Hibernia Line, an Irish ferry operator headquartered in Cork, has just launched a year-round ferry service linking Ringaskiddy in Cork with Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France, opening a new direct route between Ireland and mainland Europe. The trip has a sailing time of approximately 21.5 hours.
Bookings are now open for the ‘St Patrick’ and the ‘MV Akka,' which will operate six sailings per week in each direction from mid-June 2026.
This new route is built around evening departures. Passengers can board in Cork at 9pm, settle into a cabin and arrive in France the following evening. In the opposite direction, sailings depart Boulogne-sur-Mer at 10pm CET and arrive in Cork the next day. Hibernia Line projects to carry upwards of 250,000 passengers annually.
Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, is getting direct ferry service from Cork, Ireland Source: Shutterstock
For passengers, the route opens a new gateway between Ireland and Europe, with onward access to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and beyond. From France, Ireland’s west coast and Wild Atlantic Way are now more accessible.
On board, both vessels are designed for comfort on longer crossings, with private cabins, pet-friendly and accessible options, dining and refreshment areas, lounges, a children’s play area and gaming facilities. The ‘St Patrick’ holds 193 cabins and the ‘MV Akka’ has 227, with capacity for over 600 passengers per sailing.
Bookings for passengers can be made now at www.hibernia-line.com.
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