Combined rail and sail tickets between Ireland and France are now available, according to the French government.
It follows an agreement between President Macron and the then Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, last year.
Passengers should now be able to travel from any railway station in Ireland and combine it with a ferry crossing to France on one ticket.
According to the French Ministry of Transport, “these tickets will simplify reservations and travel between our two countries from next year, and will encourage ecological modes of transport at an attractive price.”
The new tickets come on sale as France kicks off the Rugby World Cup with the first match against New Zealand in Paris this evening. Ireland’s first match takes place in Bordeaux on Saturday.
The French government says the rail and sail tickets will give passengers “access to more advantageous prices”.
Between railway stations and the ports shuttle buses are operational at “Dublin, Cork, Cherbourg, and Roscoff.”
However, for the moment, the reservation system remains a little cumbersome.
Irish Ferries requires you to book a boat ticket, then the train ticket and then email them to benefit from a discount.
The French Ministry of Transport says the system will be streamlined from next year.
“These systems will be further simplified in 2024 with the launch of combined “train and ferry” tickets, allowing a single reservation, with a single ticket for the entire rail and sea journey.”