Getting From France to Ireland Without Going Through the UK
For many years, visiting Ireland from France involved a journey across the UK, known as the land bridge between continental Europe and Ireland. However, since Brexit, this has become much more complicated, and it is now easier to avoid the UK altogether by taking the Hibernia ferry line directly from Boulogne to Ringsaskiddy port in Cork.
Whether you are travelling to Ireland on holiday or carrying cargo from Boulogne to Ireland, a fast, reliable ferry service is the solution to a smooth and hassle-free trip. The Hibernia Line runs year-round sailings, offering an almost daily service for cargo and passengers. This is a convenient and straightforward way to get from France to Ireland without going through the UK, and you can book your crossing today.
Why Skip the UK?
In the past, making the short journey from Calais or Boulogne to Dover was an easy way to cross the Channel before driving across the UK and taking another short ferry trip to Ireland. This was a very easy process when the UK was a part of the European Union, but since Brexit, it has become much more stressful. With the introduction of passport checks and customs declarations for all travellers from the EU into the UK, the queues have grown exponentially, and this is no longer a simple process.
For EU citizens, the UK is now a separate immigration zone and passport control alone can add hours to your journey, whether you are carrying cargo or going on holiday.
Skipping the UK means you can avoid:
Passport control. Previously, when the UK was part of the EU, all EU citizens had a great deal more freedom to travel and UK border checks were a quick formality. Now, passport checks are more complicated and lengthy, and this involves significant queues that can add many hours to your journey.
Customs checks. Since Brexit, all passengers must declare goods even if they are just passing through the UK, and the restrictions on the goods that can be carried across the borders have changed.
Paperwork. Leaving and re-entering the EU via the UK is now a complex process that involves documentation at every step, and this can vary according to nationality and the route you are taking. The rules concerning travel across the UK have changed many times since Brexit and continue to do so, which makes it much more difficult to make travel plans.
Whether you are travelling for work or for pleasure, you won’t want to spend hours waiting in queues just to cross the UK, and the good news is that you can skip this step altogether and go directly from the continent to Ireland with the Hibernia Line ferry from Boulogne to Cork.
Why Travel with Hibernia Line?
The direct ferry journey from Ringaskiddy, Cork, takes just 21 hours to reach Boulogne, in Northern France, and you’ll travel in comfort with no need to wait in queues or handle stressful documentation. There are many reasons to travel on the Hibernia Line, including:
- Luxury cabins. Ferry travel is a great option for most people, and the Hibernia Line boasts luxurious cabins where you can rest or switch off while you are transported to your destination. You can choose a two- or four-berth cabin and select an inner or outer cabin depending on your preference. We also have pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible cabins, as well as deluxe cabins for the ultimate in luxury.
- Facilities on board. You’ll find excellent facilities on board, including cuisine developed by Irish Chef Rachel Allen, bringing the finest Irish ingredients together in classic European dishes and seasonal favourites. This is a very relaxing way to travel, especially with children, as the slow pace and freedom to explore make the journey a memorable part of the experience.
- There are year-round evening sailings to choose from, and no luggage restrictions, so it’s the perfect way to travel with a family. Flying comes with strict restrictions on the amount of luggage you can take, as well as long waits at the airport and the need to sit still for many hours, which is not ideal for young children! In contrast, you can explore the ferry at your leisure and relax in the comfort of your cabin while you sail to your destination.
- Bringing your car. Having your own car on holiday is extremely convenient and enables you to explore Ireland with ease once you arrive. The ferry is also a great option if you are travelling with a motorhome or camper van. If you are carrying cargo, you’ll find this a particularly relaxing way to travel, with your cargo safely stored while you enjoy the time to rest or enjoy the facilities on board.
- No need to cross the UK. Of course, one of the most important reasons to take the Hibernia Line directly from Boulogne to Ireland is to avoid the UK crossing. Sailing straight from the French port of Boulogne-sur-Mer to the major Irish port of Ringaskiddy, Cork, avoids the problem of dealing with UK passport control and customs entirely. This is a major plus for EU citizens and avoids several potential complications during your trip.
- Cost-effective. If you are used to travelling with a family or a group, you’ll know that the ferry is a cost-effective option that often saves a great deal compared with purchasing individual flights and renting a car when you arrive at your destination.
Quite simply, the direct ferry from Boulogne to Cork is a great way to bypass the stressful UK crossing and arrive in Ireland refreshed and relaxed.
Planning Your Ferry Trip From France to Ireland
When you’re travelling from France to Ireland, whether for work or for leisure, you’ll need to plan in order to reduce stress and make the most of your experience. We recommend:
- Booking early. Like any good idea, the Hibernia Line is a popular choice with businesses and holidaymakers across the EU. Booking early is the best way to secure your ideal dates and the type of cabin you would like, especially in peak season. Plan your travel dates and book your crossing as soon as you have these, but remember that the Hibernia Line offers year-round sailings, so you have plenty of options!
- Select your options. When you are booking your ferry crossing, you’ll have to make decisions about the type of accommodation you want on board, and you may be able to book meals in advance to make the process even more straightforward. On the Hibernia Line, you can select an inner or outer cabin for two or four people, depending on whether you would like a view on the journey.
- Plan your trip. When you are spending 21 hours on board, it is helpful to see this as part of your holiday experience and make plans to ensure you enjoy the journey. If you have children, bring games, books or devices to help them to relax and make the most of the ferry trip, and don’t forget to pack your own book to help you unwind and get into the holiday mood!
- Check your documents. Depending on your nationality and country you are travelling from, you’ll require the correct documentation to enter Ireland, including a valid passport or EU ID card. Check the specific requirements for your destination and ensure that your information is up to date before you travel in case of last-minute changes. Skipping the UK will make this step much less complicated, but you can minimise stress by double-checking that you have the correct documents to hand.
- Plan your itinerary. Taking the ferry directly from France to Ireland will save you a great deal of stress, but this is only the first step in your travel plans. The exciting bit is planning your next steps, including where you will drive from Cork and how to make the most of your time in Ireland. We recommend exploring the beautiful country of Ireland at your own pace, with routes such as The Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East to choose from, so take your time to plan a trip that will really give you a flavour of wonderful Irish culture, food and hospitality.
Explore Ireland at Your Own Pace
We know that part of the advantage of travelling by ferry is that you can carry everything you need in your car or van and do not need to think about packing light. This means you can take all your home comforts, and whether you are road tripping through Ireland in a camper van or spending your time in a historic Irish city, you’ll have plenty of room for souvenirs to take home!
The Hibernia Line also offers foot passengers a great way to travel from France to Ireland, and you can explore Cork City when you arrive or use public transport to discover the Emerald Isle.
It’s worth knowing that Ireland has a changeable climate, with temperatures varying from around 4-10 degrees Celsius in the coldest months to upwards of 20 degrees in the summer season, and it can be hard to dress for the weather! Rainfall varies throughout the year, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared for a shower with a waterproof jacket or hat. That said, Ireland is famous for its incredible countryside, coastal scenery and beautiful beaches, and you’re sure to find something for everyone in your family or group.
Ireland’s Highlights
When you land at Ringaskiddy Port, the beautiful county of Cork offers a whole range of opportunities to explore. Some of our favourites include:
Cork City. Exploring Cork City is a really special way to spend a day or two. You’ll discover the secrets of one of Ireland’s oldest cities as you explore the narrow streets and buzzing markets. Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a spectacle you shouldn’t miss, and the nearby seaside town of Cobh offers ferry access to Spike Island, a former prison with an astonishing past.
Blarney Castle. One of the most famous landmarks in Ireland, the Blarney Stone, can be seen at the stunning Blarney Castle, and it is well worth taking a day to explore the extensive estate and gardens. Legend tells that kissing the Blarney Stone imparts ‘the gift of the gab’, but gaining superior oratory skills requires visitors to lie on their backs and lean backwards over a vertical drop, so take care when you visit this historic site!
Kinsale. Often referred to as the culinary capital of Ireland, Kinsale offers a friendly welcome, beautiful scenery and some historic sites to explore. Charles Fort is a good place to start, and there are many local food and drink producers to satisfy every preference.
Of course, exploring further afield is also easy in Ireland, with historic cities such as Limerick, Galway and Dublin just a few hours away by car. You can design the road trip of your dreams in this ancient country, and whether you’re looking for family fun or to uncover centuries of history, the Hibernia Line is the best place to start.
The Hibernia Line: Travel Direct from France to Ireland
Taking your own vehicle from France to Ireland has never been simpler, and the Hibernia Line offers year-round sailings from Boulogne-sur-Mer to Cork. Taking the ferry from France to Ireland means you and your family or friends can travel in comfort and avoid all the stress of crossing the UK, arriving in Ireland relaxed and ready to explore.
We are here to help with your holiday plans, and you’ll find our blogs packed with ideas for holidaying in Ireland and continental Europe. We have top tips for road trips that give you a flavour of the real Ireland, as well as guides to packing and route guides to help you in the planning process. So let’s get started – you can book your ferry crossing from France to Ireland today!