Irish Ferries have announced that they will be launching a brand new passenger car ferry service between Dublin and Cherbourg in France early in the New Year. The service will commence operations on Saturday January 18th and will be a weekly service departing from Dublin port each Saturday at 3.30pm and arriving in France at 11am the following morning.

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has welcomed the recent announcement saying “This weekly ferry route from Cherbourg to Dublin will provide tourists from France and mainland Europe with a direct car link into the capital.” He believes that the new route will help to build on the success of The Gathering by promoting Ireland as a premier tourist destination.

Mr. Varadkar added “Ireland is well catered for in terms of aviation access, and new aviation routes are announced on a regular basis. But as an island it’s important that we give visitors plenty of options to bring their cars as well. Tourists on driving holidays tend to stay longer than those who fly, and are more likely to travel around the country.”

The return sailing to Ireland from Cherbourg will leave the French port every Sunday at 5pm and will arrive back in Dublin port at 11am on Monday morning.