Ireland Ferry Crossings, Islands & River Ferries
Ireland’s maritime network spans deep-sea passenger and freight routes across the Irish Sea to Britain and the Celtic Sea to France, alongside rugged Atlantic island links (Aran Islands, Rathlin, Cape Clear) and essential car ferries crossing the Shannon Estuary, Lough Foyle, and Waterford Harbour.
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Ireland Ferry Routes Map
Interactive sea routes, island lifelines, and river/lake car ferries across Ireland.
Major International Sea Passages
Cross-border high-capacity passenger, vehicle, and freight highways
Dublin → Holyhead
Dublin Port Terminal 1 & 2 to Holyhead Ferry Terminal
The premier maritime artery connecting Dublin and Britain across the Irish Sea. Fastcraft cross in just 2h 15m with direct rail interchange at Holyhead Station for trains to Chester and London Euston.
Rosslare → Cherbourg
Rosslare Europort to Port de Cherbourg
Direct maritime connection from Ireland to mainland Europe avoiding the UK landbridge. Luxury cruise-ferries feature private en-suite cabins, restaurants, pet-friendly cabins, and duty-free shopping.
Dublin → Cherbourg
Dublin Port Terminal 1 to Port de Cherbourg
The direct ferry from Dublin to France, avoiding the UK land bridge and its extra border checks. Cabins are available for the overnight crossing, and you arrive in Normandy ready to drive.
Rosslare → Dunkirk
Rosslare Europort to Port of Dunkirk (Loon-Plage Ferry Terminal)
DFDS’s direct link between Ireland and northern France, set up after Brexit to avoid the UK land bridge. It is aimed mainly at freight and drivers, landing close to Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Cork → Roscoff
Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal, Port of Cork to Port de Bloscon, Roscoff
The only direct ferry from Cork to France, crossing the Celtic Sea overnight to Roscoff on Brittany’s north coast. It saves Munster drivers the drive to Rosslare and lands them close to Finistère’s beaches and campsites.
Rosslare → Bilbao
Rosslare Europort to Port of Bilbao ferry terminal, Santurtzi
The only direct ferry between Ireland and Spain, linking Rosslare with the Basque Country. Irish motorists heading for Spain or Portugal use it to avoid driving across Britain and France.
Island & Coastal Lifeline Crossings
Offshore archipelago connections and scenic coastal routes
Doolin → Inis Mór
Doolin Pier to Kilronan Harbour
The dramatic gateway from the Cliffs of Moher to the largest of the Aran Islands. Passenger ferries depart Doolin Pier across Galway Bay with spectacular sea-cliff views.
Ballycastle → Rathlin Island
Ballycastle Harbour to Church Bay Pier
Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island ferry. Connects the scenic Antrim coast at Ballycastle to Church Bay, renowned for its massive seabird colonies and upside-down lighthouse.
Dublin → Douglas
Dublin Port Terminal 1 to Douglas Sea Terminal
The Steam Packet’s summer fast-craft link from Dublin to Douglas, about three hours on Manannan. It brings Irish visitors to the island for the TT races and short summer breaks.
Rossaveel (Connemara) → Inis Mór (Inishmore)
Rossaveel (Ros a Mhíl) Ferry Terminal to Kilronan Harbour
The quickest and year-round route to Inis Mór, largest of the Aran Islands and home to the cliff-edge fort of Dún Aonghasa, sailing from Rossaveel in Connemara 37 km west of Galway city.
Rossaveel (Connemara) → Inis Meáin (Inishmaan)
Rossaveel (Ros a Mhíl) Ferry Terminal to Inis Meáin Pier
The ferry to Inis Meáin, the middle and quietest Aran Island, known for its traditional way of life, the stone fort Dún Chonchúir and Synge’s Chair clifftop lookout.
Rossaveel (Connemara) → Inis Oírr (Inisheer)
Rossaveel (Ros a Mhíl) Ferry Terminal to Inis Oírr Pier
The year-round ferry from Connemara to Inis Oírr, the smallest Aran Island, with O’Brien’s Castle above the village and the rusting Plassey shipwreck on its eastern shore.
Reenard Point (Cahersiveen) → Valentia Island (Knightstown)
Reenard Point Pier to Knightstown Pier
A seasonal car-ferry shuttle from Reenard Point near Cahersiveen to Knightstown on Valentia Island, one of Ireland’s most westerly points, giving Ring of Kerry drivers a five-minute short cut onto the island.
Baltimore (West Cork) → Sherkin Island
Baltimore Pier to Sherkin Island Pier
A ten-minute hop across Baltimore harbour to Sherkin Island, with its Franciscan friary ruins and sandy Silver Strand, run by Vincent O’Driscoll.
Baltimore (West Cork) → Cape Clear Island
Baltimore Pier to North Harbour, Cape Clear
The passenger ferry from Baltimore to Cape Clear, Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island and an Irish-speaking Gaeltacht, looking out to the Fastnet Rock lighthouse.
Magheroarty (Donegal) → Tory Island
Magheroarty Pier to Tory Island Pier (West Town)
The passenger ferry to Tory Island (Toraigh), an Irish-speaking outpost off north-west Donegal with its own elected “king”, a school of naïve painters and the Tau Cross.
Burtonport (Donegal) → Arranmore Island
Burtonport Pier to Leabgarrow Pier, Arranmore
The car and passenger ferry from Burtonport to Arranmore, the largest inhabited island off the Donegal coast, weaving between the islets of the Rosses.
Rivers, Estuaries & Lakes
Essential vehicular shortcuts, cable ferries, and scenic inland water passages
Killimer → Tarbert
Killimer Ferry Slipway (Clare) to Tarbert Island Ferry Terminal (Kerry)
The iconic Wild Atlantic Way car ferry shortcut across the Shannon Estuary between County Clare and County Kerry. Eliminates a 137km driving detour through Limerick City while offering resident dolphin watching.
Passage East → Ballyhack
Passage East Slipway (Waterford) to Ballyhack Quay (Wexford)
The vital southeastern car ferry spanning the River Suir estuary between County Waterford and County Wexford. Cuts 55km of congested driving via New Ross for tourists and daily commuters.
Greencastle → Magilligan Point
Greencastle Pier (Donegal) to Magilligan Ferry Slipway (Derry)
The spectacular sea-lough car crossing bridging the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula directly to Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route. Saves a 78km detour around Derry City.
Planning a journey through Ireland?
Book port accommodation, connecting trains, terminal car rental, and private transfers through verified maritime partners.