Irish Ferries to France 2012

I have just priced our trip to France with Irish Ferries for next July.
The price came to €806.40 and that is with what they claim is 10% off at the moment.

If we went for the same duration in June it would be €423.90.
The saving of €382.50 would cover a lot of fuel and campsite fees for the trip.

It is mad how the prices go up during the school holidays.

We went in August this year but I never really thought about going in June up to now.
It would also mean getting the whole summer to tour Ireland..

Not too bad at all

I have noticed some dates are much less than others

They sent me a voucher code last year for 10% off of we booked before midnight on 31st Dec.

I hope they do it again. LOL

I have been waiting for 2012 prices to come out..

Pat,

Celtic Link prices for 2012 are out. I got a price of their site last night.... €580 for travelling out in July and back in August.

Dec.

I have just looked up the Celtic Link site and worked it out.

Sailing with Celtic Link on the same July dates as Irish Ferries works out at €83.40 cheaper.

My only problem is the Celtic Link ferry arrives in France 6 hours later than Irish Ferries.
The six hours drive could have us as far down as Niort before the Celtic Link boat docks.

That feels like an extra day so we might go with Irish Ferries again......

We are thinking of traveling on 12th July this year and Irish Ferries go to Roscoff on that sailing. This suits us as we are going to gironde/landes.

Had a look at the route and we could be in saintes by the time we would be getting off the Celtic Link ferry in Cherborg.

Might even be able to drive further but no need really as we will be in Biscaross by 11 the next morning after a short drive. Sounds good to me.

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I totally agree with everything in said the previous post.

We took a caravan to France for years when the kids went too. Now it is just the two of us in the motorhome ist is even easier as we tend not to book campsites. We were there in August this year during the French holidays and had no problems getting into sites.

Only on one occasion did we get turned away but a nearby site was suggested and turned out to be great.

If you are thinking of going remember that you can leave the boat quite late but run the risk of not getting a cabin.
I only travel from Rosslare to France as it is one boat which get you there at about 11am giving you the day to travel. There are many other options like driving through England which may work out cheaper but I personally cant be bothered with the traffic on the drive between ports.


If you can learn a few basic words and phrases in French you are treated slightly differently as they see that as making an effort. Once they see you are trying they miraculously develop a knowledge of english. I love to try to shop in the markets as it always gives the stall holders a laugh.

We are thinking of Sailng Rosslare to Roscoff on 12 July and returning Cherbourge to Rosslare on 29th July. I would love to go for longer but work prevents it. Wife is still thinking of not taking Motorhome to France this year but I am sure I can change her mind...

Anyway, just go for it, you will love it.....

20 years ago I also hated France with a passion (no pun intended) especially Parisians, they were rude, obnoxious and had a real superior attitude, driving was a nightmare. But a lot has changed since then, They have made huge changes in attitude and driving, I find it safer to drive there now than here, they know the rules of the road and obey them and if you even make a small attempt to speak French the will help you out. Two years ago I was queuing in a mini market when a "gentleman" from England in front of me turned to his wife and said rather loudly "what's the matter with these people, why can't they speak English" now that's the attitude that annoys the French and who would blame them. I think you will find if you visit there that things have changed for the better and you will have a great time.

PS I don't speak French either to my shame.

Went to France this year with Celtic it was cheaper than Irish Ferries but the boat was awful, one bar (packed with truck drivers) one resturant (packed with truck drivers). It's okay if you are not traveling with kids, Irish Ferries is a bit more expensive but better boat(IMO).I booked Irish Ferries for next August 620 Euro for four of us so not too expensive if you book early.

Checked prices for Rosslare - Cherbourg for July as follows. Brittney ferries E1600 for camper, 2 adults and 2 children (14 and 12). Irish ferries E1050 and Celtic link E850.
So I went ahead and booked Celtic link For JUNE for E455.00 A no brainer really.........Hobey

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We have had that offer the last couple of years but never taken them up on it.

Might be good for next year as daughters could be off to Uni.

Hi cobra rob.

I think you will find that you have to have taken your french trip before you can book the british trip.
The small print also seems to exclude the swift boat.

My concern is that you have to take the same vehicle to GB as went to France, and at least one person has to be on both trips. However I am wary of them saying when i try to claim the 'free' trip that there is a supplement as it is a motorhome rather than a car, although all the blub simply talks about the 'vehicle'

The other point is that you have to be resident in Ireland, and as you know we in the north are sometimes treated as Irish and sometimes as British.
Sometimes it is advantageous but can also work the other way (eg car insurance).

I rang the customer service and chatted to a Liverpulian who sounded as if she was in a call centre. I came away with the info that it had to be the same vehicle and being in the north was ok. BUT I am not covinced.

I had e-mailed them with the same questions last night. but only got a standard T&C answer.

Davy

Good points there Dave.

I assumed if they sent it to me they knew where I reside.

Never thought much about which vehicle. It will be interesting to hear what they say about that.

If you travel every summer with them you will have the offer of a trip to UK each year. Not too bad if it appeals to you.

We got that offer 2 yrs ago as well but when I looked into it there was a €100 admin charge as well. Free my posterior! :bandit: