Irish Ferries Overview

Irish Ferries is one of the largest ferry companies, offering services from Holyhead to Dublin plus several destinations in Wales and France. The company was founded in 1973 as Irish Continental Line, operating one ship on the Rosslare to Le Havre route.

In 1992, the company acquired the British and Irish Steam packet Co. which allowed them to operate on several other routes.

Irish Ferries Guide


Upgrades and Improvements

During the last few years, the company has invested several hundred million pounds in upgrading and modernizing their fleet of ships. Irish Ferries has won several awards during the last few years, including the best ferry award at the Irish travel awards for 3 consecutive years.

The company is also committed to doing as much as possible to help the environment, and recent steps have included using non-toxic paint, buying supplies in bulk, and collecting waste oil.

The Irish Ferries fleet is one of the most modern and efficient on the sea, and transports thousands of holidaymakers to and from the Emerald Isle every year.

Irish Ferries Holyhead to Dublin Route

Although times can vary by season, the company offers up to 12 crossings daily between Ireland, the UK and France.

The fastest crossing is on the Dublin to Holyhead ferry route; the company’s Jonathan Swift takes just about 2.5 hours. There are up to 4 crossings between Holyhead and Dublin daily.

There are two crossings daily between Rosslare and Pembroke, in South Wales, and the crossing takes about 4 hours.

Irish Ferries French Routes

The journeys to and from Roscoff and Cherbourg are overnight crossings; typical journey time is between 16 and 18 hours.

Rosslare makes a convenient gateway to the southeast of Ireland, with easy road access to Dublin, while Cherbourg offers easy access to Paris, the north of France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Irish Ferries Special Offers

Irish Ferries offers a range of fares, special offers and promotional packages on travel throughout the year, as well as deals on self catering holidays in France.

The Jonathan Swift

The company’s fastest ship, the Jonathan Swift offers several bars and restaurants, a TV room and shopping, while the Oscar Wilde, which sails to France, is one of the most luxurious ferries at sea.

Travel in Comfort

Passengers can choose from a wide range of cabin options, several cafes, bars and shops and a children’s entertainment area.

All Irish Ferries offer free Wi-Fi, expedited boarding, club class upgrades and facilities for the disabled. The company also offers fast and easy check in, with required times for foot and car passengers ranging from just 30 minutes to an hour.