Tickets are now on sale for Irish Ferries' move into the competitive Dover to Calais route - with pictures released to give a first glimpse as to what to expect.

The new service launches on Tuesday, June 29.

The Dublin-based firm announced in March it was to go head-to-head with the likes of existing ferry firms DFDS and P&O on the short cross-Channel route.

The firm will be operating the refurbished Isle of Inishmore ferry on the route - a vessel which had previously been used between Wales and Ireland.

Prices will start at £69 for a car and up to nine passengers - which is similar in price to the other ferries operating the route.

Nora Costello, consumer marketing and sales director at Irish Ferries, said: “Our new route between Dover to Calais will bring even more choice for customers planning to travel to France later this year.

“We are proud to bring our ‘sea travel differently’ customer-focused ethos to this popular and competitive route, and we know that our customers will relish travelling with us, and our own style of Irish-influenced hospitality.”

Facilities on the vessel include an upgrade club class lounge, O'Flaherty's bar, Boylan's Brasserie and Cafe Lafayette. There is also a duty-free store.

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