This summer Brittany Ferries reported strong passenger volumes on its routes linking Ireland with France and Spain, with an overall growth of 7.5% compared with the summer of 2024.
The stand-out performer was the Rosslare–Cherbourg route (which Stena Line closed a month ago), having carried 28,3722 passengers, an increase of 37% year-on-year. Growth was also seen on services on the Rosslare-Bilbao route, up 9% compared to the same period last year.
While numbers on the Cork–Roscoff service dipped slightly, the overall picture remains positive, as more than 141,000 passengers travelled between Ireland, France, and Spain with Brittany Ferries this summer. This reflects strong demand from Irish holidaymakers for convenient, sustainable sea travel to mainland Europe.
Commenting on the performance, Hugh Bruton, General Manager of Brittany Ferries in Ireland, said:“We are very encouraged by this summer’s results. The 37% increase on Rosslare–Cherbourg reflects the growing popularity of this direct connection to Normandy, while Rosslare–Bilbao continues to go from strength to strength. Spain has become a firm favourite for Irish holidaymakers seeking longer sunshine breaks, with numbers up 9% on last year.
Sea travel remains an attractive choice for those who value comfort, flexibility, and the ability to bring their car and pets with them. These results are also a testament to the dedication of our crews and staff, who ensure every journey with Brittany Ferries is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.”
Looking ahead, Brittany Ferries continues to build on its offering for the Irish market, following the recent introduction of daily sailings linking Rosslare to Cherbourg, and frequent sailings linking to Bilbao and from Cork to Roscoff, providing Irish travellers with more options to reach the heart of France and Spain in comfort.
Rail-freight: Cherbourg-France/Spain border
On the commercial side, Brittany Ferries, as Afloat reported, recently launched a rail freight service connecting Ireland, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. A daily rail service, consisting of 36 refrigerated and insulated trailers, travels from the Spanish border to Cherbourg, where they are loaded on Brittany Ferries bound for Ireland and the UK.
Brittany Ferries plans to ramp up this service with a target of transporting up to 27,000 trailers by rail and ferry by 2028. This major new freight initiative strengthens connections between Ireland and Spain, while taking significant steps to cut road traffic, reduce emissions and support driver-free logistics. Irish hauliers and freight operators can now book trailer-only freight on the Cherbourg–Bayonne service via Brittany Ferries' dedicated freight team.
