Ireland Gets a UK-Free Route to France
A new ferry route linking Cork with Boulogne-sur-Mer has started operating, giving Ireland another direct sea connection with mainland Europe. Hibernia Line is running the year-round service between Ringaskiddy in County Cork and the northern French port. The launch also brings international passenger ferries back to Boulogne for the first time in around 15 years.
What to Know Before Booking
The new route includes:
- six sailings per week each way
- Cork boarding at 21:00
- Boulogne departures at 22:00
- crossing time of around 21 hours
- Saturday night journeys taking around 24 hours
- two vessels: St Patrick and MV Akka
The ferries can carry passengers, cars and freight.
The route is operated by Hibernia Line using two ships with capacity for 600 passengers and 130 freight units. Cars and other vehicles are already accepted, while foot passengers are due to be welcomed from 1 July. Non-EU travellers arriving in Boulogne should expect Schengen border checks, as Ireland is in the EU but outside the Schengen travel area.
The crossing gives Irish travellers another way to reach northern France without using the UK landbridge. Boulogne is useful for the Opal Coast, Calais, Lille and road trips towards Belgium or the Netherlands. In the other direction, the service puts Cork closer for visitors heading to Kinsale, Cobh, West Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s south coast.
This is a slower option than flying, but it suits a different kind of trip. Travelers can bring a car, more luggage or pets, then continue by road after arrival. The route also gives Boulogne a practical passenger link again, while Ireland gains another direct ferry choice for people who want mainland Europe without crossing Britain.