheer

Built in 2000, the Isle of Inisheer is the newest ferry in the fleet operating on the Dover-Calais crossing. It can carry close to 600 passengers and has numerous onboard facilities including a brasserie, cafe, duty free shop and outer deck areas when you’re in need of some fresh air.

Isle of Inishmore

The Isle of Inishmore also boasts a range of dining options, together with a Children’s Play Area, Cyber Zone and duty free boutique. With capacity to carry up to 2,200 passengers it’s one of the largest ferries operated by the company.

Isle of Innisfree

With capacity for over 1,000 passengers the Isle of Innisfree first entered service for Irish Ferries in 2021 after being bought from DFDS Seaways. It’s extremely popular with families for sailings as it features ‘Adventure Land’ to keep kids entertained during the short crossing. You’ll also find a range of additional onboard facilities including a bar, cafe, duty free shop and the Club Class lounge.

Taking Pets Onboard with Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries allows pets on all routes between the UK and Ireland to France, but they must be pre-booked before you check-in and you’ll be charged £15 per journey. Pets must remain in your vehicle at all times, unless you’ve booked a kennel. These are currently available on W.B. Yeats and the Isle of Inishmore.

At Dover Port there are two pet exercise areas between berths 2 and 3 and outside the main passenger services building. There are also several dog zones near the service points and boarding area at Calais ferry terminal.

Common questions on Irish Ferries