Crossing guide
What the Rosslare to Dunkirk crossing is like
DFDS says the ferry from Rosslare to France takes just under 24 hours and typically runs five sailings a week from Rosslare. Departure times vary through the week — some leave in the evening, others in the small hours — so check the timetable for your date. France is an hour ahead of Ireland, which the arrival time already reflects. Plan for a night and most of a day aboard.
Leaving Rosslare
Sailings leave from Rosslare Europort in County Wexford. DFDS recommends arriving at least two hours before departure and warns that missing the latest check-in time can mean being refused travel. The port authority says pets are welcome in the terminal building if supervised, which helps before a long day aboard.
Arriving in Dunkirk
Arrivals land at Loon-Plage in the western port area of Dunkirk, close to the A16 and the motorways into Belgium and the rest of France. The long crossing means arrival times vary; plan the first night around the time you actually leave the port.
Vessels
Ships commonly used on this route
DFDS names Victoria Seaways and Athena Seaways for Rosslare–Dunkirk. The booking data we read does not identify which of the two operates a given sailing, so check your confirmation for the ship.
Dogs aboard
Travelling with a dog on DFDS
Leaving Ireland, the only way DFDS lists for a dog is a pet-friendly cabin, booked as a vehicle passenger; DFDS lists no kennels and no in-car option for this route. The cabins are four-berth with a sea view, take up to two pets and sit near the dog exercise deck, and DFDS warns that pet capacity is limited.
- Documents
- Between EU countries a dog needs an EU pet passport, a microchip and a rabies vaccination; after the first vaccination the dog must wait at least 21 days before travelling.
- Tapeworm
- The EU tapeworm treatment rule applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland, so it is not needed for France. Pets living outside the EU follow different rules.
- Booking
- Book a pet-friendly cabin with the crossing and add each pet; DFDS charges a per-pet fee. Do not book another cabin type for a dog if the pet cabins are gone — DFDS says those cabins do not accommodate pets.
- On board
- Only registered assistance dogs may enter public areas. Keep the dog on a lead between the vehicle and the cabin; pets are checked in at the vehicle booths, where the microchip is scanned.
Carrier and border rules change. Confirm every item with DFDS, the official sources below and your vet before you travel.
Cabin alerts
What SailSoon watches on this route
DFDS monitoring currently covers the next 180 days. Dates further ahead are checked on a rotating schedule. Checks are made for two adults travelling with a car, so other party sizes or foot passengers may see different results. Prices we show are for the cabin or option only, not the full fare, and nothing is reserved for you: book and confirm the total price and pet terms with DFDS.
- Pet-friendly cabins
- Cabins DFDS marks as pet-friendly, when it offers them on the sailing. Check the pet rules and any pet charge on the booking page.
- Premium cabins
- The operator’s premium or deluxe cabin categories, including pet-friendly premium cabins where they exist.
- Standard cabins
- Ordinary private cabins for at least two people, inside or with a window.
- Not monitored
- Kennels, seats, shared berths, deck options and the full fare. Check those directly with DFDS.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Rosslare to Dunkirk?
DFDS says just under 24 hours. Departure times vary during the week, so the dated timetable is the one to plan around.
Which ships sail from Rosslare to Dunkirk?
DFDS names Victoria Seaways and Athena Seaways for Rosslare–Dunkirk. The booking data we read does not identify which of the two operates a given sailing, so check your confirmation for the ship. The ship on your booking is the one whose cabins and pet facilities apply.
Can I take my dog on the Rosslare to Dunkirk ferry?
Yes, if you travel with a vehicle and book a pet-friendly cabin. DFDS lists no kennels on this route, and pet capacity is limited, so book the cabin early.
What paperwork does my dog need for Dunkirk?
An EU pet passport, a microchip and a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days after the primary course. France is not one of the countries that require the EU tapeworm treatment. Check the official guidance before you travel, as rules change.
Does SailSoon alert me to kennels on this route?
No. On DFDS we watch pet-friendly, premium and standard cabins only. Kennel space is not monitored, so check and book kennels directly with DFDS.
Sources
Where these facts come from
- DFDS: Rosslare to Dunkirk (reviewed 2026-09-11)
- DFDS: Dunkirk to Rosslare (reviewed 2026-09-11)
- DFDS: on board Rosslare–Dunkirk (reviewed 2026-09-11)
- DFDS: terminals (reviewed 2026-09-11)
- Rosslare Europort: passenger facilities (reviewed 2026-09-11)
- DFDS: travelling with pets (reviewed 2026-09-11)
- Your Europe: travelling with pets in the EU (reviewed 2026-09-11)
Member alerts
Get told when a Rosslare to Dunkirk cabin appears
Create a free account, then set the dates and cabin types you need on this route. We email you when a matching cabin shows up in DFDS’s booking system.
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