Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please refer to our Travel Restrictions FAQ

COVID-19 Cancellation Credit - Terms & Conditions

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.

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.

In 2020, a cancellation credit was granted exceptionally against non-refundable fares cancelled due to Covid-19 related restrictions. This credit attracts the following terms & conditions:

Promotional and Sale fares may attract special terms & conditions for amendments / cancellations. Standard terms & conditions of booking and travel apply.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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