About Irish Ferries — Connecting Ireland with the World
Irish Ferries has been at the heart of sea travel between Ireland, the United Kingdom, and France for decades. From Magheroarty Pier to the open Atlantic, we carry passengers and vehicles safely across some of the most beautiful waters in Europe.
Born from a Passion for Sea Travel
Irish Ferries was founded with a simple but powerful vision: to make sea travel between Ireland and the rest of Europe accessible, comfortable, and memorable. Starting from the rugged beauty of Magheroarty Pier in Co. Donegal, we've grown into one of Ireland's most trusted ferry operators.
Our irishferries network spans routes connecting Dublin, Rosslare, Cork, and Donegal with key ports in Wales, England, Scotland, and northern France. Every crossing is backed by decades of maritime expertise and an unshakeable commitment to passenger safety.
Modern Fleet
Our vessels are equipped with modern amenities — restaurants, cabins, car decks, and family zones — ensuring a comfortable crossing every time.
Safety First
Certified to the highest international maritime safety standards, our crew undergoes continuous training and drills to protect every passenger.
Sustainable Voyaging
We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through fuel-efficient vessels, waste reduction programmes, and sustainable port operations.
Why We Sail
Our mission is to be the bridge between cultures — making every journey across the Irish Sea and the Celtic Sea an experience to remember, not just a means of transport.
We believe travel has the power to transform lives, build connections, and open doors. That's why we invest deeply in our crew, our vessels, and the ports we serve, so that Irish Ferries remains the first choice for travellers crossing between Ireland and Europe.
Book Your TripHeritage & Pride
Rooted in Irish maritime tradition, we carry the spirit of Donegal's seafaring communities on every voyage.
People First
Passengers are not just customers — they are guests. We treat every traveller with warmth, respect, and personal care.
European Reach
Connecting Ireland to the UK and France, we open up Europe's richest destinations to every Irish traveller.
Excellence Always
From check-in to disembarkation, we obsess over every detail to ensure your journey exceeds expectations.
What We Stand For
Every decision we make, every route we open, every vessel we commission is guided by a set of values that define who we are.
Safety
Safety is non-negotiable. Our vessels, crew, and procedures are held to the highest international maritime safety standards at all times.
Integrity
We are transparent in our pricing, honest in our communication, and accountable for every aspect of the travel experience we provide.
Innovation
From digital booking platforms to eco-efficient vessel design, we constantly evolve to offer a better, smarter travel experience.
Sustainability
We take our environmental responsibility seriously — working to reduce emissions, cut waste, and preserve Ireland's beautiful coastal heritage.
Milestones That Shaped Us
From a single pier in Donegal to a network spanning three countries — here is the story of Irish Ferries' journey.
The First Crossing
Irish Ferries launched its inaugural service from Magheroarty Pier, Co. Donegal — carrying passengers and vehicles to Scotland's western isles for the very first time.
Dublin–Holyhead Route Opens
Responding to huge demand, we launched our high-frequency Dublin to Holyhead service, cutting crossing time to just over three hours and transforming travel between Ireland and Wales.
First Vessel Upgrade
We commissioned our first purpose-built superfast ferry — the Isle of Innisfree II — featuring upgraded cabins, a restaurant, and a cinema lounge on board.
France Route Launches
Irish Ferries expanded to continental Europe, opening the Rosslare–Cherbourg route and giving Irish travellers a direct sea link to northern France without crossing Britain.
Digital Booking Platform
We relaunched irishferries.com with a fully integrated online booking system, allowing passengers to reserve cabins, meals, and car spaces in minutes from any device.
Green Fleet Initiative
Amid global calls for greener shipping, Irish Ferries launched its sustainability programme — retrofitting vessels with scrubber technology and committing to zero-emission ports by 2035.
2 Million Passengers Milestone
Irish Ferries celebrated carrying its two millionth passenger — a proud milestone that reflects three decades of commitment to safe, comfortable, and reliable sea travel from Ireland.
Growing & Connecting
With new routes in planning and a fleet modernisation programme underway, Irish Ferries is as ambitious as ever — bringing Ireland closer to the world, one crossing at a time.
The People Behind Every Crossing
Our leadership team brings together decades of experience in maritime operations, travel, and customer service — all united by a love for Ireland and the sea.
Séamus O'Brien
Chief Executive OfficerWith 25 years in maritime leadership, Séamus steers Irish Ferries' vision and strategy with passion, precision, and pride in Ireland's seafaring heritage.
Aoife Murphy
Operations DirectorAoife ensures that every crossing departs on time and every passenger receives seamless service. Her attention to detail keeps Irish Ferries running like clockwork.
Ciarán Walsh
Head of FleetCiarán oversees the safety, maintenance, and innovation of our entire fleet. His engineering expertise keeps our vessels in peak condition on every route.
Niamh Gallagher
Customer Experience ManagerNiamh champions every passenger's journey — from the first booking click to the final disembarkation, she ensures every traveller feels valued and cared for.
Ready to experience the Irish Ferries difference for yourself?
Book Your TripReady to Experience the Crossing?
Join millions of passengers who have trusted Irish Ferries for safe, scenic, and seamless sea travel between Ireland and Europe.