A Guide To The Carlingford Lough Ferry (Prices, Times + Views Galore)

A cruise with the Carlingford Lough Ferry is one of the more unique things to do in Louth.

With terminals at Greenore and Greencastle, you can enjoy two cruises, or just cross the lough with your car and explore.

With several different cruises to choose from, each of which offers stunning views of the Cooley Peninsula, Carlingford Lough and the Mournes, there’s plenty to look forward to.

About the Carlingford Ferry

Renowned as one of Ireland’s most scenic loughs, the Carlingford Lough Ferry crosses the strait between Greenore and Greencastle. The two peninsulas help to form the lough and create a devastatingly beautiful landscape.

Cruising the lough will afford views of the Mourne Mountains, King John’s Castle at Carlingford and Greencastle Royal Castle that sits imposingly above the village of Greencastle.

Pleasure cruises operate during the summer months, with themes of ‘Lough & Lighthouse’ or ‘Carlingford Lough Gin Cruise’.

1. Seasonal service

The Carlingford Lough Ferry is a seasonal service. The operator is aiming to return in Spring 2026, with services typically running from spring through to Halloween.

2. Route and crossing time

The ferry operates between Greenore (County Louth) and Greencastle (County Down). The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes and carries cars, small vans, cyclists, and foot passengers.

3. No pre booking required

Pre booking is not required. The ferry operates on a first come, first served basis and can carry up to 40 cars per sailing. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, or 30 minutes during busy periods such as weekends and public holidays.

4. Operating frequency (when in season)

During the sailing season, crossings run frequently throughout the day (typically hourly, with additional sailings at peak times). Exact times vary by date and season, so the official timetable should always be checked in advance.

5. Ticket types

• Cars / small vans: €20 single, €30 return
• Foot passengers (adults): €6 single, €7 return

The Carlingford Ferry route

The shortest duration of all the trips, the standard Carlingford Lough Ferry crossing between Greenore and Greencastle, takes approximately 20-minutes each way.

Both vehicles and passengers travel on the same vessel, loaded separately, and pets are welcome to travel with vehicles (but must be left in the vehicle).

During the crossing, you’ll be treated to dramatic views of Carlingford Lough, and take in the long and sweeping views of the beaches that guard both the Greenore and Greencastle approaches.

In the distance, you’ll be able to spy the Mourne Mountains, and potentially castles just outside both Greencastle and Greenore.

Things to do in Carlingford after

One of the beauties of the Carlingford Lough Ferry is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Carlingford.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the Greenore Ferry (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. A post cruise feed in the town

Only a 10-minute drive from the ferry terminal, Carlingford hosts a wide range of eateries where you can refresh and refuel. Choose from Kingfisher Bistro (contemporary cuisine), Fishy Dishy (amazing seafood!), Schooners Restaurant (classic dishes), or PJ O Hare’s for a pint. See our Carlingford restaurants guide or our Carlingford pubs guide for more.

2. Climb Slieve Foy

Directly west from Carlingford, the majestic Slieve Foye casts its shadow on the surrounding landscape. A part of a national walking series, these loop walks offer explorers a choice of four main suggested routes to navigate, so lace up your boots and choose from routes that wind through forests, over streams and along roads and tracks, skirt the edge or climb along the embankments of Slieve Foye, and always give explorers breath-taking views.

3. Cycle the Carlingford Greenway

Whether you choose to head from Carlingford to Omeath, Omeath to Carlingford, or to complete the journey both ways, the Carlingford Greenway runs along the edge of some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery. From the harbour and the Newry Canal, along the peninsula to Carlingford and on to Greenore, the 20km route winds its way along shoreline and disused railway lines.

4. Visit Skypark Carlingford

Feeling adventurous, or feeling the need to test your mental and physical prowess? Then a trip to Skypark may be exactly what you’re looking for. With activities to suit younger and mature adventurers alike, you’ll be able to climb, scramble, and explore a huge range of courses, including axe throwing, base-jumping, rock walls, archery, and even an accessible zipline!