About the Ferry

The Cross River Ferry connects Glenbrook on the western shore of Cork Harbour with Carrigaloe on the eastern shore, near Cobh. The crossing takes approximately five minutes and saves a significant detour via the N25 and Dunkettle Interchange for traffic travelling between Cork's southern suburbs and East Cork.

Ferry crossings at this point on the River Lee date back centuries, with a ferry grant recorded in 1611, while the current Glenbrook–Carrigaloe vehicle service was reintroduced in 1993. The service is operated by Cross River Ferries and uses modern roll-on/roll-off vehicle ferries that can carry cars, vans, pedestrians, and cyclists.

For many commuters travelling between Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy, or Passage West and destinations like Cobh, Midleton, or Youghal, the ferry provides a practical alternative to the often-congested routes through the city or via Dunkettle. Taking the ferry typically saves 20-30 minutes compared to driving via the Jack Lynch Tunnel.

Operating Hours

The ferry operates a continuous shuttle service during operating hours, departing each side approximately every 10-15 minutes depending on demand. There is no fixed timetable; simply arrive at either terminal and join the queue for the next available crossing.

The service operates 365 days a year including bank holidays, though hours may be reduced on Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day.

Fares

Frequent users can save money with commuter tickets. Details of multi-journey discounts and commercial vehicle rates are available on the Cross River Ferries website. Payment can be made on board by cash or card, or via the ferry app.

When the Ferry Might Be Suspended

The ferry service is weather-dependent and may be suspended in certain conditions:

• High winds are the most common cause of suspension, particularly strong southerly or south-easterly winds that funnel up the harbour
• Poor visibility from fog can lead to suspension, particularly in autumn and winter mornings
• Very high tides combined with surge conditions may occasionally affect operations
• Mechanical issues can sometimes require the service to be suspended for repairs

LiveLocal shows the current ferry status on the main dashboard. If you're planning a journey that depends on the ferry, especially in poor weather, check the status before you leave.

Getting There

Tips for Using the Ferry

• Arrive early during peak times such as weekday mornings (07:00-09:00) and evenings (17:00-19:00), as queues can build up
• Check LiveLocal before leaving to confirm the ferry is running, especially in bad weather
• Have payment ready to speed up boarding
• Follow crew instructions when driving on and off the ferry
• You can stay in your vehicle during the short crossing, though many passengers enjoy stepping out on deck
• Cyclists board first and disembark last for safety reasons
• The crossing takes about 5 minutes so there's no need for facilities on board

Why Use the Ferry?

Beyond the practical benefits of avoiding traffic, the ferry crossing is genuinely enjoyable. The views across Cork Harbour are excellent, and there's something satisfying about taking a shortcut that most people don't know about.

For visitors to Cork, the ferry provides a unique way to experience the harbour and makes an excellent addition to a day trip to Cobh. Combined with Spike Island or a walk around the town, it turns a standard outing into something more memorable.

The ferry is also popular with cyclists exploring the harbour area and connects well with the planned Passage West Greenway.

Live Ferry Position

You can track the ferry's current position in real-time using VesselFinder. This is particularly useful if you're waiting at the terminal and want to see how far away the next ferry is.

Alternatives When the Ferry Is Suspended

If the ferry isn't running, your main alternatives are:

• Via Dunkettle — Take the N28 to the N40, then the N8 north to Dunkettle Interchange, and the R623/N25 to Cobh or East Cork. Adds approximately 25-35 minutes depending on traffic.
• Via Cork City — In some cases, travelling through the city centre may be faster than Dunkettle, particularly at off-peak times.
• Jack Lynch Tunnel — For destinations in East Cork beyond Cobh (Midleton, Youghal), the tunnel may be a reasonable alternative depending on your starting point.

Contact & More Information

The ferry is operated by Cross River Ferries. For detailed enquiries about fares, multi-journey tickets, or large vehicle bookings, contact them directly.

• crossriverferries.ie — Official operator website with full fare list
• inCobh — Local information including real-time status