Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Updated: 02.08.22

We are operating our ‘Travel Safe’ programme to ensure the safety and comfort of both passengers and crew on all our services. See what we are doing here.

We strongly recommend adding our Flexi Fare when making a new booking.

What you need to do before travelling to IRELAND FROM FRANCE:

Please go to www.gov.ie , for the latest information on travel requirements to Ireland.

Any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms while in Ireland should follow the HSE guidance available here in relation to isolation and undertaking antigen or PCR testing as appropriate.

Citizens of non-EU/CTA countries should ensure they check the visa requirements for entry to Ireland which are subject to change. See here for more details.

Please note Irish Ferries use the 24 hour clock. Check-in times differ depending on the route etc. You must ensure that you are through the check-in point before the times advised below:

Great Britain / Ireland Routes – latest check-in time

• Travelling with coach – 1 hours before departure
• Travelling with any other vehicle type - 30 minutes before departure
• Travelling on foot or cycling – 30 minutes before departure

France / Ireland Routes – latest check-in time

• Travelling with coach – 2 hours before departure
• Travelling with Motorcycle - 1 hour 30 minutes before departure
• Travelling with any other vehicle type - 1 hour before departure
• Travelling on foot or cycling– 1 hour before departure

Notes:
Passengers travelling with guide dogs or any domestic animal on the Ireland France route must check in 2 hours before departure. Please allow a little extra time if you need to collect tickets at the port.

Great Britain / France Routes – latest check-in time

• Travelling with coach – 1 hour 30 mins before departure
• Travelling with motorcycle- 1 hour before departure
• Travelling with any other vehicle type- 1 hour before departure

It is possible to use your mobile phone while at sea, to make calls, send texts and use data.

While close to land, you phone will connect to a terrestrial mobile network, and EU roaming rules apply.  The EU binding price cap does not apply if you use your mobile phone onboard via the ferry’s satellite connection, provided by Telenor Maritime.

Please remember the following:

• This satellite service is more expensive than your normal tariff.
• Irish Ferries / Telenor Maritime do not set the tariffs.
• Your own mobile operator sets the rates and is obliged to advise you of these by text message, when your phone switches to the onboard satellite network.
• Connection over a satellite network is not a terrestrial network and is not covered by the EU regulations on data roaming introduced in June 2017.
• Passengers from the USA, Canada and other countries may have to contact their home operator to activate the satellite service.
• Further clarification on the EU rules around data roaming can be found here: https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/faq/question-and-answers-roaming
• If you are concerned over data roaming charges, please SWITCH OFF your mobile data and use the onboard WiFi instead.

You can book on-line, by telephone or through any of our offices. Bookings made by telephone or in person at our ports and offices will include a service fee of €15/£10 for motorist bookings or €5/£5 for foot / cyclist / motorcycle and sail rail bookings.

Passenger information required to make a booking:

When travelling from 21 December 2019, new legislation comes into effect to enhance existing safety rules and standards for ships which requires extra information for passengers travelling on board all passenger ships in European waters:

Full name, Gender, Nationality (as per passport), Date of Birth and any special needs / reduced mobility requirements

Currency:

Fares are priced in the currency of the port of departure. The first port of departure determines the currency in which the booking is priced,

• Euro for a departure from Ireland to France
• Euro for a departure from France to Ireland
• Euro for a departure from Ireland to Britain
• Sterling for a departure from Britain to Ireland.

Contact us:

If you require assistance in making a booking, here is a list of our contact telephone numbers, frequently used email addresses, as well as the addresses of our walk-in offices.

COVID-19 Cancellation Credit - Terms & Conditions

Updated: 02.08.22

We are operating our ‘Travel Safe’ programme to ensure the safety and comfort of both passengers and crew on all our services. See what we are doing here.

We strongly recommend adding our Flexi Fare when making a new booking.

Since August 1, 2022, the rules previously applied to travellers to France no longer apply:

• travellers no longer have to complete any formalities before their arrival in France, in mainland France and overseas territories, and the presentation of the health pass can no longer be required, regardless of the country or area of ​​origin;
• no further proof of travel (the "compelling reason") can be required;
• travellers no longer have to present a sworn statement of non-contamination and a commitment to undergo an antigenic test or a biological examination on arrival in the national territory.

What you need to do before travelling to FRANCE on our Dublin - Cherbourg route from Ireland:

If you are travelling from the Republic of Ireland, the latest travel advice to France is here .

If you are travelling from Northern Ireland to France on our Dublin to Cherbourg route, you are advised to follow the travel advice for UK (incl. N. IRELAND) TO FRANCE.

Drivers of vehicles must carry and be able to produce a valid driving licence. UK and Irish Drivers with a full driving licence don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU. The Green Card Free Circulation Area (GCFCA), which comprises all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries as well as the UK, Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Switzerland. UK-based drivers do not therefore need to carry green cards for their vehicles when travelling to Ireland / France. All drivers must continue to ensure that they have sufficient insurance in place for travel to the EU / Britian in their own vehicle and it will now be important to take the certificate of motor insurance with you when travelling abroad.

Travel Vouchers are valid for travel for five calendar years from date of purchase. You may check your Travel Voucher validity date via Manage your Booking.

Administrative dues & service fees:

Administrative dues are per booking and are applied on an each way basis as follows:

Ireland – Britain routes (motorist booking):

• Adult €5.00 / £4.00
• Child (4-15 years) €2.50 / £2.00

Ireland – Britain routes (foot / cyclist / motorcycle booking):

• Adult €2.00 / £1.50
• Child (4-15 years) €1.00 / £0.75

Ireland – France routes (motorist booking):

• Adult €5.00
• Child (4-15 years) €2.50

Ireland – France routes (foot / cyclist booking):

• Adult €2.00
• Child (4-15 years) €1.00 

Service Fee

Bookings made by telephone or in person at our ports and offices will include a service fee per booking of €15 / £10 for motorist or holiday bookings or €5 / £4 for foot / cyclist or motorcycle bookings. NOTE: Charges, administrative fees & dues are fixed amounts and are excluded from discounts and promotional offers.

You must exchange your Clubcard Voucher codes for an Irish Ferries Reward Partner code before you make your ferry booking.

Republic of Ireland residents – Tesco Clubcard Rewards:

• 1. Click here, which will take you to our reward partner page on the Tesco website.
• 2. Click on the "Redeem your vouchers now" banner at the top of the page to exchange your Clubcard Vouchers for a Boost Token. If you run into any problems, then please click here to contact Tesco directly.
• 3. Tesco will issue you with a Clubcard Boost Token which can be used immediately online. When you enter the token code online, the value will be applied automatically for you.
• 4. Customers can book online up to 24 hours prior to travel with their Clubcard Boost Token code.
• 5. Bookings are currently not accepted through our contact centres and can be processed online only.

Q:UK residents including Northern Ireland – Tesco Rewards:

• 1. Click here, which will direct you to our reward partner page on the Tesco website.
• 2. You'll need to sign in to your Tesco Clubcard account to exchange your clubcard vouchers for a Reward Partner voucher code. If you run into any problems, then please click here to contact Tesco directly.
• 3. Tesco will issue your code by email and it can be used immediately to make your booking with us. When you enter the code, the value will be applied automatically for you.
• 4. Customers can book online up to 24 hours prior to travel with their code.
• 5. Bookings are currently not accepted through our contact centres and can be processed online only.

We are delighted to offer recharging points for electric vehicles on our Irish Sea and Ireland-France services as follows:

• Dublin – Holyhead Cruise Ferry :
• Ulysses – 6 Recharging points available onboard - power output is 7kw.
• MV W.B Yeats – 3 Recharging points available onboard
• Dublin – Cherbourg Cruise Ferry: mv W.B. Yeats – Recharging points available onboard when pre-booked as an extra and the applicable charge paid. Power output is 3.7kw.

The charge points available are POD Point Type II chargers. - User Guide pdf
Passengers are advised to bring their own cable to connet to the ships pod.

Please reserve a space at a charging point, as an upgrade option when booking your trip. Pre-booking is required to ensure a designated space is reserved. A nominal fee may apply.

Please check-in at least one hour in advance of your sailing time if you intend to recharge your vehicle during your sailing.

There are other public charging points located close to the ports we serve. Location details ca be found here:

 Ireland:  https://www.esb.ie/our-businesses/ecars/charge-point-map

UK & France: https://chargemap.com

Ireland/Britain Routes

All prices on board are in Euro. We accept both Euro and Sterling as payment. On board currency exchange rates apply for payment by sterling. Bureau de Change facilities are available on board all 3 ships serving these routes.

Ireland/France Routes

All prices on board are in Euro and we only accept Euro currency as payment.

Ordinary residents of Ireland, UK and other EU member states can access necessary healthcare from the state healthcare systems in Ireland, UK and EU member states on presentation of a currently valid EHIC (European Health Insurance) card.

For UK residents, once your current EHIC card expires, you can apply for a new UK issued GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). This entitles UK residents travelling in Ireland to access medically necessary state health services on the same basis as an Irish resident. You may still need to pay a fee for some services, like an Irish resident. You will not need to pay for hospital care including A&E or inpatient treatment, although you will pay in full for private healthcare.

More information for Irish & EU Residents: HERE

More information for UK Residents: HERE

'Necessary healthcare’ mean healthcare which becomes medically necessary during your stay, and you cannot reasonably wait until you’re back home to get it. This is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise that you take out travel insurance and breakdown assistance before your trip. Not all state healthcare is free and free services may differ between countries.

Driving in France is different from driving in either Ireland or the UK. And not just from the perspective of driving on the right-hand side, rather than the left. Here are a few tips to help you on your way.

Please note that as rules and laws may often change, you should check with official sources before making any arrangements. Here are a few websites to help with this:

France – Official – Transport Advice
Ireland – Official - Travel Advice
UK – Official - Travel Advice
The RAC
The AA (UK)
AA Ireland
French Embassy in Ireland
French Embassy – UK

Drivers must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in France. Riders of mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over.

Driving licences issued in the EU, the UK, and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required.

What’s Required:

• You must carry a full valid driving licence. Non-EU licence holders are required to have an International Drivers Permit, while driving in the EU. Check if you need an IDP.
• Motor insurance certificate
• Proof of ID (Passport)
• Vehicle registration document
• ‘Clean Air’ sticker (Crit’Air vignettes). Certain cities require you to display a Crit'Air sticker on your windscreen.
• Reflective jackets - One for each car occupant and these must be kept inside the vehicle within easy reach
• Warning triangle – for each car
• UK / IRL sticker – if not designated on the vehicle number plate
• Headlamp beam deflectors – stick-on or manual adjustment depending on your vehicle.

Public bus service to and from Dublin Ferryport Terminal

A regular public bus service also operates between the city center and Dublin Ferryport. The number 53 terminus is on Talbot street. Standard bus fares apply to this service and free travel passes may be used. Please click here for timetable.

Connections between Busarus and Heuston Station, where not shown, are possible by Luas light rail or local bus routes. These services are not included and are payable separately. Please note all bus times are subject to change. For any queries regarding this schedule, please call Dublin Ferryport at 01- 607 5519

www.dublinbus.ie - Buses within Dublin city and county 
www.irishrail.ie - Country wide train services 
www.buseireann.ie - Country wide bus services

Holyhead

Holyhead is situated in Anglesey in North Wales and is served by the A55 and A5 road networks.

It is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Chester, 2 hours from Liverpool, 2 hours and 20 minutes from Manchester and 3 hours and 15 minutes from Birmingham by car. Holyhead also has an excellent rail service providing connections to rail stations throughout Britain.

Note: Holyhead Terminal is closed between the hours of 0300 & 0545

The GPS co-ordinates for Holyhead are:

N53 18 31/ W4 37 43

Post Code is: LL65 1DR

View port map

Pembroke

Pembroke Dock, on the South Western tip of Wales is situated close to the M4 making it the ideal port if you are travelling to or from London, the South of England or the Channel Ports.

The GPS co-ordinates for Pembroke are:

N51 41 42/ W4 57 10

Post Code is: SA72 6UF

View port map

Dublin

Dublin Ferryport is situated 2 miles from the centre of Ireland's vibrant capital city, and is positioned at the heart of Ireland’s road and rail network. Dublin Port Tunnel is situated within the port complex &  provides quick access to the M50 & M1 motorways, the main routes to the North and South of the country. 

Cherbourg

Cherbourg is situated at the Northern tip of the Cherbourg Peninsula and provides an excellent gateway for travel by road to and from the North and East of France, Paris, and onwards to Holland, Belgium and Germany.

The city's railway station is at the end of the line from Paris and regular services operate to and from Paris-Saint-Lazare via Caen

The GPS co-ordinates for Cherbourg are:

49 38 40N/01 36 00W

View port map

Dover

Take the ferry to France from Dover with Irish Ferries. Dover port is just 2.5 hours from London City centre.

The GPS co-ordinates for Dover are: 

51.1251° N, 1.3338° E

View port map

Calais

Calais ferry port is located on the northern tip of France

The GPS co-ordinates for Calais are:

50.9663° N, 1.8623° E

View port map

Dover / Calais route:

It is compulsory for all passengers (including babies) to have their own valid passport or officially recognised European Union I.D. card when travelling to and from Britain or France. In some cases, a visa may also be required. If you are driving a vehicle you will also need a valid driving licence.

If you are a UK passport holder travelling into a EU member country (except Ireland), as of 1 January 2021, you must make sure your passport:

• is valid for at least three months from the date you will leave the EU member country, unless the person has a EU-issued residence permit or an EU long-term visa.
• should be issued within the previous ten years upon the date of arrival.
• It is your responsibility to make sure your passport is valid to travel to/from the EU.
• French people not resident in the United Kingdom and entering UK territory will have to carry a passport. The identity card will no longer be accepted as a travel document.
• For French people resident in the UK who have settled or pre-settled status, the identity card will remain valid until 2025.
• Note: If you have a passport and an identity card, you are strongly advised to travel with the identity document that is linked to your resident (settled or pre-settled) status in the UK.

• UK Government: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• French Government: https://uk.ambafrance.org/COVID-19-rules-for-travel-between-France-and-the-UK-28918

Non-EU nationals should check with the relevant embassy before travelling as they may need a visa as well as a passport.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. You can cross the UK border using a valid passport which should be valid for the whole time you are in the UK.  You will not be able to use an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card to enter the UK from 1 October 2021, unless you:

• have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit
• have a frontier worker permit
• are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
• are a Swiss Service Provider

In these cases, you can continue to use your national ID card to enter the UK until at least 31 December 2025.

Passengers who turn up at our ports without a valid passport or an officially recognised European Union ID card (and a visa if required) will not be allowed to travel and / or enter either France or Ireland.

Please visit the relevant government / embassy website for the most up-to-date information and to ensure you comply with the requirements:

- Travel from Britain to EU

- Travel from France to Britain

- Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

Your online account details are password protected to you alone. To update these details you will need to log in to "Manage Your Booking" from the www.irishferries.com homepage and then follow the steps below.

1. Type your new email address under the "Update my Sign-in" heading.
2. Input and repeat your password.
3. Click 'Update My Sign-in'. 

Your new details will then be saved. Please advise if you encounter any difficulty.

Dogs, cats or ferrets are allowed on our ships, as long as declared at the time of booking and they meet the EU entry guidelines and have a current EU issued Pet Passport or a valid Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

On all of our routes, you must pre-book your pets before you check-in – add them at time of booking to ensure availability.

For more details visit:

• Bringing a Pet to Britain
• Bringing a Pet to France

Don't give your pet too such to eat or drink before the ferry sails and allow adequate time to enable them to exercise, go to the toilet and settle down before boarding.  When travelling with a pet, boarding closes 60 minutes before departure, to allow time to verify the microchip and pet passport/animal health certificate.  As all pets must stay inside the vehicle during the trip, we recommend that they have space along with food, water, some toys, and ideally a window of your vehicle left slightly open. 

When travelling to France from Britain, you will need to visit your vet 1 month before travel and ensure your pet has:

• a microchip
• a valid rabies vaccination
• an animal health certificate unless you have a valid pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland
• tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta. The treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive.

These requirements also apply to assistance dogs.

Guide, Hearing and Assistance animals

• Irish Ferries welcome Guide, Hearing and Autism Assistance animals onboard our ships.
• All guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs must have the necessary paperwork when checking in at the Port and must wear the correct harness and jacket at all times when travelling.
• They are allowed to remain with their owner on the passenger decks for the duration of the voyage if they are an officially registered guide, hearing or autism assistance dog.
• Please contact us in advance of travel so that our Teams on-board can be notified and will be ready to offer special assistance if required.

Drivers of vehicles must carry and be able to produce a valid driving licence. Irish Drivers with a full driving licence don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU. In the event of the UK leaving the EU with no deal, holders of GB driving licenses and GB registered cars should note the following:

• Non EU licence holders are required to have an International Drivers Permit.
• GB registered/insured cars would no longer benefit from the EU’s automatic third-party motor insurance cover, and will need a physical Green Card as evidence of Insurance. These are issued by insurance companies, currently fee-free.
• Furthermore, drivers towing GB registered caravans on trailers will be required to have two green cards for insurance purposes – one for their vehicle and one for the unit they are towing.

However, drivers will no longer benefit from the EU’s automatic third-party motor insurance cover,and will need a physical Green Card as evidence of Insurance. These are issued by insurance companies, currently fee-free. Furthermore, drivers towing caravans on trailers will be required to have two green cards for insurance purposes – one for their vehicle and one for the unit they are towing.

To make your booking, please click the Book Now button above and proceed to our booking form to make your booking.

Alternatively, you can call our sales offices on 0818 300 400 to book. Our office opening hours are 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm on Saturday. Bookings made online, by telephone or in person at our port offices will include an administration fee of €3.

In addition, a supplement of €6.00 applies to tickets booked on the day of travel

PLEASE NOTE

SailRail tickets are only available on our Holyhead/Dublin services

Services covered by Rail / Sail tickets are not considered by the TOC’s (Train Operating Companies) to be connecting services. Please plan your schedule to take account of possible delays in arrival / departures of either trains and or ferries.

Please note that your SailRail ticket covers mainline rail travel only and does not cover onward travel locally in the UK by bus, tube or any underground network system operating (such as London Underground).”

What is the Environmental charge / IMO Sulphur Directive & European Union’s Emissions Trading System?

In line with the ambition to make the shipping industry more environmentally friendly and to reduce harmful air emissions, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO - the regulatory authority for international shipping) has implemented EU Directive EU 2016/802, to deliver a significant reduction in the sulphur content of the fuel oil used by ships, with a cap of 0.5% sulphur in the fuel or equivalent solutions.

Furthermore, from January 2024, the European Union will implement the Emissions Trading System (ETS), designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively while encouraging sustainable practices. It sets a cap on the total amount of CO2 that can be emitted by participating companies and covers CO2 emissions from all large ships entering EU ports and therefore will impact all Irish Ferries journeys from this date.

Irish Ferries Environmental charge contributes to the cost of compliance to meet the IMO 2020 sulphur directive and the European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS). The fee is a fixed amount as follows (each way):

Ireland – France route (all bookings):

• Adult €6.00
• Child (4-15 years) €3.00
• Vehicle charge (including motorbikes) €25 - travel up to 31 Dec 2023
• Vehicle charge (including motorbikes) €46 - travel from 1 Jan 2024

Irish Sea routes (motorist booking):

• Adult €4.00 / £4.00
• Child (4-15 years) €2.00 / £2.00
• Vehicle charge (including motorbikes) €12/£10 - travel up to 31 Dec 2023
• Vehicle charge (including motorbikes) €15/£13 - travel from 1 Jan 2024

Irish Sea routes (foot / cyclist / booking):

• Adult €1.50 / £1.50
• Child (4-15 years) €1.50 / £1.50

Dover Calais route (motorist booking):

• Vehicle charge (including motorbikes) £2/€2 - travel from 1 Jan 2024

NOTE: Charges, administrative fees & dues are fixed amounts and are excluded from discounts and promotional offers.

At Irish Ferries, we value our customers and recognise the importance of protecting your data.

We publish a Privacy Notice on our website to better help you understand how we collect your information, how we use it, and how you can control how we do that. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring your data is managed securely and treated with respect in line with the new EU General Data Protection Regulation, which came into effect on the 25th May 2018.

Any changes to this policy will be notified by email to our customer marketing mailing list and will be published on our website.

We have a range of fares - choose from our Economy fares for the best value, or if your plans may change, book our Flexi our Flexi+ fares.  And for extra comfort, our Flexi+ fares include the comfort of our Club Class lounge.

Terms & Conditions:

Fare types:

• Different fare types can be selected for the outward and return journeys where available.
• Flexi or Flexi+ fare must be selected at the time of booking. It is not possible to add this fare type after the booking is made.
• Flexi+ fare is not available on Ireland-France route (Dublin – Cherbourg), nor on ships where Club Class is not offered.

Amendments:

• Amendment fees to be applied depend on the fare type and are payable per sailing being changed and each time an amendment is made.
• There is no amendment fee for: changing a vehicle registration (as long as vehicle type is unchanged), changing passenger information (where passenger type is unchanged), adding/upgrading a cabin or adding club class.
• When amending a booking, there may be a difference in fare (increase or reduction) in addition to the cost of any extras chosen (additional passengers, different cabin type etc)
  • No refund will be paid if the amended fare is lower than the originally booked fare. Where applicable, an amendment fee will still be charged.
• A Flexi / Flexi+ booking can be amended 48 hours or more before departure, without fee.
  
  • A fee of €25/£20 applies when amending a Flexi / Flexi+ booking less than 48 hours before departure.

Flexi+ Club Class:

• Club Class lounge access as part of the Flexi+ fare is subject to availability.
• Where Club Class lounge access is unavailable, passengers may claim a travel credit refund for the Club Class cost by writing to bookings@irishferries.com, and quoting their booking reference.

Flexible Travel (Dover Calais route only):

• The provision of the flexibility to move to a different sailing to that booked without charge is available on arrival at Dover or Calais ports only.
• This provision is subject to availability at the port, and passengers should be aware that on peak travel dates, this availability may be limited.

Cancellations:

• Cancellation fees will apply dependent on the fare type booked and/or the timing of the cancellation.
• Economy Fare cancellations:
  
  • Dover – Calais & Irish Sea routes:  100% cancellation charge applies.
  • Ireland – France route: up to 100% cancellation charge applies depending on time of cancellation as follows:
    • Cancellation more than 60 days before departure: €200 (deposit) cancellation fee.
    • Cancellation between 60 and 14 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee.
    • Cancellation less than 14 days before departure: 100% cancellation fee
• Flexi/Flexi+ cancellations:
  • Cancellation for travel credit:
    • Cancellation of passenger bookings that have booked directly with Irish Ferries may cancel and claim a refund by travel credit by phone or by writing to bookings@irishferries.com, and quoting their booking reference. Cancellation fees will based on the timing of the cancellation request.
    • Travel Credits issued for cancellations will be for the full value of the booking (subject to timing of cancellation) and issued to the Irish Ferries account used for the original booking, and valid for use for a new booking for 12 months from the date of issue.
    • All Flexi foot passenger bookings are only eligible for refund by Travel Credit.
    • All bookings paid for in part/whole by a payment voucher (Irish Ferries Gift voucher, Tesco Clubcard / All 4 One etc.) where cancelled, can only be refunded as a travel credit.
• Cancellation for cash refund: 
  • When cancelled online, the default for motorist bookings is a refund (where a refund is due based on timing of cancellation) to the card used for the booking less a deduction of the following fees charged per sailing:

• Cancellation rules apply to any outstanding balances.

Payment:

• Payment in full is required to secure a booking and have a transport contract.
For Ireland-France route only::
• The option to pay a deposit only of €200 more than 60 days before travel is available to reserve your space and make a provisional booking.
• The full balance due will then be automatically deduced from the card used to make the booking 60 days prior to the departure date.  If payment is not received, the provisional booking may be cancelled and relevant cancellation terms & conditions applied.

General:

• Promotional and sale fares may attract special terms and conditions relating to amendment and cancellation charges which will be listed on the relevant fare pages over the course of the offer booking period.

How to change your booking

Bookings made on-line with Irish Ferries 
Once you have an online account, you can change your booking on-line by logging into Your Account. Bookings cannot be changed on-line once outward travel has commenced. If you have already checked-in or have completed one leg of your journey and now wish to amend the return leg please call us for assistance. If you should encounter any problems on-line, contact us at bookings@irishferries.com or at any of our call centers.

Bookings made by telephone with Irish Ferries
If you have an online account you can change your booking on-line by logging into Your account. If you do not have an on-line account please contact us.

Bookings made via an Agent 
Bookings made via a travel agent, tour operator, or a web site other than irishferries.com cannot be changed online. You should contact your own agent.

Inclusive Packages Holidays
Changes can be made to holiday packages – subject to relevant terms & conditions. Please contact us for assistance.

• Amendment fees plus any increase in fare apply to changes to route, date or time. All changes must be made before the travel date on the original ticket has expired. Amendment fees will be charged on each occasion that the booking is amended.
• There is no amendment fee but there may be an increase in fare for changes to the number of passengers travelling on each sailing, vehicle type, updating or adding a trailer, caravan or cabin or by adding Club Class.

Amendment fee costs

Motorist bookings 
A £20/€25 fee applies every time a booking is changed. If the change applies to both the outward and return sailings then the fee is £40/€50. This fee is in addition to any increase in fare.
Sales fares may attract higher amendment fees - these will be shown in the fare rules when you make your booking online.

Foot-passenger bookings 
A £8/€10 fee applies every time a booking is changed. If a change applies to both the outward and return sailings then the fee is £16/€20. This fee is in addition to any increase in fare.
Sales fares may attract higher amendment fees - these will be shown in the fare rules when you make your booking online.

Flexibility Option

Our Flexibility Option allows you to avoid paying booking amendment fees when changing a booking. Flexibility Option must be purchased at the time of booking. Please note that changes to bookings may still incur an increase in fare. Terms & Conditions apply see our Flexibility Option FAQ for more details

As many vouchers as you wish to part pay or pay for the full fare concerned. Please note though that refunds are not permitted on used portions of the voucher value.

You can amend your ticket by contacting thetrainline.com directly. Please click here to view their contact details.

What do I need to know about booking with my Tesco code?

How to make your booking:

When entering your travel details online, you can select that you are using your Tesco token and will be prompted to select the currency of your code. Full payment is required at the time of purchase and any balance amount after we apply your Tesco code can be paid using a credit or debit card. Please note that tokens are accepted online at 1 for 1 exchange (i.e. €1 = £1). 

We can accept one Tesco code per booking and all bookings must be made online. Please note that your Tesco code cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions or special offers. 

What else do I need to know?

You can use your Tesco code as full or part payment against motorist travel on all of our routes as well as toward the onboard accommodation (when booked in advance). These fares are subject to availability and may not be available on some peak departures (which will show online as "unavailable").

When booking, we can only accept a Tesco code where the named customer is travelling. Your code is non transferable and it is not possible to use codes belonging to friends of family. 

Please note that the maximum value of vouchers that can be used on the Dover-Calais route is €170/£150 for a return journey or €85/£75 for a single journey.

Will my booking qualify for the Irish Ferries Loyalty Scheme?

Unfortunately, you would not earn loyalty points on any portion of your booking that is paid with a Tesco code. Points will still be earned on amounts paid with a credit/debit card. 

Is there anything that I can't use my Tesco code towards?

We unfortunately don't accept your codes against the following:

• Purchases or upgrades on board our vessels or at our ports
• Short break fares (all routes)
• SailRail bookings
• Package holiday bookings (including self catering, hotel and B&B breaks)
• Foot passenger tickets
• Group fares (bookings with 10 passengers or more)
• Freight bookings    

Having a problem making your booking?

If you have run into any problems making your booking with us, then please contact our team for assistance by emailing tesco@irishferries.com or click here to view our contact telephone numbers.

What happens if my sailing is cancelled due to weather or technical reasons and I don't want to accept the alternative offered?

You will be entitled to a full refund. Refunds are by the method of payment, so any element paid for by Tesco vouchers will be refunded by Irish Ferries travel voucher. 

At Irish Ferries, we value our customers and recognise the importance of protecting their data.

We publish a Privacy Notice on our website to better help you understand how we collect your information, how we use it, and how you can control how we do that. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring your data is managed securely and treated with respect in line with the new EU General Data Protection Regulation, which came into effect on the 25th May 2018.

Any changes to this policy will be notified by email to our customer marketing mailing list and will be published on our website.

Updated: 02.08.22

We are operating our ‘Travel Safe’ programme to ensure the safety and comfort of both passengers and crew on all our services. See what we are doing here.

We strongly recommend adding our Flexi Fare when making a new booking.

What you need to do before travelling to BRITAIN from Ireland:

The latest travel advice to and from Britain is here. Ireland is an exempted country under the Common Travel Area (CTA), and Irish citizens are currently exempted from travel restrictions into the UK.

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before travel or complete a Passenger Locator Form, or quarantine when you arrive in Britain.

Please note that different rules may apply across Britain – i.e.: in the different jurisdictions of either England; Wales or Northern Ireland. Consult the relevant government website for latest information.

Please note that SailRail bookings cannot be amended online. To make an amendment to an existing booking, please call our sales offices on 0818 300 400 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can contact our Port Office at 01 607 5519. There is no amendment fee for changes to passenger names or on board accommodation. However, a €10.00 amendment fee applies each time a change is made to the date or time on your SailRail booking. If a change applies to both the outward and return sailings then the fee is €20.00. This fee is in addition to any increase in SailRail fare price and does not include priority postage

Any person in possession of a valid International Rail Travel Card can get reductions on foot-passenger bookings. In order to claim the reduction please make your booking on-line and pay in full - then e-mail your booking reference number and your rail pass number to bookings@irishferries.com.

The relevant reduction will be applied to your booking and the credit will be refunded to you via the credit card system. Please send the e-mail to us at least 5 days before your outward travel date. You may be asked to show your rail pass when you check-in for the sailing.

International Rail Travel Cards ( Eurail & Interail)

Irish Ferries offer a 30% discount on the standard foot passenger rates (adult or child) on both Ireland/Britain/Ireland routes and Ireland/France /Ireland routes. Discounts apply only to standard foot passenger fares and not to any special offer or discounted fares that may be available from time to time. Cabin accommodation is available at an extra charge.

The exact fare depends on the currency of the country of booking. Terms and Conditions apply. The Pass has to be valid in either the country of departure or the country of arrival. The Pass has to be current and valid for travel within the dates you have booked.

France has set up specific areas that are passable by vehicles only with an appropriate anti-pollution sticker ("vignette") displayed, known as CRIT’Air. 

The sticker must be displayed clearly in the windscreen of your vehicle when in these specific areas, otherwise you could be fined up to €135. The sticker must be obtained before travel and it can be purchased online at a cost of €4.76 including postage. Vehicles registered outside France must also display it.   

Make sure to purchase only on the official CRIT'Air website of the French government, which you can find by clicking here, along with useful information on the scheme.   To purchase, you will need a legible photo or scan of your registration cert, and up to 10 days for postal delivery.  Once acquired, it remains valid for the vehicle as long as the details on it are legible.

The CRIT’Air sticker is classified into 6 categories, each represented by a colour, from the most pollutant vehicles (CRIT'Air 5 = grey), to the most recent and environmentally friendly (green).  In some cities, vehicles with higher CRIT'Air stickers will be forbidden from entering.

You can check what classification sticker you need by entering your vehicle details on the French government site here.  You will need the vehicle’s engine Euro emission rating, which is usually detailed on your vehicle registration documents, sometimes titled as ‘Exhaust Emissions’.  When driving in France, the following signs indicate where the zone starts and finishes:

You can find out more information about what areas CRIT'Air applies to, and what the specific rules are for each location here.

All personal belongings found on our ships or in the ports are sent to our shore based lost property offices for collection. Passengers who have put their names or telephone numbers on any piece of personal property sent to our lost property offices will be contacted.

Property recovered on board is held for 1 month before being donated to charity. 

If you have a Lost Property query, please contact us by emailing lostproperty@irishferries.com

• All Irish Ferries vessels are equipped with medical supplies in accordance with the latest Medical Store Regulations. Supplementing the medical facilities on board is a full 24-hour radio medical service.
  
  
• All Irish Ferries Captains and Officers receive comprehensive first aid training. In addition a first aid team of designated personnel have completed an intensive para-medical course. All courses are broad based, designed for ship personnel, and cover a full range of medical emergencies.
  
  
• Our vessels travel sufficiently close to the coastline to be within range of helicopter assistance at all times.

Rail connections vary depending on the port used.

Cherbourg

The nearest rail link is in Cherbourg town. There is no public bus service between the port terminal and the railway station. It is possible to take a taxi (cost between €8 and €10). You can walk to the railway station - it takes about 30 minutes.

Dublin

The nearest rail links are in Dublin city centre which is 2 miles from the terminal. A public bus service operates from the terminal to the main bus station in Dublin City Centre.

Holyhead

Holyhead has an excellent rail service providing connections to rail stations throughout Britain. The rail station in Holyhead is situated within the terminal building.

Pembroke

There is a railway station in Pembroke Dock but the frequency of the trains is very limited.

Rosslare

Rosslare has an excellent rail service providing connections to Dublin and then onward to other main line rail stations throughout Ireland.

The foot-passenger check-in desk is in the ferry terminal building. The train station is situated about 600M away - it's about a 10 minute walk in the open air from one to the other.

There is no rail ticket office in the ferry terminal building – you just buy your train ticket on the train.

There are also regular direct bus connections to Dublin and Waterford.

Related Links
SailRail Britain to Ireland
SailRail Ireland to Britain

www.irishrail.ie
www.railtrack.co.uk
www.sncf.com

• Cancellation fees will apply dependent on the fare booked and/or the timing of the cancellation.
• Flexi/Flexi+ bookings paid for in part/whole by a payment voucher (Irish Ferries Gift voucher, Tesco Clubcard / All 4 One etc.) and cancelled, will be refunded as a travel credit (valid towards a booking for 12 months from date credit applied to customer account).
• Cancellations of Flexi/Flexi+ bookings:
  • When cancelled online, the default is a refund to the card used for the booking less cancellations/flexi fees and administration fees.
  • All Flexi foot passenger bookings are only eligible for refund by Travel Credit.
  • Cancellation of non-foot passenger bookings that have booked directly with Irish Ferries may cancel and claim a refund by travel credit by phone or by writing to bookings@irishferries.com, and quoting their booking reference. Cancellation fees will based on the timing of the cancellation request.
• Travel Credits issued for Flexi/Flexi+ cancellations will be for the full value of the booking and valid for a future booking on the Irish Ferries account used for the original booking for 12 months from the date of issue.
• Flexi/Flexi+ refunds to the method of payment used will have fees per sailing deducted as follows:

• Cancellation rules apply to any outstanding balances.

You can change your password at any time if you wish to do so.

1. Click the "Your Account" button.
2. Enter your e-mail and password.
3. Click the "Continue button.
4. Type in your new password.
5. Re-type your password to ensure it is correct.
6. click the "Update My Account" button.

Your password will be automatically updated.

You can pay for your booking by credit card, debit card, cash, bank draft, personal cheque, postal order or Tesco vouchers. We do not however accept American Express or Diners Club.

Secure Internet Shopping: When booking online with Irish Ferries, we offer an encrypted and secure booking system. We participate in the 'Verified by VISA' and the 'Mastercard SecureCode' schemes, to offer an additional level of protection against unauthorised use of your credit or debit card. We also comply with the Payment Services Directive and use ‘3D Secure’ for online payments and ‘Chip and Pin’ transactions for in person payments at ports.

These security measures apply to all cards so you do not need to register your credit or debit card. All you need to do is ensure that you and any authorised user have valid mobile phone numbers registered with your Bank / Card Issuer because they may send a one time passcode to verify and complete your online transaction. This passcode is not accessed, shared or stored by Irish Ferries, or by our card payment service provider. If you have any queries, please contact your bank and/or card issuer in the first instance.

Cash type payments: If paying by cash please pay directly at our Reservations or Port offices. Do not send cash through the post.

Tesco vouchers: Please contact Tesco to exchange your Clubcard Vouchers for a travel token. When booking, please choose “Use Tesco Tokens” - your token code can then be entered during the booking process when prompted. Please note that the maximum value of vouchers that can be used on the  Dover/Calais route is £150/€170 for a return journey or £75/€85 for a single journey.

Deposit: If you book online and opt to pay the deposit by card on our direct French service, the full balance due will automatically be debited from your card 60 days prior to your outward departure date.  Tesco bookings require the deposit paid in addition to using your Tesco tokens.

If payment is not received by the stated date, your booking may be cancelled and revelvant cancellation terms and conditions will be applied.

Gift cards and vouchers are a wonderful way to give someone an unusual present. One4all gift cards and vouchers may be used as part or full payment against a ferry fare.

One4all gift cards and vouchers may be purchased on-line www.one4all.ie or by calling into any post office or many retail outlets nationwide.

Please note that we currently only accept Euro One4All gift cards to a maximum of €50 per online entry transaction.

If you are sending One4all gift cards or vouchers to Irish Ferries as payment against a booking please send them by registered post to:

Contact Centre Manager,
Irish Ferries Head Office,
Alexandra Road,
Dublin 1

For FAQs on using on-line Travel Voucher click here

If you have an Irish Ferries travel voucher you may use it on any of our direct ferry services.

Online Bookings

Please make your on-line booking and pay the full amount requested. Then just forward the off-line voucher to the relevant Reservations Office. Please remember to write your "Booking Reference Number" on your off-line voucher. On receipt of the off-line voucher we will apply the deduction to your booking. The refund due will be automatically credited to you via the credit card system.

For FAQs on using on-line Travel Voucher click here

Telephone bookings and Personal Callers

Ireland/Britain Routes
Please tell our reservations staff at time of booking the value of your off-line voucher. Then send the off-line voucher to the relevant Reservations office along with your payment. Please remember to write your "Booking Reference Number" on your off-line voucher. You can also bring your voucher along to the Port if you would prefer to make your payment there.

Ireland/France Routes
Please tell our reservations staff at the time of booking the value of your off-line voucher. Then send it to the relevant Reservations office. Please remember to write your "Booking Reference Number" on your off-line voucher. Please note off-line vouchers cannot be used to pay a deposit.

Your password is your own unique control access code that you personally selected when setting up your online account. If you have forgotten it, don't worry - this can happen to anyone and we can help. Please click here to reset your password.

1. Enter your e-mail address and click the "Send me an e-mail" button.

2. Click the "Forgotten your password" link.

3. Go to your e-mail inbox and within a very short time, you will receive an e-mail containing your unlock key that will allow you to reset your password.

Depending on your chosen issue method, your Sail Rail ticket will either be posted to you or will be ready for your collection at Dublin Ferryport on your day of travel. When you make a booking, an email confirmation will be sent to you with your booking reference. Please note that this is not a travel ticket, but it will be needed to exchange for your SailRail ticket if you are collecting on departure.

If you are collecting your ticket on the day of travel, please be at the port one hour prior to your scheduled departure time and report to Check-In Desk No 1 with your booking reference.

• Irish Ferries operate to the highest safety standards, as set down by the International Maritime Organisation and monitored by the regulatory authority in each country.
  
  
• We advise all passengers to be aware of the on board Assembly Stations and to listen carefully to all announcements by the crew.

Any unused amount on a Travel Voucher will be available for use on a future booking. Unused portions of a voucher cannot be refunded though.

Unfortunately not – if you would like to book a first class train ticket, then you will need to book your ferry trip and rail journey separately. SailRail tickets cannot be upgraded to travel in First Class.

Amending your booking:

Your booking can be amended online in advance of the outward sailing. Additional charges may be payable subject to the terms and conditions of the fare purchased and these can be paid using your credit/debit card. Please note that, where a booking is amended and the new ticket total is lower, no refund or credit of the fare difference applies. 

Cancelling your booking:

Your booking can be cancelled online and is subject to the terms and conditions of the fare that you have purchased. After the deduction of any applicable cancellation charges, any outstanding amount would be held as a future travel credit.

Having a problem amending or cancelling your booking?

If you have run into any problems amending or cancelling your booking, please contact our team by emailing tesco@irishferries.com or click here to view our contact telephone numbers. 

You can book on-line, by telephone or through any of our offices. Bookings made by telephone or in person at our ports and offices will include a service fee of €15/£10 for motorist bookings or €5/£5 for foot / cyclist / motorcycle and sail rail bookings.

Passenger information required to make a booking:

Irish Ferries is required by law to record specific details of every passenger travelling. For this reason, we will need to know the following details for each person on your booking:

Full name, Gender, Age category (adult, child 4-15, infant 0-3), Nationality (as per passport), Date of Birth and any special needs / reduced mobility requirements.

Currency:

Fares are priced in the currency of the port of departure. The first port of departure determines the currency in which the booking is priced,

• Euro for a departure from Ireland to France
• Euro for a departure from France to Ireland
• Euro for a departure from Ireland to Britain
• Sterling for a departure from Britain to Ireland.
• Sterling for a departure from Dover to Calais
• Euro for a departure from Calais to Dover
  • Customers on our Dover - Calais route now have the option to change their booking currency to GBP or EUR.

Contact us:

If you require assistance in making a booking, here is a list of our contact telephone numbers, frequently used email addresses, as well as the addresses of our walk-in offices.

Dublin and Holyhead routes
We have luggage handling facilities for foot passengers. In Dublin and Holyhead you simply put your bags on a carousel at the check-in stage and then you collect them in the terminal building when you arrive. The luggage is stowed on the car deck so you will have no access to it during the voyage. For your comfort and security, all luggage put through this system is ticketed.

Rosslare and Pembroke routes
Foot Passengers are brought from the terminal in Rosslare and Pembroke to the ship by bus. Your luggage must remain with you during this transfer. The bus travels with the ship so you may leave your luggage on the bus or bring it with you to the upper decks of the ship. Passengers who leave their luggage on the bus do so entirely at their own risk.

Ireland/France routes
In Dublin foot passengers access the ship via either a pedestrian link span, or a shuttle bus which will bring them from the terminal building to the ship. Passengers must bring their luggage with them. In Cherbourg foot passengers are brought from the terminal to the ship by bus and their luggage must remain with them during this transfer.

Updated: 02.08.22

We are operating our ‘Travel Safe’ programme to ensure the safety and comfort of both passengers and crew on all our services. See what we are doing here.

We strongly recommend adding our new Flexi Fare when making a new booking.

What you need for travel to IRELAND FROM BRITAIN:

Please go to www.gov.ie , for the latest information on travel requirements to Ireland. Travellers to Ireland are not required to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative PCR test result upon arrival. There are also no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirements for travellers to Ireland.

Any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms while in Ireland should follow the HSE guidance available here in relation to isolation and undertaking antigen or PCR testing as appropriate.

Citizens of non-EU/CTA countries should ensure they check the visa requirements for entry to Ireland which are subject to change. See here for more details.

Registered shareholders of 1,000 or more Irish Continental Group (ICG) shares can avail of discounts with Irish Ferries:

• 20% discount on passenger & car ferry services between Ireland & Britain 
• 10% discount on passenger & car ferry services between Ireland & France (direct sailings only) 
• 5% discount on Irish Ferries inclusive package holidays (incorporating travel with Irish Ferries)

Visit shareholder services for additional information

Details as follows:

Dublin Port

Pay and Display parking is available outside the terminal building in all parking bays. The cost is €2.00 per hour with a minimum charge of €1. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket meters which are situated close by and accept coin and card payments. Vehicle clamping is in operation and the release fine is €125.00. Please make sure that your ticket covers your proposed length of stay. 

The cost is €9.00 per 24hrs (part there of). The cost per week is €50.

Car parks are managed by Car Park Management Services. For more information click here

Rosslare Port

Short term and long term parking facilities are combined in Rosslare Port. The car park is situated directly beside the terminal building and the cost is €1 per hour, €5per day and €25 per week. Passengers using this car parking facility must prepay. This payment may be made online via the Nationwide Controlled Parking System website www.apcoaconnect.ie (location code 0822). Contact number: 01 6516900 ( 7am to 8pm ). Passengers failing to pay in advance will be clamped and there is a €120 de-clamping fee per day. There are a total of 160 car park spaces including 3 disabled car parking spaces available. A maximum height limit of 2.4m also applies.

Holyhead Port

Short term parking is available outside the main terminal building. The purpose of this small car park is to allow people to deliver or collect passengers using ferry services. The length of stay is restricted to 20 minutes and is free of charge. A traffic warden monitors the car park and will issue fixed penalty notices for any breach of parking regulations.

Due to coronavirus the long stay car park has been relocated and is in walking distance of the port. There are 2 car parks near the entrance of the port, these are now available for long term parking. Same fees apply. The cost is £8.00 per day Pay and ticket machines are located at the car park. Park & Ride is no longer running. The car park is quite secure - there is CCTV coverage and the car park is randomly patrolled by security staff.

Pembroke Dock

Parking is available outside the main Terminal Building. The length of stay is a maximum of 2 weeks and is free of charge. Parking spaces are limited. Vehicle clamping is in operation and the release fine is £50.00.

Cherbourg

Short term parking is available in front of the terminal building and is free of charge. There is no restriction on time. 

Irish Ferries does not issue a ticket. There are several ways to make your travel document:

For reservations made via the Internet

You will receive an e-mail confirmation in your mailbox. You can either print this confirmation or quote the reference number of your booking.

For bookings made by phone or in person

You will receive a booking confirmation by post or email. You can either bring the posted confirmation, print the e-mail confirmation or quote the reference number of your booking.

Please note you must provide identification. See Passports-Identification for more information.

We are very happy to allow changes to bookings. Costs apply to some changes

• Amendment fees plus any increase in fare apply to changes to route, date or time. All changes must be made before the travel date on the original ticket has expired. Amendment fees will be charged on each occasion that the booking is amended.
• There is no amendment fee but there may be an increase in fare for changes to the number of passengers travelling on each sailing, vehicle type, updating or adding a trailer, caravan or cabin or by adding Club Class.
• Amendment fees do not apply to changes to vehicle details (make, model or registration within the same vehicle type), mobile and e-mail addresses or passenger names on the booking.

Amendment fee costs

Motorist bookings - A £20/€25 fee applies every time a booking is changed. If the change applies to both the outward and return sailings then the fee is £40/€50. This fee is in addition to any increase in fare.

Foot-passenger bookings - A £8/€10 fee applies every time a booking is changed. If a change applies to both the outward and return sailings then the fee is £16/€20. This fee is in addition to any increase in fare.

Refunds

• With the exception of bookings with Flexibility Option, any refund due will be by Irish Ferries travel credit valid to the end of the calendar year.
• Where bookings are amended and the total price of the new fare is lower than the original fare no refunds will be given.
• No refunds will be given on any booking after outbound travel has commenced
• No refunds will be given on any unused portion of your ticket
• No refunds will be given if due to adverse weather conditions you are moved from the Dublin Swift fast craft to any of our cruise ferries. If your booking includes a car/van you will receive an electronic travel voucher for £40/€40 which will be automatically uploaded onto your Irish Ferries customer account.
• If you have booked via a travel agency you will need to contact your agency regarding the travel voucher.
• Refunds are processed by the method of payment.

Note: - Promotional and sale fares may attract special terms and conditions relating to amendment and cancellation charges which will be listed on the relevant fare pages over the course of the offer booking period.

How to change your booking

Bookings made on-line with Irish Ferries 
Once you have an online account, you can change your booking on-line by logging into Your Account. Bookings cannot be changed on-line once outward travel has commenced. If you have already checked-in or have completed one leg of your journey and now wish to amend the return leg please call us for assistance. If you should encounter any problems on-line, contact us at bookings@irishferries.com or at any of our call centers.

Bookings made by telephone with Irish Ferries
If you have an online account you can change your booking on-line by logging into Your account. If you do not have an on-line account please contact us.

Bookings made via an Agent
Bookings made via a travel agent, tour operator, or a web site other than irishferries.com cannot be changed online. You should contact your own agent.

Inclusive Packages Holidays 
Changes can be made to holiday packages – subject to relevant terms & conditions. Please contact us for assistance.

Flexi Fares

Our Flexi Fares allow you to avoid paying booking amendment fees when changing a booking. Flexi Fares must be purchased at the time of booking. Please note that changes to bookings may still incur an increase in fare. Terms & Conditions apply see our Economy, Flexi, and Flexi+ FAQ for more details

It is possible to book Club Class and cabins for your journey, however this would need to be done directly with us and cannot be booked through your local rail station. To make a booking, please email info@irishferries.com and advise your travel date, sailing time and the grade of accommodation that you require.

You can view the terms and conditions of our Tesco bookings through this link. 

Updated: 02.08.22

We are operating our ‘Travel Safe’ programme to ensure the safety and comfort of both passengers and crew on all our services. See what we are doing here.

We strongly recommend adding our Flexi Fare when making a new booking.

Since August 1, 2022, the rules previously applied to travellers to France no longer apply:

• travellers no longer have to complete any formalities before their arrival in France, in mainland France and overseas territories, and the presentation of the health pass can no longer be required, regardless of the country or area of ​​origin;
• no further proof of travel (the "compelling reason") can be required;
• travellers no longer have to present a sworn statement of non-contamination and a commitment to undergo an antigenic test or a biological examination on arrival in the national territory.

What you need to do before travelling to FRANCE FROM UK (incl. N. IRELAND) :

The latest travel advice from UK (including N. Ireland) to France is here.

Public bus service to and from Dublin Ferryport Terminal

A regular public bus service also operates between the city center and Dublin Ferryport. The number 53 terminus is on Talbot street. Standard bus fares apply to this service and free travel passes may be used. Please click here for timetable .

Connections between Busarus and Heuston Station, where not shown, are possible by Luas light rail or local bus routes. These services are not included and are payable separately. Please note all bus times are subject to change. For any queries regarding this schedule, please call Dublin Ferryport at 01- 607 5519

www.dublinbus.ie - Buses within Dublin city and county 
www.irishrail.ie - Country wide train services 
www.buseireann.ie - Country wide bus services

No – Travel Vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash.

Irish Ferries have put in place rules, regulations and provisions to ensure that the laws relating to smoking are strictly observed on board.

• Smoking is not permitted in any inside passenger area on board our ships.
• Passengers wishing to smoke may do so on the outside passenger decks where there are dedicated areas for smokers.
• This regulation also applies to the use of electronic cigarettes.

Express Bus Service

Dublin Port is served by an Express Bus Transfer 7 days a week. The Express Bus Transfer service is operated by Nolan Coaches.

Nolans Coach service will depart and arrive from George’s Quay. see here
There is a €3 charge each way for the bus transfer. This is a cashless service. Payment can be made through Nolans coaches website or by card with the bus driver.

For service schedule see nolancoaches.ie
 

Public bus service to and from Dublin Ferryport Terminal

A regular public bus service also operates between the city center and Dublin Ferryport. The number 53 terminus is on Talbot street. Standard bus fares apply to this service and free travel passes may be used. Please click here for timetable.

Connections between Busarus and Heuston Station, where not shown, are possible by Luas light rail or local bus routes. These services are not included and are payable separately. Please note all bus times are subject to change. For any queries regarding this schedule, please call Dublin Ferryport at 01- 607 5519

www.dublinbus.ie - Buses within Dublin city and county 
www.irishrail.ie - Country wide train services 
www.buseireann.ie - Country wide bus services

For all queries in relation to Freight or Commercial bookings, please contact our Irish Ferries Freight Commercial Team on +353 818 22 15 60, or got to www.irishferriesfreight.com .

The following are considered as freight bookings:

• Vans and commercial vehicles higher than 2.6 metres and/or longer than 6.00 metres
• Bookings with more than 5 pets
• Any van or vehicle, regardless of size, carrying goods or equipment for commercial purposes.

Irish Ferries advise customers to read the relevant government guidelines on carrying commercial or chargeable goods which are subject to import/export customs declarations .  Check here for further details:

• Click here for UK government guidance  and details on how to declare goods that you are bringing in / out of the UK. 

• Click here for Ireland Revenue guidance Any goods that require a “PBN” as per the Irish Revenue list must be booked as Freight.

In the event of an incorrect disclosure, Irish Ferries reserve the right to re-price the booking and collect any excess, including VAT, at check-in.

Priority Loading - Irish Sea Routes

Cruise ferry Mv Ulysses (Dublin /Holyhead route)
Motorists who book either club class or a cabin (before travel commences) will receive priority loading

Cruise ferry Mv W.B. Yeats (Dublin /Holyhead route) 
Motorists who book either club class or a cabin (before travel commences) will receive priority loading

Fast craft HSC Dublin Swift  (Dublin /Holyhead route)
Motorists who book club class (before travel commences) will receive priority loading

Holyhead port and train station are part of the same building – simply follow the signs within the terminal to get to the train platform.

You can bring as much hand luggage as you can comfortably carry, but it must be packed in a suitcase or bag. No boxes or loose items are acceptable as hand luggage. One small piece of hand luggage will be permitted to be carried with you – the rest will be checked through our luggage handling facility. Please note that each item of checked in luggage must not weigh more than 22kg and you will not be able to access these items during the crossing.

The rules for taking pets on board a train, differ for each Train Operating Company (TOC), so it's best to check before booking your trip.

Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann)

Avanti West Coast 

Transport for Wales

Trainline

Check here for tips to travelling with your pet onboard with Irish Ferries.

Travel Vouchers are not transferable. They can only be used on bookings made on the irishferries.com account of the recipient identified at time of purchase.

Have your GoCar waiting when you arrive off the ferry at Dublin Port.

Benefits of GoCar:

• No need for transfers
  Step off the ferry and into your GoCar without the need for leaving the port, simply hop in and drive away!
• Convenient & Easy
  No need to head to a rental desk, simply book, locate & unlock the vehicle all within the app.
• Everything you need
  Enjoy peace of mind with basic insurance & refueling all included in every GoCar booking.
• Vehicles to suit you
  Our large range of more than 800 cars & vans dotted across Ireland will work for whatever your plans are!

For more information please click here

*This service is provided by GoCar and not Irish Ferries. Any queries you may have regarding this service should be directed to - https://www.gocar.ie/

Lending you a helping hand

Whatever you need we will do our best to help make travel on our services as easy and comfortable as possible for passengers with reduced mobility and special needs.

In addition to mobility and sensory restrictions our disability facilities are available to passengers with mental health problems, specific learning difficulties and medical conditions which may have an impact on day-to-day activities. In order to assist we need be aware of your needs. So please let us know at least 2 days before you travel.

If you are making a booking at our ports and require any assistance, please let our staff know and we will do our best to accommodate.

Below are some links to information to help you plan your trip.

Facilities available and the best way to access them

Sunflower lanyard - Hidden Disabilities

Information for each ship

Medical oxygen for personal use

Discounts Available

Travelling with a Guide, Hearing or Assistance Dog

Facilities available & the best way to access them

• Wheelchair accessible ports and ships.
• Wheelchairs are available for short term passenger use in our ports and on our ships
• Specially adapted public toilets in our ports and on our ships.
• Dedicated seating areas on our ships.
• Specially adapted cabins on our cruise ferries.
• Hearing loops at all our reception desks on board and ashore.
• Registered guide dogs allowed on the passenger decks.

Please contact us at least 2 working days (48 working hours) before travel commences. Self-identification is the best way for us to help you. If you have reduced mobility your booking will be flagged, and we will try to position your vehicle close to the passenger lift on-board thereby making the transfer from the car deck to the upper passenger deck areas as easy as possible. Send an email to: disabilityofficer@irishferries.com

If you are travelling as a wheelchair passenger, please make sure to add “Passenger with Wheelchair” to your booking.

Please be aware that there are limitations to the service we can reasonably offer and deliver.

During the crossing our crews will be happy to advise and assist. Please contact the reception desk on board

Sunflower lanyard - Hidden Disabilities

If you are a customer with a hidden disability or have a family member with a hidden disability, help is always at hand in our ports or onboard our ships.

Sunflower lanyards

We are pleased to be able to offer you a sunflower lanyard to wear on your journey through our Ports and onboard our ships. Wearing a sunflower lanyard allows our Teams to recognise that you have a hidden disability without you needing to declare it. This allows you to travel independently through the Port and onboard our ships, whilst knowing that if you need any additional support during your journey, any of our Team will be able to support you. Our Teams have been trained to recognise the sunflower lanyard and act accordingly.

How to pick up a lanyard

If you're travelling with ourselves in the near future, we'd be happy to issue you with a lanyard. To allow time to process your request please allow 2-3 working days. A note will be applied to your booking and then the lanyard will be available for collection when you arrive at check-in for your sailing. For imminent travel, lanyards can be collected at the ticket desk in the terminal building.

Send an email to: disabilityofficer@irishferries.com

Ship Information:  

HSC Dublin Swift

• There is one wheelchair access platform on board which is situated at the back of the ship.
• The lift goes up to main passenger deck and enters the main passenger deck at the back of the ship which is in the Lafayette Café area.
• It can accommodate wheelchairs up to 1.48m long and 1.1m wide.
• Full time wheelchair users can now access the Club Class lounge on the Dublin Swift.
• To request parking close to the lift onboard, we can only guarantee vehicle placement beside it for full time wheelchair dependent passengers. We will do our best for all other special needs requests but there are limitations to what we can provide.
• To place such a request, please email disabilityofficer@irishferries.com.
• If you are travelling with a mobility reduced passenger or very young children or children with special needs we suggest that you consider travelling on one of the cruise ferries instead as the car deck space is more generous on the cruise ferries and the embarkation and dis-embarkation pace is more leisurely.
• Due to the nature of the fast craft medical oxygen cylinders for personal use are not allowed on board.

Mv Ulysses

• This is a very large cruise ferry. The car deck space is generous and loading is done at an efficient pace.
• There are 4 lifts from the car deck to the passenger decks.  If you have pre- requested vehicle placement close to a lift you will be asked at check-in to activate your car hazard lights. Your vehicle will be called on board when a suitable placement beside a lift becomes available.
• There are three specially adapted wheelchair accessible toilets on board – one is on deck 11 close to the Club Class lounge and the other two are on deck 9.
• Club Class on the Ulysses is very suitable for full time wheelchair dependent passengers as a lift goes directly from the car deck to the Club Class lounge which is situated on deck 11.
• There are four specially adapted wheelchair accessible cabins on board. These cabins are situated on passenger deck 10. There is direct lift access to the cabin deck. 
• The shop, cinemas and restaurants are on deck 9 - there is direct lift access between all decks.
• There is a special seating area for reduced mobility passengers on deck 9 beside the reception desk.

Mv Isle of Inishmore

• This is a large cruise ferry. The car deck space is generous and loading is done at an efficient pace.
• There are 4 lifts from the car deck to the passenger decks.  If you have pre-requested vehicle placement close to a lift you will be asked at check-in to activate your car hazard lights. Your vehicle will be called on board when a suitable placement beside a lift becomes available.
• There are two specially adapted wheelchair accessible toilets on board – one is on deck 7 and the other is on deck 8.
• The Club Class lounge is on deck 11. There is no lift from deck 9 to deck 11 so Club class is not suitable for full time wheelchair dependent passengers. The Club lounge is accessed by stairs – approximately 40 steps.
• There is one specially adapted wheelchair accessible cabin on board. This cabin is situated on deck 9 close to the lift.  
• The shop, restaurant, lounge bar and café are on deck 7 and 8.
• There is a special seating are for reduced mobility passengers in the motorist lounge on deck 7.

MV WB Yeats

• This is a very large cruise ferry. The car deck space is generous and loading is done at an efficient pace.
• There are 5 lifts available from the car deck to the passenger decks. If you have pre- requested vehicle placement close to a lift you will be asked at check-in to activate your car hazard lights. Your vehicle will be called on board when a suitable placement beside a lift becomes available. There is a gangway lift available for foot passengers - goes from gangway deck 7 till deck 10, in service only for gangway operations, not in use at sea.
• There are three specially adapted wheelchair accessible toilets on board – one is on deck 11 Grey stairs, second one is on deck 10 beside the reception desk and another one on deck 10 Purple stairs.
• Club Class on the W.B. Yeats is very suitable for full time wheelchair dependent passengers as a Club Class lift goes directly from the car deck 7 to the Club Class lounge which is situated on deck 10.
• There are four specially adapted wheelchair accessible cabins on board. These cabins are situated on passenger deck 8. There is direct lift access to the cabin deck.
• The shop, cinema, bar, cafe and restaurants are on deck 10 and deck 11 - there is direct lift access between all decks.
• There is a special seating area for reduced mobility passengers on deck 10 beside the reception desk.
• There are wheelchair securing points available on deck 10 and deck 11.

Mv Oscar Wilde

• This is a very large cruise ferry. The car deck space is generous and loading is done at an efficient pace.
• There are 3 lifts from the car deck to the passenger decks.  If you have pre- requested vehicle placement close to a lift you will be asked at check-in to activate your car hazard lights. Your vehicle will be called on board when a suitable placement beside a lift becomes available.
• There are three specially adapted wheelchair accessible toilets on board – two are on deck 7 in the Sea Pub and one on deck 8 mid ship.
• Club Class on the Oscar Wilde is very suitable for full time wheelchair dependent passengers as the forward lift goes directly from the car deck to the Club Class lounge which is situated on deck 9
• There is one specially adapted wheelchair accessible cabin on board. This cabin is situated on passenger deck 8. There is direct lift access to the cabin deck.
• Shops are located on deck 7, Restaurant on deck 8, Café /Kids Zone and Club Class on deck 9. All 3 decks are accessible by lift from the car deck.
• There is a special seating area for reduced mobility passengers on deck 7 within the Sea Pub.

Mv Isle of Inisheer

• There is one lift on port side from the car deck to the passenger decks.  If you have pre-requested vehicle placement close to a lift you will be asked at check-in to activate your car hazard lights. Your vehicle will be called on board when a suitable placement beside a lift becomes available.
• The shop, restaurant, café, driver’s lounge and additional seating area are on deck 7 .
• There is a special seating area for reduced mobility passengers in the Boylan’s brasserie on deck 7.

MV  Isle of Innisfree

• This is a large cruise ferry. The car deck space is generous and loading is done at an efficient pace.
• There are 3 lifts from the car deck to the passenger decks.  If you have pre-requested vehicle placement close to a lift you will be asked at check-in to activate your car hazard lights. Your vehicle will be called on board when a suitable placement beside a lift becomes available.
• There are two specially adapted wheelchair accessible toilets on board –   one on deck 7 aft by reception area, another on deck 8 aft accessible by blue lift.
• The Club Class lounge is on deck 9. The Club lounge is accessed by stairs or blue lift from car decks to deck 9.
• The shop, restaurant, lounge bar and café are on deck 7 and 8.
• There is a special seating area for reduced mobility passengers in the Boylans Brasserie restaurant on deck 7.

Food outlets

All food outlets are easily accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. Furthermore, each of our restaurants is equipped with movable furniture to suit individual needs.

Medical Oxygen for personal use

Passengers travelling on any of our cruise ferries in a private vehicle may carry a maximum of 6 size "F" or smaller cylinders containing compressed Oxygen UN1072. Passengers must carry a letter from their doctor confirming that they require medical oxygen. The onus is on the passenger to ensure that their own medical oxygen cylinder is in good working order.

Due to the nature of the fast craft oxygen cylinders are not allowed on the Dublin Swift.

Discounts

We are delighted to offer some special % discounts on published fares. Please note that you may only use one % discount per booking.

In Ireland this special discount is available to members of the Disabled Drivers Association (DDA) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA). Please send an email to disabilityofficer@irishferries.com with your new booking reference and details of the appropriate organisation and your membership number. The discount will then be applied.

In Britain, members of the disability alliance group Disabled Motoring UK (previously known as Mobilise) receive discounts on Irish Sea and Britain to France routes. Please send an email to disabilityofficer@irishferries.com quoting your promo code which you will have received from DMUK, and your membership number and your booking will then be processed.

If you have a special query regarding on-board facilities or special needs please contact our Disability Officer - disabilityofficer@irishferries.com. Please allow 3 business days for requests. ( Mon to Fri 9 to 5)

Useful Links:
Disabled Drivers Association - www.ddai.ie
Irish Wheelchair Association - www.iwa.ie
Mobilise - www.mobilise.info

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Updated: 02.08.22

We are operating our ‘Travel Safe’ programme to ensure the safety and comfort of both passengers and crew on all our services. See what we are doing here.

We strongly recommend adding our new Flexi Fare when making a new booking.

What you need to do before traveling to ENGLAND from FRANCE:

Consult the latest UK Government travel advice before departure here

You do not need to complete a UK passenger locator form before you travel, take any COVID-19 tests or quarantine when you arrive in England.

Petrol & Diesel

Spare cans of fuel or diesel are not allowed in passenger vehicles.

Cars powered by multi fuel hybrids (LPG & LNG)

Vehicles propelled by LPG ( liquid petroleum gas) and LNG ( liquid natural gas either compressed or refrigerated) are allowed to travel. The cylinders should be in a closed position when the vehicle is on the ship and all cylinders should be properly secured to the vehicle. Only recognised manufactured models with standard specification approved by a recognised authority will be accepted for carriage.

Cars powered by multi fuel hybrids (CNG)

Vehicles propelled by CNG (compressed natural gas) are allowed to travel. The cylinders should be in a closed position when the vehicle is on the ship and all cylinders should be properly secured to the vehicle. Only recognised manufactured models with standard specification approved by a recognised authority will be accepted for carriage

Gas Cylinders ( Butane and Propane) for private use only ( caravans/camping etc)

Each vehicle is allowed a maximum of 47kgs of gas (maximum 3  cylinders). The gas flow must be shut off at the cylinders when the vehicle is on the ship. The cylinders must be adequately secured against movement and stored away from sources of ignition and heat

Helium Gas Bottle, including balloonists equipment

Cruise ferries
Helium Gas bottles are allowed on the cruise ferries only. If you intend to travel with a helium gas bottle please let us know before travel commences. For balloonists propane/helium cylinders are allowed but confined to a maximum of 3 cylinders the combined weight of which must not exceed 47kg.

Dublin Swift
Helium is  not allowed on the Dublin Swift .

Medical Oxygen for personal use

Cruise Ferries
Passengers travelling on any of our cruise ferries in a private vehicle may carry a maximum of 6 size "F" or smaller cylinders containing compressed Oxygen UN1072. Passengers must carry a letter from their doctor confirming that they require medical oxygen. The onus is on the passenger to ensure that their own medical oxygen cylinder is in good working order. Passengers must inform Irish Ferries at the time of booking and the use of oxygen on board is only permitted in non-smoking areas designated by the Master.

Dublin Swift
Medical oxygen cylinders for personal use are not allowed on the Dublin Swift. We allow mobile Oxygen compressors.

Other Gases

There are a range of other gases, some of which may be acceptable when shipped in a freight vehicle. If you have any other type of gas, other than those listed above  please contact the Irish Ferries Freight Department, who will advise you if we can carry the gas.

Divers.

Cruise Ferries
A maximum of 6 cylinders may be carried per vehicle, of size “F” or smaller, containing either UN1002 Air Compressed, UN1072 Oxygen, or UN3156 Compressed gas, Oxidising NOS (Oxygen, Nitrogen).

Cylinders must be declared at check-in, so that the ships officer can be notified. No other dangerous goods (e.g class 2.1 flammable gases, class 3 flammable liquids), may be carried in the same vehicle as the diving gases.

Dublin Swift
Diving gas cylinders are not allowed on the Dublin Swift

DIY and household effects.

We allow flammable paint and paint related material (maximum 10 litres combined). Disposable Gas receptacle (Maximum 1 litre), for blow torch or similar.

Fire Extinguishers.

Small fire extinguishers up to a maximum total weight of 5 kg per vehicle or caravan or trailer are allowed.

Fireworks.

Fireworks are not allowed in Ireland unless you have a professional permit for a licensed display or event. Therefore Irish Ferries do not permit fireworks in private vehicles on any of our vessels.

Enquiries for the shipment of fireworks should be referred to the Irish Ferries freight department.

Lifejackets and flares.

Flares and lifejackets which are classified as dangerous goods must be within test date regulations. The maximum  allowed per vehicle is  6 lifejackets, 6 handheld flares, 4x parachute flares and 2 smoke floats for use in leisure craft only.

Items carried in personal luggage.

Personal grooming or hygiene products, e.g hairsprays, toiletries are all acceptable.

Foot Passengers.

With the exception of passengers with medical conditions, foot passengers and passengers who are in a coach party, can only carry personal grooming products in their luggage.

Rail/Sail to Ireland

Pets (small dog, cat or ferret) are permitted to travel with foot passengers, but they must be transported to and from the ferry in a secure, rigid and appropriate pet cage or box (please bring your own). The pet must be able to stand or lie down in the cage or box in comfort and the owner of the pet must be able to carry the cage or box from the terminal to the ship. All pets must travel on the car deck (in the kennel area) in their cages or boxes. Please note that if you turn up at the port without an appropriate pet cage or box you will not be allowed to bring your pet on board. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Useful Links:

Ireland: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets/

UK:   https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad

Fuel policy with standard fuel allowances applies in the following circumstances:

Cancellation WEATHER, TECHNICAL / OPERATIONAL, EXTRAORDINARY :

• Ireland – France route: Allowance for fuel for landbridge via UK arranged by Irish Ferries
• Ireland – UK route: Allowance for fuel with change of port for transfers arranged by Irish Ferries

Fuel Allowance

The above standard allowances will be paid via credit to the bank card of the customer used to make the booking

Note:  Change of Port fuel costs apply to cancellations where customers are already at the port and are required to transit to an alternative port.  In the event of an advance notice cancellation, fuel cost will be for the net additional kilometres for driving from the place where the journey commenced to the new port versus the original port.

Irish Ferries operate to the highest safety standards, as set down by the International Maritime Organisation and monitored by the regulatory authority in each country.

Fuel - Spare containers of fuel ( petrol or diesel) are not allowed in passenger vehicles.

Guns and Firearms - Motorists are only permitted to bring sporting guns on board. You must declare the guns at check-in and they should be left in the boot of your vehicle for the duration of the voyage. Passengers travelling without vehicles are not allowed to bring sporting guns on board.

All firearms should be accompanied by a current valid Firearm, Shotgun or Registered Firearms Dealers (RFD) certificate and these should be available for inspection on request by security personnel at the port.

If you are travelling on our Dover – Calais route you must email Dover@irishferries.com in advance of your arrival to advise you will be carrying a firearm and to confirm that you will have the required documentation ready for inspection.

Email must include your Irish Ferries booking reference number and vehicle registration.

Ammunition - Ammunition is not allowed on any Irish Ferries vessel. If you bring ammunition with you to the port it will either be confiscated and disposed of ( if the facility is available ) or you will be refused travel. Passengers are also not permitted to carry the following items into the Port Security Restricted Area and onto the Public Area of the vessel:

(A) Pointed edged weapons & sharp objects, pointed or bladed articles capable of causing injury including:

• Kilt pins
• Axes & Hatches
• Arrows & Darts 
• Crampons (grappling iron, hooked bar of iron, or plate with iron spikes used in mountaineering)
• Harpoons & Spears
• Ice axes & ice picks
• Ice skates
• Lockable or flick knives with blades of any length
• Knives, including ceremonial, religious and hunting knives, made of metal or any other material strong enough to be used as a potential weapon
• Meat cleavers 
• Machetes
• Open razors and blades (excluding safety or disposable razors with blades enclosed in cartridges)
• Sabres, swords & swordsticks
• Scalpels
• Scissors with blades of any length
• Ski and walking/hiking poles
• Throwing stars
• Tradesman's tools that have the potential to be used as a pointed or edged weapon e.g. drill and drill bits, box cutters, utility knives, all saws, crowbars, hammers, spanners and blow torches.

(B) Blunt instruments, any blunt instrument capable of causing injury including:

• Baseball and softball bats 
• Clubs or batons - rigid or flexible - e.g. Billy clubs, blackjacks (truncheon of leather covered lead with flexible shaft), night sticks & batons
• Cricket Bats
• Golf clubs
• Hockey and Hurley sticks
• Lacrosse sticks
• Kayak and Canoe paddles
• Skateboards
• Billiard, snooker and pool cues.
• Fishing rods
• Martial arts equipment e.g. knuckle dusters, clubs, coshes, rice flails, num-chucks, cubatons, kubasaunts.

Prior to booking your ticket, we recommend that you check your connecting rail times from Holyhead. You can check these through the National Rail Enquiries website which can be accessed by clicking here. Please note that your SailRail ticket covers mainline rail travel only and does not cover onward travel locally in the UK by bus, tube or any undergound network system operating (such as London Underground).

Irish Ferries cannot be held responsible if there is no train service directly connecting with your ferry arrival time.

If there is any credit remaining on redemption of the voucher, it can be used towards future purchases until the credit balance reaches zero within the original validity period.

Ireland / Britain routes:

Irish Ferries recommends all passengers bring a passport with them. Irish and British citizens do not strictly require a passport to travel between the two countries, but some form of (photo) identification is however required.

Please note that all other nationalities (except Irish or British citizens) require a passport. They should also check with their respective embassies before travelling as they may need a visa.

Passengers who arrive at our ports without current valid documentation may not be allowed to enter either Ireland or Britain.  Useful means of identification when travelling on these routes include:

• Valid passport
• Photographic Driving License
• International Student Card
• Government issued photographic ID cards
• Health insurance/social security photographic ID cards
• Photographic bus/train pass
• Place of work photographic ID
• Birth certificates (for under 18’s with no photo ID)

Ireland / France routes

It is compulsory for all passengers (including babies) to have their own valid passport or officially recognised European Union I.D. card when travelling to and from Ireland or France. In some cases, a visa may also be required. If you are driving a vehicle you will also need a valid driving licence.

If you are a UK passport holder travelling into a EU member country (except Ireland), as of 1 January 2021, you must make sure your passport:

• is valid for at least three months from the date you will leave the EU member country, unless the person has a EU-issued residence permit or an EU long-term visa.
• should be issued within the previous ten years upon the date of arrival.
• It is your responsibility to make sure your passport is valid to travel to/from the EU.
• French people not resident in the United Kingdom and entering UK territory will have to carry a passport. The identity card will no longer be accepted as a travel document.
• For French people resident in the UK who have settled or pre-settled status, the identity card will remain valid until 2025.
• Note: If you have a passport and an identity card, you are strongly advised to travel with the identity document that is linked to your resident (settled or pre-settled) status in the UK.

It is responsibility of each passenger, parent, guardian or group leader to ensure that the documentation is valid and readily available for inspection at check-in. Irish Ferries does not accept any liability in this regard. The onus is on the passenger to ensure that the documentation is correct.

Non-EU nationals should check with the French Embassy or with the Irish Embassy before travelling as they may need a visa as well as a passport. A visa can take several weeks to obtain so please make the necessary arrangements well ahead of your travel date.

Passengers who turn up at our ports without a valid passport or an officially recognised European Union ID card (and a visa if required) will not be allowed to travel and / or enter either France or Ireland.

Pre-departure boarding of an Irish Ferries vessel is conditional on the passenger(s) being in possession of valid documentation to comply with the immigration laws of the country of destination. This is the personal responsibility of the passenger. Irish Ferries shall also be entitled to recover from the passenger(s) all fines and/or other costs incurred on it by reason of the passenger's failure to produce immigration documentation satisfactory to the relevant authorities.

Drivers of vehicles must carry and be able to produce a valid driving licence. Failure to do so may prevent entry into Ireland or France.

For more specific information see:

Irish Department of Foreign Affairs: www.dfa.ie

British Embassy in Ireland: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-dublin

French Embassy in Ireland: https://ie.ambafrance.org/

Irish Embassy in France: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/france/

UK Government: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements

French Government: https://uk.ambafrance.org/COVID-19-rules-for-travel-between-France-and-the-UK-28918

Car Passengers

Passengers travelling by car may bring as much personal luggage as they can fit into their vehicle.

Foot-Passengers

Dublin / Holyhead route

Foot-passengers may only bring small items of personal luggage on board (handbag, laptop, baby changing bag etc). Larger items of luggage must be transported in suitcases/bags/rucksacks/wheel base cases and put through our luggage handling facilities. We do not carry loose items of any weight except for pushchairs/buggies used for the sole purpose of transporting young children.

For your comfort all luggage put through this system is ticketed. Passengers are responsible for getting their own luggage to and from the luggage carousels and they must be able to comfortably carry it themselves. Please note that luggage is limited to 2 suitcases per person and each suitcase/bag must not weigh more than 22kg.

The luggage will be processed through our luggage handling facilities at check-in and may be collected at the luggage carousel in the terminal building on arrival. All items of personal luggage should be well labelled. Please note that the luggage is stowed on the car deck so you will have no access to it during the voyage.

Day trip passengers - passengers without cars may take one small piece hand luggage only (handbag, laptop, baby changing bag).

Rosslare / Pembroke route and Dublin France route
Passengers must be able to comfortably carry their own luggage and are responsible for getting it from the terminal building to the ship and vice versa. Access to and from the ship is either via a covered walkway or by special dedicated bus from the terminal building to the ship.

"Speedy Exit" is available to a limited number of cars or motorbikes on our Ireland – France service only from just €10 each way for cars and from €5 each way for motorcycles.

If you book "speedy exit" your vehicle will be placed in a dedicated lane on either deck 7 or deck 5 and we guarantee that your vehicle will be one of the first 20 cars or motorbikes to disembark from the ship on arrival in port.

• Early booking is advisable
• You must be through the check-in point at least one hour before the scheduled departure time to avail of "Speedy Exit"
• For vessel stability and stowage reasons "Speedy Exit" cars may be parked behind freight or other large vehicles
• Due to operational restrictions "Speedy Exit" is not available to vehicles exceeding 2.25m in height (incl. roof luggage), not available to cars towing trailers / caravans, or indeed to vehicles requiring close access to passenger lifts

If you have already made a booking and would like to add Speedy Exit to this you can do so in: Manage your booking  

It may be possible to use your tokens to book a special offer or promotional fare – this will be confirmed in the terms and conditions of the relevant offer.

It is possible to use your mobile phone while at sea, to make calls, send texts and use data.

While close to land, you phone will connect to a terrestrial mobile network, and EU roaming rules apply.  The EU binding price cap does not apply if you use your mobile phone onboard via the ferry’s satellite connection, provided by Telenor Maritime.

Please remember the following:

• This satellite service is more expensive than your normal tariff.
• Irish Ferries / Telenor Maritime do not set the tariffs.
• Your own mobile operator sets the rates and is obliged to advise you of these by text message, when your phone switches to the onboard satellite network.
• Connection over a satellite network is not a terrestrial network and is not covered by the EU regulations on data roaming introduced in June 2017.
• Passengers from the USA, Canada and other countries may have to contact their home operator to activate the satellite service.
• Further clarification on the EU rules around data roaming can be found here: https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/faq/question-and-answers-roaming
• If you are concerned over data roaming charges, please SWITCH OFF your mobile data and use the onboard WiFi instead.

AA Ireland has teamed up with Irish Ferries to offer customers exclusive rates on  Travel Insurance and European Breakdown Cover to Britain and the Continent.

European Breakdown Cover gives you easy access to the AA network of local European garages while customers with AA Travel Insurance get 24/7 access to an English-speaking GP.

ROI residents travelling from Ireland to Britain and France are eligible for these exclusive AA Ireland rates. At present, these rates are not available to residents of UK and NI.

The products are sold directly to a customer by AA Ireland.

It is worth noting that your purchase of a policy through AA Ireland is separate and not linked to your booking with Irish Ferries.

If you have already made a booking including AA Ireland Travel Insurance or European Breakdown Cover and would like to discuss your cover, make changes to or cancel your policy, please contact AA Ireland directly on 0818 227 228.

Click here to get a quote from AA Ireland:

We carry all types of passenger vehicles. Please ensure that you select the correct vehicle size (including all appendages such as bicycle racks, tow bars roof racks) as we need to know the amount of space to set aside for you on the car deck.

Vehicles declared incorrectly at the time of booking risk being refused boarding or may be subject to additional charges at the port.

Cars

Up to 1.90M High
Any Car, MPV or 4x4 where the height including any roof items does not exceed 1.9m

Up to 2.25M High
Any car, MPV or 4x4 where the height including any roof items does not exceed 2.25m 

Over 2.25M High
Any car, MPV or 4x4 where the height including any roof items exceeds 2.25m

*Tip: put your bicycles on a rear-rack to reduce your overall height, and price.

Vans

Up to 2.25M high and 6.00M long Motorist van fares are available up to 2.25M high and 6.00M long

Up to 2.6M high and 6.00M long Motorist van fares are available up to 2.6M high and 6.00M long

2.6M high or over 6.00M long Vans which are 2.6M high or over 6.00M long are classified as freight and must be booked via our freight department.

Vans and other commercial vehicles carrying freight goods, or in excess of these dimensions must book on irishferriesfreight.com. 
Be aware of the government guidelines on carrying commercial or chargeable goods – see Freight for more information. 

Camper vans/dormobiles/motorhomes

Up to 2.25M high and less than 8.00M long Where the height including any roof items does not exceed 2 25M high and the length does not exceed 8.00M

Over 2.25M high and less than 8.00M long Where the height including roof items exceeds 2.25M and the length is less than 8.00 M 

Over 8.00M long Where the length of the vehicle including rear racks is over 8.00M long but less than 12m long The height is irrelevant.”

Any vehicles over 12m long must be booked at freight rates.

Minibus (multi seat )

Up to 2.25M high and less than 8.00M long Where the height including any roof items does not exceed 2.25M (7ft 6ins) and the length does not exceed 8.00M (26ft 8ins)

Over 2.25M high and less than 8.00M long Where the height including roof items exceeds 2.25M (7ft 6ins) but the length does not exceed 8.00M (26ft 8ins)

Over 8.00M long Where the length of the vehicle including rear racks is over 8.00M long (26ft 8ins) but less than 12m long (39 ft 5ins) The height is irrelevant.”

Any vehicles over 12m long must be booked at freight rates.

Your tickets are unreserved second class tickets, so no seat reservations are available.

Irish Ferries operate to the highest safety standards, as set down by the International Maritime Organisation and monitored by the regulatory authority in each country.

If you are travelling on our Dover – Calais route you must email Dover@irishferries.com in advance of your arrival to advise you will be carrying a firearm and to confirm that you will have the required documentation ready for inspection.

Email must include your Irish Ferries booking reference number and vehicle registration.

Guns and Firearms - Motorists are only permitted to bring sporting guns on board. You must declare the guns at check-in and they should be left in the boot of your vehicle for the duration of the voyage. Passengers travelling without vehicles are not allowed to bring sporting guns on board.

All firearms should be accompanied by a current valid Firearm, Shotgun or Registered Firearms Dealers (RFD) certificate and these should be available for inspection on request by security personnel at the port.

Ammunition - Ammunition is not allowed on any Irish Ferries vessel. If you bring ammunition with you to the port it will be confiscated and disposed of.

Every effort is made to maintain advertised schedules but sailing times can sometimes be disrupted due to technical, operational or weather related issues.

If your sailing is cancelled we will do everything possible to transfer you onto the next available Irish Ferries sailing. If you would prefer not to travel on the next available sailing please contact us and we will be happy to arrange an alternative date for you.

When making your booking please provide us with a contact number (ideally your mobile phone number) and we will endeavour to make contact with you in the event of any major disruption

If you miss your sailing we will do everything possible to transfer you to the next available Irish Ferries sailing. You will be charged an amendment fee plus any difference in fare. There is no refund due for unused tickets.

We know staying behind whilst the rest of the family goes on holiday can be a lonely time for your pet. That's why we are doing our very best to help you bring them along on your travels. 

Your pet be it dog, cat or ferret has the option of either staying in the comfort of your car for the duration of the voyage, or being housed in our onboard kennels. It's up to you to decide which option is the most comfortable for your pet. If you do choose to use a kennel it must be booked in advance.

When travelling with your pet / assistance animal, you must advise us at time of booking.

Below are the links to all the information you will need to help you travel with your pet.

Pet Passport requirements and Government regulations

Procedures for travel

Kennel facilities onboard our ships

Guide, Hearing or Assistance Dog

Movement restrictions
 

Pet Passport & Government regulations 

EU pet passport rules apply throughout the European Union. All Dogs, Cats and Ferrets travelling between member states need an official recognised EU Pet Passport with veterinary endorsements certifying compliance with tests, treatments and vaccinations. The endorsements must be dated (including expiry dates), stamped and signed by an authorised Vet. It is your responsibility to ensure that all of the entry conditions are met. 

Government regulations for pets - Ireland /Britain/Ireland routes only

• Microchip - The microchip number on the animal must correspond with the number on the passport presented. The microchip should comply with ISO standards 11784 & 11785. Clearly legible tattoos are also accepted – the tattoo must have been applied before 3rd July 2011.
• Rabies - All dogs, cats, and ferrets must have a current Rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days prior to entry into Ireland). The Rabies vaccination must be administered by a registered Veterinary Practitioner and entered into the E.U. Pet Passport (Section IV. Vaccination Against Rabies), signed, dated and stamped.
• Tapeworm – this treatment is not required for entry into Ireland from Finland, Norway or Malta or for entry into Britain, Finland, Norway or Malta

Latest government regulations for travelling with a pet from Britain to any EU country after October 2019.

The rules for pet travel from Britain to the EU will change when Britain leaves the EU. Pet owners should contact a vet at least 4 months before travelling to get the latest advice.

Advice from DEFRA

Procedures when travelling with pets

Car passengers

• Your pet must be taken on board the ship in your car and must remain either in your car or in the kennels provided by Irish Ferries for the duration of the voyage.
• The kennels can be booked in advance and are free of charge.
• Family pets are not allowed on the passenger decks at any time.

Foot-passengers

• Pets (all dogs and cats) must be transported to and from the ferry in a secure, rigid and appropriate pet carrier/cage or crate (please bring your own).
• The animal must be able to stand or lie down in comfort.
• The owner of the animal must be able to carry the carrier/cage or crate from the terminal to the ship.
• The carrier/ cage or crate will be accommodated in the kennel area on the car deck.
• If you turn up at the port without an appropriate pet carrier/cage or crate you will not be allowed to bring your pet on board. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Kennel facilities on board

Each ship has kennel facilities which are situated on the car deck. Please note that you may not be parked beside the kennels. The kennel sizes are :

Isle of Inishmore ( Dover / Calais route)
A mix of small, medium and large kennels up to 100cm high, 80cm wide, 85cm deep

Dublin Swift( Dublin/Holyhead route)
A mix of small, medium and large kennels up to 84cm high x 120cm wide x 88cm deep

Oscar Wilde (Dublin / Holyhead route)
A mix of small and medium kennels up to 89cm high, 70cm wide and 95cm deep.

Ulysses (Dublin / Holyhead route)
A mix of small, medium and large kennels up to 96cm high, 96cm wide and 85cm deep.

W.B. Yeats (Dublin/Holyhead route)
A mix of small, medium and large kennels up to 100cm high, 75cm wide and 95cm deep

Guide, Hearing and Assistance dogs

Assistance and Guide dogs are welcome in all public areas of our ports and ships, subject to the necessary certification and pet passport/animal health documentation.

All assistance dogs must have the necessary accreditation and pet passport/animal health certificate documentation when checking in at the Port. They must also wear the correct jacket and harness at all times when travelling, and are allowed to remain with their owner in the passenger areas for the duration of the voyage. For sailings where foot passengers are permitted, passengers with an assistance / guide dog are permitted to walk their dog through the terminal building and onto the ship.

We accept assistance dogs who are recognised by the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and International Guide Dogs Federation (IDGF) programmes. These programmes ensure Assistance dogs are specifically trained to assist and support people with a disability, whilst also being fully trained to work in a variety of environments and are accustomed to public access and interacting with many different types of people.

Where they are not recognised as an assistance dog by ADI or the IGDF, evidence/accreditation must be provided by a qualified dog trainer to prove that they have passed an assistance dog public access certification test in accordance with the requirements set out by ADI in order to be accepted as an assistance dog on our ships. 

If travelling with an Assistance / Guide Dog, please contact us at disabilityofficer@irishferries.com at least 2 working days in advance of travel so that our Teams on-board can be notified and will be ready to offer special assistance if required.   

The pet passport / animal health certificate etc requirements for entry for assistance dogs are the same as all other pets.  Please consult the detail of these requirements by route:

• Britain - France
• Ireland - Britain
• Ireland - France

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals who do not meet the requirement of having assistance dog public access certification in accordance with the requirements set out by ADI can travel with us, however they will have to follow the same rules set out for our regular pets, and will not have access to the passenger areas on board.   The access for un-certified emotional support animals is therefore as follows:

• Stay in vehicle during crossing (Ireland-UK & Dover - Calais)
• Stay in Kennels during crossing (Ireland-UK & Ireland-France)

Movement Restrictions

Movement Restriction on the Number of Pets.

• From the 29th December 2014, the maximum number of pets that can travel with one owner or authorised person under the pet travel scheme will be five. Anyone wishing to travel with more than 5 pets will therefore need to comply with the commercial movement rules (see below).
• An exemption from this requirement will be introduced where more than five pets, aged over six months, are travelling with their owner, or an authorised person, to attend a show, competition or sporting event (or training for such an event). Written evidence of attendance/registration will need to be provided. In all cases the transport vehicle must be fit for purpose, for example, in relation to size, type and ventilation. Kennels are available on board and can be booked with Irish Ferries.

Commercial Movement of Animals.

• Any other shipment of animals that exceeds five, (not including those attending shows or sporting events) or any movement of animals for commercial purposes (for sale, for breeding or commercial gain), cannot be booked on Irish Ferries Passenger services. A booking will need to be made with Irish Ferries Freight Services (contact +353 (0) 818221560.
• Customers should also note that there are separate requirements for commercial shipments of animals, including additional approval documentation, for the animals, the vehicle type and in some cases, for the driver of the vehicle. Further information can be obtained from the office of your nearest Animal Health Veterinary Inspector.

There are restrictions in place curtailing the free movement of birds due to the risk of bird flu.

Further information on the restrictions applying when travelling with animals is available on

www.gov.uk/bringing-food-animals-plants-into-uk

www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets

If your question has not been fully answered in this FAQ please contact us and let us know customersupport@irishferries.com

Driving in France is different from driving in either Ireland or the UK. And not just from the perspective of driving on the right-hand side, rather than the left. Here are a few tips to help you on your way.

Please note that as rules and laws may often change, you should check with official sources before making any arrangements. Here are a few websites to help with this:

France – Official – Transport Advice 
Ireland – Official - Travel Advice 
UK – Official - Travel Advice 
The RAC 
The AA (UK) 
AA Ireland 
French Embassy in Ireland 
French Embassy – UK 

Drivers must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in France. Riders of mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over.

Driving licences issued in the EU, the UK, and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required.

What’s Required:

• You must carry a full valid driving licence. Non-EU licence holders are required to have an International Drivers Permit, while driving in the EU. Check if you need an IDP.
• Motor insurance certificate
• Proof of ID (Passport)
• Vehicle registration document
• ‘Clean Air’ sticker (Crit’Air vignettes). Certain cities require you to display a Crit'Air sticker on your windscreen.
• Reflective jackets - One for each car occupant and these must be kept inside the vehicle within easy reach
• Warning triangle – for each car
• UK / IRL sticker – if not designated on the vehicle number plate
• Headlamp beam deflectors – stick-on or manual adjustment depending on your vehicle.

If you intend travelling with horses and other livestock you cannot book a passenger fare.

You must make your booking via our freight department. The telephone number is +353 (0) 818 221560. For further contact details go to www.irishferriesfreight.com.

However if you are just bringing an empty horse trailer you may book a passenger fare.

Your Travel Voucher is not valid for payment or part payment for the following products; Freight bookings, 3rd party ancillaries or purchases made on board our ships.

Unfortunately not – if you would like to book a first class train ticket, then you will need to book your ferry trip and rail journey separately. SailRail tickets cannot be upgraded to travel in First Class.

For safety reasons the following travel restrictions apply to pregnant women:

• Up to 28 weeks - No restrictions
• 28 to 31 weeks - Doctors certificate needed confirming that Mother-to be is fit to travel 
• 32 weeks and over -Travel not allowed.

Please note it is the responsibility of all pregnant women to advise Irish Ferries of their condition and to adhere to these restrictions.

We know staying behind whilst the rest of the family goes on holiday can be a lonely time for your pet. That's why we are doing our very best to help you bring them along on your travels.

On all of our routes, you must pre-book your pets before you check-in – add them at time of booking to ensure availability.

Your pet, be it dog, cat or ferret will be housed in our dedicated onboard kennels. To make them that bit more comfortable we suggest that you bring a comfort blanket or bedding for your pet along with a water bowl. You will be allowed to visit your pet during the crossing and bring them for a short walk. A crew member will accompany you to the kennels. Visiting times are displayed at the reception desk.

Below are links to all the information you will need to allow you travel with your pet.

Pet Passport requirements and Government regulations

Procedures for travel

Kennel facilities onboard our ships

Guide, Hearing or Assistance Dogs

Animal movement restrictions

Pet Passport requirements and Government regulations 

Irish Ferries participates in the Pet Travel Scheme. This is a Government controlled system that allows movement of dogs, cats and ferrets within EU member states without quarantine restrictions. Motorists and foot -passengers may bring their pet with them.

All Dogs, Cats and Ferrets travelling under this scheme need a Pet Passport. It is your responsibility to ensure that all the entry conditions are met otherwise your pet will not be allowed to travel.

Government Regulations - Pets travelling to Ireland

Dogs, cats and ferrets must have an official recognised EU Pet Passport with veterinary endorsements certifying compliance with tests, treatments and vaccinations. The endorsements must be dated (including expiry dates), stamped and signed by an authorised Veterinary Practitioner.

Regulations:

• Microchip - The microchip number on the animal must correspond with the number on the passport presented. The microchip should comply with ISO standards 11784 & 11785. Clearly legible tattoos are also accepted – the tattoo must have been applied before 3rd July 2011.
• Rabies – All cats, dogs and ferrets must have a current rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days prior to entry). The rabies vaccination must be administered by a registered Veterinary Practitioner and entered into the E.U. Pet Passport (Section IV. Vaccination Against Rabies), signed, dated and stamped.
• Tapeworm Treatment–(Echinococcus) applies to dogs only. Tapeworm treatment must be administered by a registered Veterinary Practitioner and entered into the E.U. Pet Passport (Section VII. Echinococcus Treatment) signed, dated, timed and stamped. Tapeworm treatment must be administered between 24 hours (1 day) and 120 hours (5 days) before scheduled arrival time into Ireland. Treatment against ticks is no longer a compulsory requirement but dog owners are strongly advised on animal health grounds to avail of tick treatment for their dogs when getting the tapeworm treatment.

All other animal types must have an Import licence to travel to Ireland. These licences are issued by the Irish Government. To obtain a licence please check the Irish Government website www.agriculture.gov.ie

Government regulations - Pets travelling one way to France or any other EU Member state 

The minimum requirement for dogs, cats and ferrets crossing any EU border is:

• Microchip
• EU Pet Passport with veterinary endorsements certifying compliance with tests, treatments and vaccinations.
• Rabies – All cats, dogs and ferrets must have a current Rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days prior to entry). The Rabies vaccination must be administered by a registered Veterinary Practitioner and entered into the E.U. Pet Passport (Section IV. Vaccination Against Rabies), signed, dated and stamped.

All other animal types must have a certificate of good health and possibly an import licence before travelling. Check with the agricultural agencies in the country you are travelling to for more information:

• Ireland: www.agriculture.gov.ie
• UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs
• France:  https://agriculture.gouv.fr/french-ministry-agriculture-and-food          

Procedures when travelling with Pets

• Check-in time for passengers travelling with animals is at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the ferry - otherwise you and your pet will be refused travel.
• You may be asked to help staff to use the scanner as the animal will be more comfortable with the owner.
• Irish Ferries charge kennel fees of € 30 / € 45 / €60 per animal per journey for travel. This fee includes the use of a kennel/cat box on board and each animal must occupy a separate unit.
• Pets are not allowed to remain in your car or travel on the passenger decks during the voyage (guide dogs excluded)

Car passengers

• When travelling from Cherbourg port please go to the terminal building before you go to the car check-in point so that the pet microchip details can be checked.

Foot Passengers

• Pets (all dogs and cats) must be transported to and from the ferry in a secure, rigid and appropriate pet cage or box (please bring your own).
• The animal must be able to stand or lie down in comfort.
• The owner of the animal must be able to carry the cage or box from the terminal to the ship.
• If you turn up at the port without an appropriate pet cage or box you will not be allowed to bring your pet on board. There are no exceptions to this rule.
  
  

Kennel facilities onboard 

Oscar Wilde
A mix of  kennels up to 89cm high, 70cm wide and 95cm deep.

W.B. Yeats

The kennels are situated on car deck 5, whilst the cat-boxes are situated on deck 4. The dimensions of the pet units are:

Small kennel = €30 (51cm high, 75cm wide, 95cm deep)
Medium kennel = €45 (70cm high, 75cm wide and 95cm deep)
Large kennel = €60 (100cm high, 75cm wide and 95cm deep)

Cat-Box = €30 (50cm high, 80cm wide, 72cm deep)

Additional Notes

• Please ensure that you book a kennel size appropriate for your pet. If you reserve a kennel that is too small for your pet, we reserve the right to refuse travel. Irish Ferries also reserve the right to optimise the usage of the kennels onboard based on demand and on the size of the pet. Where Irish Ferries judge it appropriate to move a pet to a smaller kennel, no refund will be paid. You will be assigned a kennel number and your pet must remain in that kennel for the duration of the voyage. When you add a kennel to your booking you will have to confirm that you are aware of and will adhere to the special terms and conditions of the Pets travel scheme.
• Early pre-booking of pets is essential and is subject to space, availability and terms & conditions of the Pet Travel Scheme. There are only a limited number of kennels available on each sailing and our reservations system is programmed to accept two kennels per booking. If you wish to bring a third pet please contact us at info@irishferries.com and we will let you know if a suitable kennel is available on your chosen travel dates.
• If your pet is travelling both ways you must make a return booking and reserve a kennel on each journey. If your pet is not returning with you please contact us before travel commences at info@irishferries.com so that we can note your booking accordingly. If you are using our Landbridge services to or from Europe (travelling via the UK) please ensure that you are compliant with our partner carriers' regulations regarding the transport of pets.
• Where specified by Irish or French legislation, if your pet is required to be muzzled and is not, you will be refused travel.
• You will be allowed to visit your pet during the crossing and bring him/her for a short walk to answer calls of nature. A crew member will accompany you to the kennels. For safety reasons children are not permitted to visit the car deck during the crossing. Visiting times are displayed at reception on deck 7.
• We suggest you bring some comfort blanket or bedding for your pet and a water bowl.
• Cat-boxes are reserved exclusively for cats. Dogs and ferrets can be booked in kennels.

Dangerous Dogs
Check to see if your dog is considered a dangerous breed. The importation and transit to and around France of dangerous dogs Category 1; such as Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (Pit bulls , Mastiff (Boer bulls) or any dog of the type known as the Tosa without a pedigree is not permitted. All dogs in category 1 type should be properly muzzled or they will be refused travel.
For further details regarding dangerous dogs please see https://agriculture.gouv.fr/french-ministry-agriculture-and-food

Guide, Hearing and Assistance dogs

Assistance and Guide dogs are welcome in all public areas of our ports and ships, subject to the necessary certification and pet passport/animal health documentation.

All assistance dogs must have the necessary accreditation and pet passport/animal health certificate documentation when checking in at the Port. They must also wear the correct jacket and harness at all times when travelling, and are allowed to remain with their owner in the passenger areas for the duration of the voyage. For sailings where foot passengers are permitted, passengers with an assistance / guide dog are permitted to walk their dog through the terminal building and onto the ship.

We accept assistance dogs who are recognised by the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and International Guide Dogs Federation (IDGF) programmes. These programmes ensure Assistance dogs are specifically trained to assist and support people with a disability, whilst also being fully trained to work in a variety of environments and are accustomed to public access and interacting with many different types of people.

Where they are not recognised as an assistance dog by ADI or the IGDF, evidence/accreditation must be provided by a qualified dog trainer to prove that they have passed an assistance dog public access certification test in accordance with the requirements set out by ADI in order to be accepted as an assistance dog on our ships. 

If travelling with an Assistance / Guide Dog, please contact us at disabilityofficer@irishferries.com at least 2 working days in advance of travel so that our Teams on-board can be notified and will be ready to offer special assistance if required.   

The pet passport / animal health certificate etc requirements for entry for assistance dogs are the same as all other pets.  Please consult the detail of these requirements by route:

• Britain - France
• Ireland - Britain
• Ireland - France

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals who do not meet the requirement of having assistance dog public access certification in accordance with the requirements set out by ADI can travel with us, however they will have to follow the same rules set out for our regular pets, and will not have access to the passenger areas on board.   The access for un-certified emotional support animals is therefore as follows:

• Stay in vehicle during crossing (Ireland-UK & Dover - Calais)
• Stay in Kennels during crossing (Ireland-UK & Ireland-France)

If your question has not been fully answered in this FAQ please contact us and let us know customersupport@irishferries.com

Yes. Any booking paid for with a Travel Voucher, and eligible for our Frequent Traveller Scheme will be included in appropriate discount calculations.

It is possible to book Club Class and cabins for your journey, however this would need to be done directly with us and cannot be booked through your local rail station. To make a booking, please email info@irishferries.com and advise your travel date, sailing time and the grade of accommodation that you require.

Free WiFi Onboard

We are delighted to offer Free 20 minutes of BASIC WiFi in designated public areas onboard. Check your mail, while you sail. Select network ‘PREMIUM WiFi’’ and then connect and browse the web.

Although this is a state of the art satellite system, it is worth remembering that it will never be as fast as you might enjoy at home or in the office. Remember we are moving across the sea, with variable atmospheric and weather conditions, all of which will affect the link to a satellite at least 35,000km away. And in addition, you are sharing this service with everyone else onboard too. So, to help ensure that the service is as good as we can deliver it, please be modest in your usage. Access to sites that stream data (e.g.: YouTube, Netflix, online games, Skype etc.) is restricted for the benefit of all.

HOW TO CONNECT

For FREE WiFi

• Make sure that you are in a designated WiFi location onboard
• Enable Wi-Fi on your device and choose the 'PREMIUM WiFi’ network
• Click Connect

For PREMIUM WiFi

• Select the network 'Premium WiFi' and then connect
• Choose from the options depending on your Wifi needs
• Follow the instructions and pay online.

Please ask at Reception if you need any further information about our WiFi services. Terms and conditions of use apply. To avoid any additional charges, we recommend that you turn off data roaming and use WiFi instead. The PREMIUM WiFi service is provided by Purple WiFi, a 3^rd party provider.

Data connections while on the Marine Network are charged by your own mobile service provider. 

You can bring as much hand luggage as you can comfortably carry, but it must be packed in a suitcase or bag. No boxes or loose items are acceptable as hand luggage. One small piece of hand luggage will be permitted to be carried with you – the rest will be checked through our luggage handling facility. Please note that each item of checked in luggage must not weigh more than 22kg and you will not be able to access these items during the crossing.

We are delighted to carry motorbikes on all of our ships and routes and we have some very competitive fares in place. Motorbikes, like all other vehicles, are carried subject to our conditions of travel.

It is Irish Ferries policy that motorbikes are secured on board all the time.

On our cruise vessels - Mv Ulysses, and Mv Oscar Wilde, bike owners will be supplied with adequate securing equipment on the car deck to secure their own bikes and crew members will assist where required. Before the ship departs crew members will routinely check all motorbikes to ensure that they are lashed in a safe and secure manner to prevent any damage to other vehicles or to the ship and will adjust the securing equipment if necessary.
Because of the high speed nature of the HSC Dublin Swift, members of our deck crew will secure the motorbikes on board this vessel.

Please note that the securing equipment is the property of Irish Ferries and must remain on board after use. However motorbike owners may bring their own securing equipment if they prefer. If you need help please seek the assistance of the Loading Officer on the car deck prior to the ships departure.

View our motorbike boarding video below  

For all routes and ports it is recommended that you wear a helmet and high visibility clothing at all times, and display lights when travelling in hours of twilight or darkness.

Travelling from Dublin to Holyhead

You can travel with your bicycle on a sail/rail-ticket .

When travelling you would be required to check-in at the car check point and then cycle to the vessel with the (motorised) vehicle passengers – your bicycle would then be securely stored on the car deck for the duration of the crossing. If you need to pick up your ticket prior to checking in, then please allow additional time to get to and from the terminal building. On arrival at Holyhead you and your bicycle will be required to travel on a shuttle bus from the vessel to the terminal building.

Please note that it is your responsibility to check with the train operator as to whether your bicycle can be carried on your chosen route: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/tocs_maps/tocs/TrainOperators.aspx

Travelling from Holyhead to Dublin

You can travel with your bicycle on a sail/rail-ticket.

When travelling you would be required to check-in in the terminal building and then you will be required to travel on a shuttle bus to the vessel – your bicycle will be securely stored in our luggage van on the car deck for the duration of the crossing. If you need to pick up your ticket prior to checking in, then please allow additional time to collect your ticket from the ticket office located in the terminal building. On arrival at Dublin, passengers can collect their bikes at the door to Gate 4 in Terminal 1 and wheel them through the arrivals hall.

Please note that it is your responsibility to check with the train operator as to whether your bicycle can be carried on your chosen route: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/tocs_maps/tocs/TrainOperators.aspx

Travelling from Rosslare to Pembroke and Pembroke to Rosslare

You can travel with your bicycle on a sail/rail-ticket.

When travelling you would be required to check-in at the car check point and then cycle to the vessel with the (motorised) vehicle passengers - your bicycle would then be securely stored on the car deck for the duration of the crossing. If you need to pick up your ticket prior to checking in, then please allow additional time to get to and from the terminal building.

Please note that it is your responsibility to check with the train operator as to whether your bicycle can be carried on your chosen route: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/tocs_maps/tocs/TrainOperators.aspx

Travelling from Dublin to Cherbourg and to Dublin From Cherbourg

You can travel with your bicycle.

When travelling you would be required to check-in at the car check point and then cycle to the vessel with the (motorised) vehicle passengers - your bicycle would then be securely stored on the car deck for the duration of the crossing. If you need to pick up your ticket prior to checking in, then please allow additional time to get to and from the terminal building.

On arrival in Dublin, cyclists are required to wait on deck 10 by Reception and await further instructions.
When disembarking both cyclist and bike will be transferred to the passenger terminal by bus transfer. 

Please note, If travelling by train, it is your responsibility to check with the train operator as to whether your bicycle can be carried on your chosen route: www.voyages-sncf.com

Yes. A booking paid for with a Travel Voucher can be amended prior to the date of travel, and subject to availability. Standard rules and charges for amending a booking will apply.

If you choose to use your Tesco Clubcard Vouchers as a method of payment we will be happy to accept them against the applicable fare. The use of Tesco Clubcard vouchers as a payment method may be restricted on selected peak sailings.

The vouchers may be used as full or part payment against motorist, motorcycle or towed vehicle (caravan/trailer) fares on our Irish Sea and Ireland/France routes. You may also include cabins and club class upgrades. There’s no limit to the amount of Tesco Clubcard vouchers you may use for bookings on our direct services. Please note that the vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions or special offers.

Make sure to exchange your Clubcard Vouchers for a travel token before making your booking with us. During the booking process please enter your e-token code and value when requested to do so. No change will be given if the value of your vouchers is greater than the cost of your booking. If using e-tokens you may book up to 24 hours before travel commences. Please note that the maximum value of vouchers that can be used on the  Dover/Calais route is £150/€170 for a return journey or £75/€85 for a single journey.

To make an online booking:

• Sterling Tesco Clubcard vouchers tokens UK / Ireland Routes Book here
• Sterling Tesco Clubcard vouchers tokens Ireland / France Routes More Information 
• Euro Tesco Clubcard vouchers tokens all routes Book here

Yes. You can if purchased in advance of travel. However Travel Vouchers cannot be used for purchases made on board our ships.

Our Frequent Traveller Scheme will soon be changing, and as a result is currently closed to new applicants.  Full details to be available soon.

The rules for taking pets on board a train, differ for each Train Operating Company (TOC), so it's best to check before booking your trip.

Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann)

Avanti West Coast 

Transport for Wales

Trainline

Check here for tips to travelling with your pet onboard with Irish Ferries.

Booking Cots - Irish Sea

Due to the shorter sea crossings on the Irish Sea routes we do not provide cots.

Booking Cots - French Service

If you have booked a cabin you can reserve a cot at a cost of €10 per crossing. The cots are small and are really only suitable for children under 2 years. Bedding will be supplied but many passengers prefer to bring their own.

A limited number of cots are available on the ship.

If you make your booking in person or by telephone please inform us immediately that you will require a cot. The cot will be reserved for you on the reservations system and a cabin suitable for a cot will be allocated to you.

Most cabins on WB. Yeats are suitable for cots however some of our 4 bed cabins can not take a cot if all beds are in use.

Yes. The voucher value will be converted based on our rates of exchange on the day of booking.

Sail/Rail to Britain

Pets (small dogs and cats) are permitted to travel with foot passengers, but they must be transported to and from the ferry in a secure, rigid and appropriate pet cage or box (please bring your own). The pet must be able to stand or lie down in the cage or box in comfort and the owner of the pet must be able to carry the cage or box from the terminal to the ship. All pets must travel on the car deck (in the kennel area) in their cages or boxes. Please note that if you turn up at the port without an appropriate pet cage or box you will not be allowed to bring your pet on board. There are no exceptions to this rule

Brexit: Travelling after Brexit

Check the relevant authority’s websites for full details of the requirements:

Ireland: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b76e9-brexit-movement-of-pets/

UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-and-from-great-britain

If you are an existing online customer, you will simply need to login to your account when making your booking, and use the Travel Voucher on payment. Please note that you will need your email address and password to access the Travel Voucher.

If you are a new customer, please click here to activate your account and view your Travel Voucher. After you have activated your Account, please follow the booking instructions for existing customers to make your booking

Please click here to buy a travel voucher. Travel vouchers may be purchased in Euro or Sterling, for any amount between €20/£20 and €/£500.

Irish Ferries offer a 30% discount on the standard foot passenger rates (adult or child). The discount can not be used in conjunction with any special offer or discounted fares (including SailRail). Club Class and cabin accommodation are available at an extra charge. The Pass has to be current and valid in either the country of departure or the country of arrival.

In order to claim the reduction please make your booking on-line and pay in full - then e-mail your booking reference number and your rail pass number to bookings@irishferries.com. The relevant reduction will be applied to your booking and the credit will be refunded to you via the credit card system. Please send the e-mail to us at least 5 days before your outward travel date. You may be asked to show your rail pass when you check-in for the sailing.

Every effort is made to maintain advertised schedules but sailing times can sometimes be disrupted due to technical, operational or weather related issues. However, if your sailing is cancelled we will do everything possible to transfer you onto the next available Irish Ferries sailing. When making your booking please provide us with your mobile phone number and we will endeavour to make contact with you in the event of any major disruption. Please note that no refund is applicable if due to adverse weather conditions, the Dublin Swift is cancelled and travel is undertaken on our cruise ferry service.

It is possible to book on the Dover/Calais route with your Tesco Reward Partner code and these are accepted on our standard and flexi one way fares inclusive of upgrades to Club Class. These codes cannot be used on short stay fares. Please note that the maximum value of Reward Partner codes that can be used on this route is €170/£150 for a return journey or €85/£75 for a single journey.

Yes, your travel voucher can be used against our full range of package holiday products.