How do ferries to Ireland from Britain and France compare with flying?
Ferries win when the car comes too, or when luggage, a dog or a dislike of airports shapes the trip. The short crossings are Holyhead to Dublin at about 3 hours 15 minutes with Irish Ferries and Stena Line, Fishguard to Rosslare at about 3 hours 30 minutes, and Pembroke to Rosslare at about 4 hours. France is an overnight commitment: Dublin to Cherbourg takes about 19 hours, and Brittany Ferries links Rosslare with Cherbourg and Cork with Roscoff. Flying wins on the clock for foot passengers. Compare door to door, including the drive to the port, before deciding.
Useful pages: Plan your journey · Public transport in Ireland · Dublin · Belfast · Plan your Ireland itinerary · Dublin and the East in 3 Days · The Grand Tour in 10 Days · The Full Island in 14 Days · Ennis · Galway city · Experiencing the Irish coastline · Guided versus self guided tours · Where to stay · Ready-made itineraries · Coming home · County Galway · Cashel · Northern Ireland · Travel notices
Sources
- Irish Ferries, Stena Line and Brittany Ferries: routes and crossing times, irishferries.com, stenaline.ie and brittany-ferries.ie
More in Trip planning and transport
- What can I realistically see in Ireland in seven days without changing beds every night?
- Which airport should I fly into for the west of Ireland: Dublin, Shannon or Knock?
- Can I travel around Ireland by train and bus without hiring a car?
- How do I get from Dublin Airport into the city centre, and how long should I allow?
- What is the best way to travel between Dublin and Belfast?