Waves, Woofs, and Wanderlust: Crossing from Ireland to France with anxious pups
- Jun 16
- 5 min read
Traveling from Ireland to France by car is an adventure we take on regular basis and it can always be challenging, especially when we bring along our furry travel buddies. But getting there isn’t just about hopping on any ferry. It’s about finding the right balance between comfort, convenience, and pet-friendliness. Over the years, We've tried different routes and ferries, and today we want to share our personal take on taking the ferry to France, focusing on the two main ferry companies that offer crossing from Ireland: Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries.
Plus, we’ll throw in a little detour option through the UK for those who want to mix things up or whose humans and pets in the party prefer having their feet on dry land.
Brittany Ferries: The Pet Lover’s Dream
If you’re traveling with a dog (or an owner!) who gets anxious, Brittany Ferries’ Pont Aven is a game changer. This ferry runs once a week from Cork to Roscoff, which means you’ll need to plan ahead and book early because it fills up fast, especially the pet cabins and large kennels.
What makes the Brittany Ferries stand out is their pet policy. Unlike other companies where dogs have limited visiting hours, here you can visit your pup whenever you want.
The dog kennels are located on the top deck with fresh air access and the walking area is outdoors and large.
Pont-Aven dog area on Brittany Ferries
It now also offers pet-friendly cabins, although these are a little smaller for humans. This freedom is priceless when you’re trying to keep your dog calm during the crossing. The cabins are comfortable, and if you want to splurge, the Commodore cabins offer extra space and luxury, perfect for families with kids. Just be mindful that all cabins have single beds.
Brittany ferries does require that dogs wear a muzzle, so you need to make sure you have one with you. This rule is not always enforced but you must be able to comply if they require it.
The restaurant on the Pont Aven is another highlight. The food at their restaurant is genuinely delicious, and it feels like a proper dining experience rather than just a ferry meal.
The downside? The car price is higher than Irish Ferries, and since it only sails once a week, flexibility is limited.
Key Points about Brittany Ferries Pont Aven
Route: Cork to Roscoff (once a week, March-October)
Pet cabins and spacious kennels with no visiting restrictions
Dogs must have a muzzle (not always enforced, but be prepared!)
Great restaurant and summer activities for kids
Higher car prices
Advanced booking required
Irish Ferries: More Frequent and Flexible
Now, if you want more flexibility and a cheaper option for the basic crossing, Irish Ferries is the way to go. Their W.B. Yeats service runs multiple times a week from Dublin to Cherbourg, which means you can pick a day that suits your schedule without much hassle. There is also more options to choose from should you need to alter the date.
Our plans are constantly changing, so having that flexibility is the reason we do end up going with them more often.
The W.B. Yeats ferry is a bit more modern inside and the fish and chips at the self-service restaurant are a personal favorite. The cabins vary in price, with the nicer ones being on the pricier side. I recommend getting Club Class access if you book a small cabin because it gives you a quiet space to relax and snacks throughout the trip. If you want to go all out, the Deluxe and Premium cabins come with a free minibar and breakfast, which makes the journey feel like a mini holiday.
Premium balcony cabin and dog kennels on Irish ferries
The downside for dog owners is that pets have only three visiting hours (15 minutes each) during the crossing, which can be tough if your dog is anxious. Also, the high-end restaurant isn’t as impressive as Brittany Ferries’, but the overall experience is still very comfortable.
If your dog is happy in a crate and doesn't suffer from separation anxiety, it is an easier option with a lot more flexibility.
Key Points about Irish Ferries W.B. Yeats
Route: Dublin to Cherbourg (multiple times a week)
Cheaper car prices
Club Class access for snacks and relaxation
Deluxe cabins with minibar and breakfast available
Limited dog visiting hours (3 times during trip)
Runs all year round
Irish Ferries vs Brittany Ferries: Which One to Choose?
Choosing between Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries depends on what matters most to you and your dog. If your pup’s comfort and freedom to roam are top priorities, Brittany Ferries’ Pont Aven is unbeatable. But remember, it only sails once a week and costs more for your car.
If you want more sailing options, cheaper car prices, and year-round service, Irish Ferries is your best bet. Just be prepared for limited dog visiting hours and a less fancy restaurant.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | Brittany Ferries Pont Aven | Irish Ferries W.B. Yeats |
Pet cabins | Yes, with no visiting restrictions | No, limited visiting hours |
Frequency | Once a week | Multiple times a week |
Car price (one way) | €260 - €700 | €173 - €670 |
Onboard activities | More kid-friendly activities | Fewer activities |
Restaurant quality | Great | Good |
Schedule | Seasonal | Year-round |
The Drive-Through UK Option
If you’re up for a road trip with a ferry twist, you can take Irish Ferries from Dublin to Holyhead, then drive across the UK to Folkestone and take the Eurotunnel shuttle (LeShuttle) to France. The drive across the UK takes about 7 hours, so I recommend stopping overnight somewhere fun to break up the journey. We travelled this trip on the way back and spent the night in Canterbury, at the Cave hotel who are extremely dog friendly. they put out dog beds and bowel for the pups are were extremely accommodation. We will definitely stop there again.
Dog setup at the Cave hotel, Canterbury
The Channel tunnel shuttle is quick and runs frequently, but they are strict with pets, more so than the ferries. You’ll need a pet passport, worming treatment, and a health check before traveling through the UK, which is extra paperwork compared to going straight to France.
Speaking from experience, make sure the passport not only has all the health checks but has been filled out properly by the vet! We know first hand what a nasty shock it can be to be stuck at the border... Our trip back to Ireland through the UK hit an unexpected turn when, after a stressful and elongated drive through France (EV Winter time!) we arrived at the pet check-in only to be told our Cockapoo's passport was not signed. complete shock, all the health checks had been done and signed and dated but it turns out the front page didn't have a vet signature and stamp. This is a passport he's travelled on for 4 years on the ferry, never with an issue. Luckily for us, we managed to find a solution but travellers beware! Check everything after your vet as mistakes can happen.
The crossing from Holyhead to Dublin is amazing, with pet cabins and pet den area so you can spend the quick 3 hour trip side by side with your best buddy!
This route is great if you want to explore the UK a bit or if ferry schedules don’t match your plans. It's also a lot more land travel if you have sea sick pets or passengers. Just keep in mind the extra time and pet requirements.
Traveling with a dog from Ireland to France means balancing comfort, cost, and convenience. Taking the ferry to France is a fantastic way to start your adventure, and knowing the differences between Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries helps you pick the best fit for your trip. Whether you choose the pet-friendly Pont Aven or the flexible W.B. Yeats, your journey will be full of waves, woofs, and wanderlust.
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